Page 41 of A Taste of Christmas Magic

“I cannot disagree with that assessment,” Chloe laughed, “but you are representing the college, so let’s keep it G, y’all.”

She and Rustin had kissed. Her mind was already racing. Should she ask Rustin out on a date? Would he like to go to a concert or a play at the school? With the end of the semester looming, there were so many upcoming holiday activities. It was a bit weird because they’d spent so much time together, and yet they hadn’t had a date-date. She hadn’t shared her feelings, although she had many. She’d never been accused of subtly.

She was determined to take her shot with Rustin.

She walked with her choir, chatting about holiday plans and Christmas shopping, slowing some at a few booths and making a mental note to return to shop for friends and family.

“Hey girl, we heard your choir singing.” Jessica hip-checked her, Meghan and Sarah flanked her. They all carried two reusable totes filled with a variety of local crafts and were bundled up in festive-colored long wool coats, mittens, and brightly colored hats with Christmas themes—bells and sleighs for Jessica, snowflakes for Sarah and Santas for Meghan.

“Beautiful,” Meghan agreed.

“Thanks.” Chloe hugged each of them, feeling like her heart was overflowing with gratitude. “Join us. The choir and I are getting hot chocolate and hush puppies, then I’m going to check in to see if Rustin still needs me to help tonight.”

“Rustin?” Meghan goggled at her. “You’re working for him now? You’re a teacher!” Meghan said, as if Chloe had forgotten.

“Volunteering,” she said cheerfully, willing Meghan to drop it and not launch into a diatribe about Rustin or his family.

“That’s sweet, Chloe.” Sarah smiled. “Rustin helped you with the Movable Feast and now you are helping him get his new business off the ground. Grandma Millie will be so pleased and proud.”

“We are all proud of you,” Meghan added.

Jessica nibbled on her bottom lip but said nothing. Grandma Millie had talked about stepping up the fateful night of the Madrigal Dinner. Couldn’t get much more changing of the guard than having Rustin take over the diner and have his new restaurant be the anchor for the new Riverfront development.

“I volunteered at the Movable Feast,” one of her students, Jaimie, announced, “and was stationed to serve and clean up at the new restaurant. The bar is killer. I can’t wait until The Wild Side opens. I’m going to apply for a hostess or server job there this summer.”

Chloe looked at Jessica as if to saysee, prodigal son returns, creates a destination restaurant, employs locals, and ups Belmont’s culinary destination cred.Case closed.

“I could use a cocktail,” Meghan said.

“When can you not?” Jessica teased, but her face was thoughtful as the three of them linked arms with Chloe and followed the students to the More Wild food truck.

“What can I get you, Chloe?” Rustin called out through the window.

He looked gorgeous in the warm, sunset glow of the trailer’s lighting. His shirt sleeves were rolled up his forearm so she could see the tanned flex of muscle and a partial tat she still hadn’t had the chance to ask him about. His black hair was pulled back from his angular face, and his attention felt like a blast of heat.

She asked for four orders of hush puppies and four orders of fried chicken and waffles for her choir to split, then one regular order of hush puppies, and two savory hush puppies to share with her cousins.

“On me,” she said, pulling out her card. “We order drinks on the other side.”

Rebekah, cheeks flushed, shot into the back end of the trailer, Lucas right behind her.

“Sorry,” she said washing her hands as Lucas did the same. “Got caught up in theshoportunities. Who knew this podunk town would have so many creative craft artisans?”

“Belmont is a beautiful, historic town about forty-five minutes from downtown Charlotte. Hardly podunk, and you’re managing the latest and greatest restaurant in the area, so sing our small but mightily charming town’s praises.” Chloe defended Belmont, Rustin, and well, everything. “We’re a college town with a music conservatory, so we have lots of performances and interesting lectures.”

Rebekah paused keying in the payment. She blinked at Chloe, and then turned back to look at Rustin.

“You’re right,” she said slowly, looking at Rustin. “You’re right.”

“About what?” Chloe demanded.

“You running for the Belmont Chamber of Commerce or mayor,” Rebekah teased and almost smiled. “Food’s on me! Well, me and The Wild Side,” Rebekah smirked. “But you’re practically part of the team. You helped decorate the restaurant for the feast, helped us get this trailer ready for the market, and worked the first two hours of the night, so the food’s comped. You can get the drinks,” Rebekah insisted as Chloe continued to push her credit card at her.

“I’m going to do a quick round of shopping, and then I’ll come back to help,” Chloe promised.

“No worries.” Rustin poked his head through the window. “I’m running low on food, so we’ll just keep the bar open.”

“It’s been a big success.” Chloe bounced on her toes. “I knew it!”

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