Page 16 of Sugar, Sprinkles, and Secrets
“You’re so welcome, honey. Have a seat and a nurse will be out to get y’all soon.”
“Let us know if you have any questions or if there are any changes to his health, okay? But otherwise, we will see you guys next year. You’re doing great, buddy!” Dr. Hutchinson gives Dante a high five and we gather our things in the exam room as I thank the doctor before we leave. I always get nervous at doctor appointments, especially when it’s for Dante or Mila. What if I missed something? What if something changed but Dante didn’t notice it? What if I drop the ball?
I pull the exam room door open with a frustrated sigh as my thoughts spiral once again about things I can’t control, but when I take a step into the hallway, I full on collide with the sweet receptionist from earlier.
“Umph!” My bag drops and the contents spill everywhere. “Oh my gosh, I’m so sorry!” I drop to the floor to try and pick up my things and the papers that I knocked out of her hands.
“Oh no, it was my fault. I’m so sorry. Are you okay?”
“I’m fine, just flustered and lost in my thoughts. I’m sorry about this.” We quickly pick up my spilled bag contents and her stack of files, with multiple apologies exchanged.
“It’s okay, you know what? If this is the worst thing about your day, then it’s not such a bad day, right?”
“You’re right. My best friend would say to check my intention and shift my focus.”
“Sounds like a wise friend. You guys have a good day, and we’ll see you next time.”
“Zia, you good?” Dante asks, sounding far too much like his father.
“Yeah, little man, just klutzy. Let’s get home and I’ll let you guys pick the flavor of cakes for tomorrow.” I guide them out the clinic and wait for the elevator.
“Vanilla bean with strawberry frosting!” Dante replies.
“No, raspberry with vanilla frosting!” Mila protests.
“Done. Why do you think I always make two flavors?” I boop each of them on the nose. “You both get to win. Now, let’s go home.”
Chapter eleven
“Here you go, man.” Jack hands me a fresh hot cocoa from the stand in front of Java Jive.
We weave through the crowds to walk back to the reserved spots in front of Lux.
“Thanks, Jack. I’m glad you were able to make it back this year. I feel like this shindig gets a little bigger every year.”
He nods in agreement. “Merry and Bright Night is like the unofficial kick off of the Christmas season around here.”
It’s one of the annual festivals that make living in a small town just that much more charming. The local businesses set up little stands outside of their buildings and they appreciate the push in sales when people from neighboring towns come to Forrest Falls to join in the fun, and families look forward to these events every year. The crowd buzzes with excitement and holiday spirit.
I tilt my head down the street. “We both know if you commit to being here too far in advance, you’ll get forced onto one of the floats.” He mock-shudders in response. The annual Merry and Bright Night parade starts at seven p.m. every year and businesses decorate floats with all kinds of Christmas lights and seasonal decor. The crowds even vote for a crowd favorite, and the winner gets to choose which charity the event then donates to. As his friend and employee, I know the annual fifty-thousand-dollar donation has nothing to do with sales tonight and has everything to do with the personal check that Jack writes, but very few people know that small detail. That’show my friend likes to operate though, he does a lot of good, but he never wants the credit for it.
“Maybe one of these years it will also remind me to start Christmas shopping sooner than the week before,” Jack says as he sidesteps a group of teenage girls bopping down the street. “Speaking of Christmas shopping, is she on your list this year?” He nods across the street to Cara, who is working the stand for Sprinkles. She throws her head back in laughter at something Betty said to her, and I wish I was close enough to be able to hear her.
“Yeah, for sure. Just not sure if it’ll be as a friend or something more.” I wish it was something more. We had such a nice time at Thanksgiving, and I have not stopped thinking about making out with her in my pantry. But yesterday when I stopped into Sprinkles, she wasn’t there—which never happens—then this morning, Betty said she was busy in the back. I don’t know if she’s avoiding me, but I’m not going to let myself assume the worst. “Speaking of, I’ll meet you guys over there in a minute.” I nod to the reserved seats for the parade that are only reserved because Jack’s sisters and nieces are spread out on lawn chairs and blankets in front of Lux. I cross the street and wait my turn in line.
“Hey, Cara.” I step up and wait for her brown eyes to meet mine.
“Oh, hey, Max. You startled me! Sorry, I don’t have that much left to offer, it’s been so busy. We’re out of a lot of our pastries, but I have a few dozen madeleine cookies left, and a dozen chocolate chip cookies. Your brother cleaned me out of my white chocolate chip macadamia nut cookies. Seriously, Max, the man bought the entire twelve remaining cookies!”
Hmm. Interesting. “Chase or Tommy?”
“Chase.” Cara glances to each side before leaning closer. “And I’m not saying anything, but you know what’s really interesting?”
I close the distance and lean even closer. “What’s that?”
“White chocolate chip macadamia nut just happens to be Cami’s favorite flavor of cookie. Isn’t that interesting?” She wiggles her eyebrows at me.
“Ha! So, you think he bought her a dozen cookies?” I laugh, but I can see it, actually. I don’t know her well, but if Cami is one of Cara’s best friends, then she must be good people, and she was great company when she was over for Thanksgiving. Her chilled happy vibe could be a good thing for Chase too, and maybe she can help him find his way back to being the happy guy he’s always been. “We will have to keep an eye on that.”
