Page 127 of Mistletoe and Mischief

While waiting at a red light, she saw the open sign at Mocha Mama’s. Because she didn’t want to return home until she’d regained control of her emotions, she decided to go in. Stopping for a quick cup of coffee would give her a chance to sort through her feelings, to better understand what was happening and accept the reality that she had lost Kent for good. The life they’d once had was truly over.

She pulled into a parking space and turned off the engine. Sitting in the car, she pressed her hand over her eyes as unfamiliar and unwelcome emotions swirled through her. This Christmas was nothing like she’d anticipated. For weeks she’d looked forward to her children’s visit. She’d carefully planned events, shopped, wrapped gifts, cooked their favorite meals. What she realized now was that she’d done it for Kent, too. Since he was coming to Cedar Cove for the holiday, she’d wanted to remind him of what they’d had. Of everything that was gone now, but could...perhaps...be recovered. She hadn’t even acknowledged this to herself. Not really.

What made it all so impossible was Danielle. Facing the ghosts of Christmas past, back when she and Kent were so much in love, only depressed her now.

When Beth entered the coffee shop, she saw that it was nearly deserted. A teenager stood behind the counter, playing a handheld game. He didn’t seem to notice he had a customer.

“Hello! I’d like a decaf Americano,” she said briskly.

Startled, the kid glanced up. He blinked and reluctantly set aside his game. “Anything else?”

“No, thanks.” She paid, adding a nice Christmas tip, and waited for her coffee.

A couple of minutes later he delivered it in a to-go cup, which was fine, although she wasn’t in any rush to leave. Carrying it with her, she chose a table by the window, one that overlooked Harbor Street.

She gazed out at the serene and yet festive view of the town’s main street. Garlands were strung across it. Silver bells dangled from the lampposts, and the town had never seemed more inviting. A light dusting of snow glistened on the large Christmas tree, which blinked red and green lights, outside city hall, while Christmas carols were broadcast from the bell tower.

“I wondered if that was your car outside.”

Stunned by the familiar voice, Beth turned. Kent stood next to her small table, although she hadn’t seen him come in.

“What are you doing here?” she asked breathlessly.

“I decided to take a drive—”

“Where’s your friend? Danielle?” she interrupted.

“At the Thyme and Tide. Resting. And, Beth, she really is a friend.”

Sure she was. Ex-husbands usually traveled withfriends.But apparently the headache was real.

“She took a couple of aspirin and is lying down.”

Beth cupped her hands around the paper cup, the heat of the coffee stinging her palms. “I hope she feels better soon.”

“She’ll be fine.” Without waiting for an invitation, Kent pulled out a chair and sat down across from her.

“You want a coffee, sir?” the kid behind the counter called out.

“Sure. I’ll have whatever she’s having,” he said.

“You got it,” Mr. Gameboy said with a promptness he hadn’t demonstrated earlier. Maybe her generous tip had something to do with it.

“You looked deep in thought when I walked in,” Kent said, relaxing against the back of the chair. He extended his legs into the aisle, crossing them at the ankles. He seemed so comfortable, so calm, as if he hadn’t a care in the world.

Beth stared at her ex-husband, unable to grasp how he could remain so unaffected by what had happened between them.

Perhaps Beth was the only one who had regrets, who wanted to examine the reasons their marriage had failed. What did it matter, anyway? she reflected darkly. Kent was with Danielle. He’d moved on, and she should, too.

“Beth?” he said, breaking into her thoughts.

She looked over at him, wondering what he’d just said.

“You worried about something?”

“Of course not,” she said, forcing a brightness into her voice. “Why would you think that?”

“You never were much of a liar.”

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