Page 41 of A Bright Winter Season

“But the pub is just as popular as ever, maybe even more so.” Terrence nodded encouragingly. “Your children have helped to make it such a welcoming, friendly place. And may I say, you’re a central figure in Rosewood Beach yourself, Vivian.”

“Oh, tut.” She laughed breathlessly, feeling herself blushing over the unexpected compliment. “I wouldn’t say that. I’ve always been more behind the scenes than Frank was.”

“Not that behind the scenes.” He smiled. “People know that you’re the one in charge of this place, and that its warmth and friendliness comes from the way you do business. Just like this Christmas party you’re having. It’s a generous, kind-spirited thing to do. The people of Rosewood Beach see that.”

She felt her heart stir with gratitude. She wondered if he had any idea how much she’d needed to hear everything he was saying. She knew that he’d heard Judd’s condescending suggestion that they cancel their Christmas event, so perhaps he was trying to reassure her that their efforts toward the party wouldn’t go unappreciated.

“I appreciate you saying that.” She clasped her hands in her lap, suddenly finding it difficult to look him in the eyes. “I really do. It’s been rough, ever since we lost Frank. Sometimes I wonder if I’m doing a good job of running this place.”

He shook his head. “No doubt about that. Even if you do miss an email or two now and again.”

She laughed. “I have to admit, Frank was always the one to take care of that kind of thing in the past. I trusted him to take care of all the business details.” She frowned, thinking about how Frank had gambled a great deal of their money away behind her back. Finding that out after his passing had been a terrible blow, and her heart and the pub’s finances were still recovering from that reality.

“What is it?” Terrence asked, noticing her clouded expression.

She sighed. “Oh, it’s just that Frank didn’t actually manage the pub as well as I’d thought he did. Please don’t tell anyone about this, but it turned out he had some gambling debts that he hid from me. We’ve been able to pull through financially, but it was difficult news to learn.”

“I can imagine.” He shook his head sympathetically. “And don’t worry, I won’t tell a soul. Your secret is safe with me. But I’m so sorry that happened to you.”

“Thank you. I still consider myself to be very lucky, since my children have been so helpful. They pulled together to help save the pub, and their efforts have continued to keep it running smoothly. As a matter of fact, we’re doing better than ever before.”

“You’ve raised some wonderful children.” He nodded his head toward Hazel. “They’re all ready to help other people out, clearly.”

“Yes, they are.” Vivian smiled broadly. She felt immensely proud of her children, and she always liked to talk about them. “I wouldn’t be able to do this without them.”

The two of them continued to talk as Jacob and Hazel worked on the vents. Vivian realized that she and Terrence had developed a new level of understanding through their conversation. She could see clearly that underneath his guarded exterior, he had a heart of gold.

“Hey!” Jacob called to them a few minutes later, grinning. “I think it’s all fixed up. Would you like to take a look at it, Terrence, to give a second opinion?”

“Fantastic.” Vivian felt a rush of relief as she and Terrence both stood up. “Now we’ll all be able to go home and get some rest.”

“It’ll take me a minute to look it over thoroughly, I’m afraid.” Terrence looked apologetic. “Would you like me to come back another time?”

“Oh, well, if you’re willing to check it now, I think that would be best! I’d rather play it safe.”

“As a health inspector, those are always words I like to hear.”

Vivian laughed and followed him over to where Jacob and Hazel were waiting.

“You know, after I finished dinner tonight, I was thinking to myself that I was nice and full. I certainly didn’t expect to eat another meal before tomorrow morning’s breakfast.” Hazel grinned at Jacob as she sat down across from him at the counter in The Lighthouse Grill’s kitchen. They were both perched on stools, about to devour a couple of plates of leftover tater tots that Hazel had just warmed up in the microwave.

“I think this counts as a snack, not meal.” Jacob chuckled. “There’s no protein.”

He was feeling tired but pleased with himself for fixing the vent issue. And he’d gotten to spend a lot of time with Hazel, and she’d proved herself to be even more kind, smart, and fun to be around than he’d thought she was.

“Mm, you’re right. Just soft potatoes surrounded by crispy, golden goodness.” Hazel popped one of the steaming hot tater tots into her mouth and sighed as she began to chew it. “Meal or no, I’m so hungry right now.”

“Oh, I know. I could eat a horse. I didn’t eat dinner.”

“What?” Hazel squeaked. “You didn’t eat?—”

Jacob waved his hand through the air, laughing. “Don’t worry about me. I had a big, late lunch.”

“What I’m hearing is that you neglected your lunch and your dinner.”

Jacob grimaced and hunched his shoulders up, pretending to retreat farther inside his jacket.

“Well, there are more leftovers in the fridge if you want them. I think there’s even a to-go order hamburger that never got picked up. Help yourself.”

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