Page 3 of Bear Creek Christmas
“You are an evil and unnatural woman. Not only will I have to do an extra-heavy workout, but my brain is also insisting I go downtown for more. I don’t suppose these are the only edibles to be found atDelicious?”
The naughty look on Eden’s face spoke volumes.
“Nope! I’ve tried everything he makes, and there are maybe three things I don’t care for. I only shared this weakness with you so we can offer mutual support.”
“I need to have a serious talk with your mother.”
“Ha! No help there—she’s the one who got me hooked in the first place. Besides, you should meet Aiden. He’s a great guy, handsome, and about your age...”
Levi stiffened, eyes flashing with old hurt.
“Please don’t go there. I’m not interested in romance, so no matchmaking.”
Eden looked away, face flushed.
“Sorry, Levi. I didn’t mean to... I won’t bring it up again.”
On the walk back to the Arts wing, Levi broached the subject of the holidays, and Eden gladly filled him in.
“Christmas is averybig deal in Bear Creek, and the town goes all out to provide a unique experience for shoppers. As a result, most businesses make as much during the season as they do the rest of the year. The bear shifter population also takes part, and lots of people from the surrounding area come to see them. I already know you’ll be asked to help, though I heard the committee has something new in mind this year.
“I sure hope you like the holidays, because everyone is involved, including the music, art and drama departments and our students. Unless they have a religious objection, participation becomes part of their first-semester grade. Besides the school Christmas concert, you’ll be expected to provide roving carolers on the weekends and small groups for various functions around town. Thanks to Blanche Kramer, don’t be surprised if your juniors and seniors dread the holidays. Everyone is hoping you can whip up something fresh and exciting for a change.”
Levi was already itching to get started, with more ideas than he could possibly put to use.
“I’m hoping for a memorable year myself, and my students are going to have a lot of fun. By the way, do you know the exact dates of Bear Creek’s holiday season?”
Eden pulled out her phone to look at the calendar.
“Everything kicks off on Black Friday, which is November twenty-sixth, and it ends December twenty-fourth. By the time Christmas day arrives, you’re going to need the winter break!”
Chapter 2
Friday morning, LocustLodge Apartments
“... would be great if someone could come today! But, listen, I’ll be out most of the day, so if I’m not home, tell the repairman to come in and fix it. Uh-huh...sure, sure, I can do that. Thank you.”
Levi ended the call and looked at the mess on his kitchen floor. Sludgy-looking water everywhere and a sour smell coming from under the sink. By the look of things, it wasn’t a water leak but a drainage problem of some sort—but what did he know about plumbing? He grabbed a few old rags and sopped up the disgusting liquid before removing everything he’d stored under the sink. All of it was soaked but salvageable with a bit of cleaning. Until he returned home, Levi shoved it into a laundry basket so it wouldn’t drip all over the now-dry floor.
He’d chosen this apartment complex because the units came furnished. He figured it would take at least a year before he’d start looking for a long-term lease or a home to purchase. It also made moving here easier since he didn’t have to get a large truck or pay for a storage unit. In addition, the rent was a bargain compared to his old place in Cleveland, and so far, his neighbors were quiet and considerate.
After washing up in the bathroom, Levi grabbed his gym bag, stuffed the grocery list in his front pocket, and headed out. The weekend would be gone before he knew it, and there were things to do before classes started on Monday. He didn’t need the extra stress of a discombobulated kitchen on top of everything else.
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