Page 4 of Threads of Kindness
“Merry Christmas. I love you,” Maggie said.
Maggie returned to the bathroom.John would be home in half an hour. She glanced longingly at the tub. Getting dressed would be the practical thing to do, but it was Christmas morning. Practical things were not required.
She checked the temperature of the water. It was lukewarm. Turning the hot water tap on full blast, she loosened the drain plug, letting some water out. Maggie poured another capful of bubble bath into the tub and watched with glee as a blanket of iridescent bubbles filled it. In only minutes, the bathwater was perfect.
She deposited her towel back on the table and climbed into the tub.
Eve stirred and cracked open one eye. She thumped her tail on the rug twice and resettled her muzzle on her paws.
Maggie leaned back against the bath pillow and stretched her legs in front of her. A leisurely morning bath was the ultimate luxury. She’d have to remember to do this again.
She had just closed her eyes when her cell phone rang again. This time, her caller ID announced Judy Young.
Maggie pressed her lids tight against her eyes, then forced them open. Judy was one of her dearest friends in Westbury. She and Jeff Carson had recently married and started their life together by remodeling the stately Olsson House near the square. Now she and Jeff were hosting the annual Christmas potluck at their new home.
Maggie had offered to help, but Judy had declined, assuring her everything was under control. Maggie had replied that Judy could call for help at any time—and now Judy was calling.
For the second time in the last thirty minutes, Maggie hoisted herself out of her bath. She clutched her towel around her as she hotfooted it into her bedroom, leaving a trail of wet footprints on the hardwood floor.
“Merry Christmas, Judy,” Maggie said.
“The same to you, Maggie,” Judy replied with forced cheerfulness.
“How’s it going?” Maggie asked.
“It feels like we’re on the Titanic over here. And we’re racing around, rearranging the deck chairs.”
Maggie chuckled. “Oh, come on. It can’t be that bad. Besides, it’s always chaotic finishing up party preparations.”
“In all honesty, Maggie, you and John made hosting appear effortless. I had no idea how much preparation goes into something like this, even for a potluck. You need to set up so much stuff: serving pieces, plates, glassware, cutlery, napkins, ice, coffee, cream, sugar.” Judy groaned. “The list goes on and on. Plus, you have to make sure the bathrooms are clean and there’s enough soap and toilet paper.”
Maggie suppressed a smile. She couldn’t help but feel vindicated by Judy’s frantic confession—especially after Judy had casually assured her she knew what she was doing, even though she’d never done it before. Judy had insisted that, although she hadn’t hosted many parties herself, she’d supplied dozens of customers with invitations and party items. In the end, she’d wondered how difficult it could really be.
“I had no idea how much work you put in, Maggie. I’m here to tell you, I really appreciate you even more now.”
A lump formed in Maggie’s throat. This was no time for her to privately gloat over her friend’s newfound appreciation.
“You don’t need to thank me, Judy. And, believe me, we’ve all been where you are. So, what do you need? What can I do to help?”
“I’m not sure how to even set up a buffet—what the flow should be. Jeff and I experimented with a few different configurations. Where’s the best place to put the chairs? For easy access, where’s the best spot for the beverages? Do we put the coffee with the other beverages or set it up somewhere else?Will everyone bring serving utensils, or do I need to supply them? And—we forgot to buy ice. Do you have a bag you could bring?”
“We always keep a couple of extra bags of ice in our outside freezer,” Maggie said. “We’ll bring those. That should be plenty. I can do better than that, though. If you’d like, I’ll come over in a few minutes.”
“I thought you were spending the morning with Susan’s family.”
“That was the plan, but Julia is sick and they’re quarantining. They won’t be coming this afternoon, either. So—I’m happily off leash.”
“I don’t want to interfere with your peaceful Christmas Day,” Judy said.
“You’d be doing nothing of the kind,” Maggie replied. “To be completely honest, I was a little down in the dumps this morning because I wasn’t getting ready for a party. You know me. I love entertaining, and I relish the hustle and bustle before a party. You’d be doing me a favor. I’m already feeling better just thinking about it.”
“You promise me you’re telling the truth?” Judy asked.
“Pinky swear,” Maggie said. “I just got out of the tub. I can be dressed and over there in thirty minutes.”
“What about John? Won’t he mind?”
“I hear his footsteps on the stairs,” Maggie said. “Let me ask him.”
