Page 100 of The Grump

Then again, I knew Xander’s business motto. He got things done, and thoughts and feelings had no bearing. Ruthless for a good cause... right? The confectionery wasn’t making a profit, so why not sell it?Sigh.

But right now, I truly didn’t want to think about it anymore. Instead, I focused on the structure of the bonfire and smiled, heading that way.

The structure hanging over the fire changed every year. This year, there were circles floating over the mass of wood that they’d light up. Sometimes I could easily tell what it was and sometimes I couldn’t at all. But I enjoyed it nonetheless.

The market was already bustling with life. There were a lot of food options. Most were traditional offerings like gumbo or jambalaya, but there were plenty who had burgers and fries. Someone was making beignets too; I could smell them no matter where I was, but I couldn’t see them yet. My favorite section was the one where art vendors displayed their work. I wanted to check it out, but first I needed to drop off some of the pralines.

I went over to Andrea Scott. She was serving baked potatoes with all sorts of toppings as usual. My favorite combo was cheese, bacon, and cranberry. It sounded weird, but it was delicious.

“Hey,” she greeted, me, “you brought pralines.”

“Of course. I couldn’t come to the bonfire without them.”

“You’re such a doll.”

Her whole family was working the cart. She had twelve-year-old twin boys milling around. Her husband, John, was currently chopping at mad speed, and I didn’t want to interrupt him.

There was a line, too, so I just told her, “I’ll be around here later.”

“Of course.”

I went by the art section right away, moving faster now that my basket was half empty. I knew the paintings were farther down the line, but I took my time glancing at all sorts of trinkets and handmade Christmas decorations. They were lovely.

Everyone had decorated their tables with twinkle lights and small Santa Claus figurines. I could feel my entire body relaxingas I spent more time here. I guess I shouldn’t be so upset, as I had a lot to be thankful for. And I reminded myself again that our online business was a great plan for our future. But it was still difficult not to feel disappointed.

“You’re a tough customer,” Xander’s voice said as I moved on to another cart without purchasing anything.

I jumped, turning around. “What are you doing here?” My heart rate accelerated so fast that my ears buzzed for a few seconds. I took in deep breaths to calm myself down.

“I spoke to Avery,” he said softly. “She told me you would be here.”

“When did you arrive?”

“The ferry before you. I waited to catch you in a good moment. We need to talk.”

I looked down at my feet. “Sure. I’m sorry I didn’t take your calls.”

“You don’t have to apologize. If I were you, I wouldn’t have taken them either.”

I looked back up at him. My heart was thundering.

“Want us to move a bit to the side?” he asked, and I nodded. I didn’t want to be in anyone’s way. And I also didn’t want the vendor overhearing our conversation.

“Sure, let’s go over there.” I pointed to a darker space where there were no tables set up and we wouldn’t be bothering anyone.

I shivered as we stepped into the darkness. Xander didn’t miss it. “Are you cold? I can give you my coat.”

“No, I’m just... well, I’m stressed out.”

He frowned. “Bailey, please don’t be.”

“Xander, I really don’t want to fight on Christmas Eve, but why didn’t you tell me anything?”

He looked straight at me. “First of all, I didn’t know he was going to stop by the confectionery today.”

“Ron said he informed you.”

“I saw his email when we were watching Harry Potter with Bella, but I didn’t open it. I figured I’d deal with it on Monday, and then I completely forgot about it.”

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