Page 26 of Lakehouse Mistletoe
Helen forced a smile. “Yes. I forgot I’ve got another batch of cookies in the oven.” She hurried into the kitchen. Folding her arms over her chest, she debated telling Rebecca the truth, that she felt uncomfortable with Mr. Sykes.
How was she going to explain that she just didn’t like one of their guests? No, she couldn’t do that. Rebecca and Kacey might think she couldn’t handle a difficult person and start looking for someone more capable.
She would just stay out of Mr. Sykes’s way. Hopefully he would do the same with her.
Chapter 21
It was Helen’s day off. Although she didn’t feel like she could leave the bed and breakfast, Kacey and Rebecca insisted she get out and explore the town of Hopeton.
She’d deposited her check into her bank account—which she had opened as soon as she arrived in town—and then headed down the street of boutiques to do a little browsing. She’d been making payments on the debt she owed. She could send only a small amount every month, but at least it was something.
She stopped in one boutique and browsed through the racks of clothes. She finally decided to treat herself to a new cream-colored sweater. It would pair nicely with her gold earrings that her mom had left her.
Helen grabbed her bag and stopped by the Main Street Bar and Grill.
It was only eleven, and the lunch crowd was already starting to trickle in. The tables had been decorated with small arrangements of poinsettias and greenery. The scent of cinnamon and cedar hung in the air.
She glanced at the bar and saw Oliver drying glasses. He looked up and spotted her. He smiled and waved her over.
Helen felt her face go red with embarrassment. She didn’t want him to think she’d come in just to see him.
Oliver stepped out from behind the bar and met her halfway across the room. “Helen. What a nice surprise. You finally got a day off.”
She chuckled. “Rebecca and Kacey had to force me out of the house. They insisted I spend my day off away from the bed and breakfast.”
Oliver nodded. “I agree.” He looked at the bag in her hands. “Doing a little shopping, I see.”
Helen nodded. “Yes, and now I’m in need of lunch.”
Oliver nodded, with a smile. “I can help with that.” He walked over to the bar and picked up a plastic menu before leading her to the table for two in the corner.
She sat and took the menu he offered. “What do you recommend?”
He gave her a thoughtful look. “Well, everything is good. But today’s specials are a turkey club with home fries and a chicken pot pie. And, for dessert, we have apple crumble.”
Helen’s stomach growled. “They both sound good, but I think I’ll go with the chicken pot pie.”
Oliver smiled. “Good choice on such a cold day. Can I talk you into a hot cider? We make it fresh every day.”
Helen nodded. ‘That sounds wonderful.”
Oliver grinned. “I’ll get that right out to you.”
Helen looked out the large picture window of the restaurant. Giant snowflakes came down and Christmas lights lit up the store across the street. The sidewalks were not as crowded with people since the winter season arrived, and the small town of Hopeton had settled into an unhurried pace where she could truly enjoy the season.
Oliver came back and placed a mug of hot cider in front of her.
She took a sip and sighed. “Oliver, this is delicious. It tastes like Christmas in a cup.”
Oliver looked pleased with himself. “I made it myself.”
Helen’s eyebrows shot up. “So you don’t just serve drinks, you make them yourself as well.”
Oliver laughed. “I’m not just the bartender. I’m the owner.”
Helen gaped. “I just assumed …”
Oliver grinned. “That I was just the bartender?”
