Page 23 of Christmas Wishes

“A little bit.” I refrained from telling her about the note. That was Riggs’s business.

“Did he share the cookies I made with you?”

I frowned. “Cookies?”

She shook her head. “That little brat.”

I laughed at someone calling that giant man a little brat. She must have him wrapped around her finger.

“Are you selling anything?” I asked as I glanced around the room.

“Just finishing a volunteer shift for the senior center. They stick us in here to help the vendors if they need anything, but it’s usually watching their booths when they need a restroom break. Care to walk around with me? I wouldn’t mind the company. I can introduce you around and point out the best stuff.” She leaned in close. “And what to avoid.”

Pretty sure I couldn’t say no to anything Doris asked me. I bent my arm and pushed my elbow out, and she hooked her arm through mine.

“How long are you in town for?” she asked.

“I fly home on Sunday. Do you volunteer a lot for the senior center?”

“It keeps me busy. Otherwise, I’d spend my days at home working on crochet projects and crossword puzzles.”

“I’ve always wanted to learn how to crochet and make my own scarves to wear back home.” I doubted I would stick with it if I learned how. I didn’t have a great track record of sticking to things.

She stopped in front of a booth filled with knitted or crocheted goods. I didn’t know how to tell the difference, but she pointed out the differences.

“I could teach you how.” She pulled a scarf off a hanger and ran her fingers over the desert ombre tones.

“But I leave Sunday.” No way I could learn by then.

Doris made a snort sound dignified. “Plenty of time. You make Riggs bring you over for dinner before you leave. How about tomorrow? I’ve got a few things I need his help fixing around the house, and I’ll teach you how to make your own scarf. It won’t be fancy, but it’ll be functional.”

I couldn’t imagine learning that in an evening, but if I declined her kind offer, I’d miss out on an evening with Riggs. He was my best prospect for entertainment in this town. “Sounds like a great time.”

She patted my hand and continued to take me around and introduce me to some of the vendors. She shared stories about how they’d gotten started with what they sold like she was the vendor ambassador. The woman who’d crocheted all those things had taught herself how to do it when her premature baby was in the NICU and she’d learned there was a need for crocheted octopus dolls. It had gotten her through those initial months while her baby got strong enough to go home, and her hobby grew from there. Each vendor had a different, inspiring story.

We reached a booth where an East Asian woman wearing the perfect shade of red lipstick sat behind a table full of makeup.

“Love your lip gloss. The perfect balance of shine,” she said.

I preened. “Thanks! That’s exactly why I keep buying it. Not too shiny and lasts a while.” I gave her the brand name as I selected an eyeshadow palette of vibrant purples and greens. “You make these?”

“I do! It’s what I do in my spare time when I’m not working.”

“Evie runs the best cleaning business in town. She cleans for Riggs between guests,” Doris said.

“Oh! That’s great. Love the way you fold towels. I’ve never seen a flower shape like that before.”

“Are you Riggs’s guest for the week?” she asked eagerly. Evie and Doris shared a look. I didn’t quite catch enough of it to decipher.

“I am. The poor man.” I let out a self-deprecating chuckle. “I’d love to know more about your products. Beauty is a major hobby of mine.” If I’d made my social media accounts, that was the moment I could’ve mentioned them. Why couldn’t I just do it?

She talked about her natural ingredients and testing process, and Doris pointed out the products she wore. I wanted to buy one of everything to test it out, but I had Arlo’s voice in my head reminding me not to blow my entire severance.

“I know I’ll never become a major brand, but I’m happy to sell my stuff at events like this. And I can create the cosmetics I want. I get bored with colors easily, so this keeps me happy.”

“I totally get that. I’d love to be able to make my own, so I had whatever I wanted whenever I needed it, but I don’t have the dedication you do. Happy to buy it though.”

Doris and Evie gave their opinions on eyeshadow color palettes and blush shades, and I bought a few things. After promising to let Evie know how it worked for me, I continued walking around with Doris.

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