Christmas Rings Read online

  “If you don’t mind, I’m going to have a little,” he said, as he poured a small amount into a tumbler, then added ice.

  She watched as he brought the glass to his mouth and took a sip. “I guess I’ll have a little.”

  “Great.” He opened one of the flavored waters and poured it into a glass, followed by a small amount of vodka.

  She took it from him and stared into the rising bubbles before indulging in a dainty sip. All she could taste was the flavored water. “Not bad.”

  “Thank you. Family recipe that goes back to the bootleg days.”

  “Really?”

  “I’m afraid so. I come from a line of criminals.” He grinned.

  “Not now, though?”

  He laughed. “No, we’re legit since prohibition ended. Our distillery has been making hand-crafted vodka and gin since before it was faddish to do so.”

  “And you work with your father?” she asked.

  “That’s right. He’s grooming me to take over in a few years.” For the first time, his sparkling eyes dimmed. Only for a second though, as if he didn’t want her to see any crack in his positive exterior.

  The limo sped up. They must have entered the freeway. This time of night there wasn’t a lot of traffic.

  “Is that what you want?” she asked. “To take over the family business?”

  His eyes lifted toward the ceiling before coming back to rest on her. “I don’t think about it much. It’s what’s expected of me.”

  “What do you study in school to ready you for running a gin joint?”

  “It’s technically called a distillery.” He smiled and sipped his drink. “Business. That’s my degree anyway.”

  “From UW?”

  “No. Harvard.”

  She almost spit out her drink. “Harvard. Well, that decides it. You’re too smart for me.”

  “I suspect it’s the other way around. My father and grandfather went to Harvard. They’re also major contributors to the school. I can’t say I got in on merit only.”

  Was he simply acting humbly, or did he believe that to be true? She knew a little bit about not feeling good enough or as smart as the people around her.

  “How about you? Where did you go?” he asked.

  “I graduated from Western Washington. They have a good teaching program.”

  “Is that what you always wanted to do?”

  She nodded, remembering when the idea had first come to her. It had been the year after her parents’ death and her teacher, Mrs. Calder, had been so kind and nurturing to her, letting her stay after school to help prepare art and science materials. Mrs. Calder was young and pretty. Alissa had admired her so much. One day, she’d thought, I want to be a teacher. She’d decided later she wanted to be a kindergarten teacher. Children were little and fragile at that age. With Alissa’s quiet personality, she knew younger children would be the best fit for her. “It’s pretty much what I always planned.”

  “What made you sad just now?” He poked the tip of her shoes with his.

  She looked at him over her drink, surprised. “Did I look sad?”

  “The eyes always give a person away.”

  “My parents died when I was ten. The year after that I decided I wanted to be a teacher. Those two thoughts go together, which is why I looked sad.” The vodka was going to her head and making her lips loose. She never told strangers this much information.

  “I’m sorry. I can’t imagine how hard that must have been.”

  “I miss them every day. Still, even after all these years.”

  “What happened?’ he asked. “I’m sorry. You don’t have to tell me.”

  “No, it’s okay. I can talk about them. I like to, actually. I mean, not the way they died, but just that they were here with me for my first ten years of life. I loved them very much. Just because they’re gone doesn’t mean they’re not my parents still. Does that make sense?” Too much of an explanation. Jed Marsh and his sympathetic eyes were upending her.

  “Yes, absolutely it does.”

  “They died in a car accident. I was with them, but I wasn’t hurt. I always think about that—I came out of there without a scratch. It’s made me both apologetic and extremely interested in making the most of my life by giving to others.”

  “Where did you go after they died?” He leaned closer, as if he wanted to touch her.

  She wished he would. “I was adopted by a wonderful woman. Maddie took me and three other girls into her home and her heart. Just like that I was part of a big family.”

  “That sounds nice.” He loosened his tie. “I’m an only child.”

  “I would’ve been, I guess, had my parents not died. We’re all super close. A bunch of stray cats all thrown together. My sisters are super special. Accomplished and successful. They’d never have to work two jobs. I’m the dummy of the group.”

  “Working two jobs doesn’t mean you’re not accomplished. School teachers should be paid more.”

  “You’re sweet to say so,” she said.

  He didn’t say anything, just stared at her, as if he couldn’t decide if she was for real or not.

  “What?” she asked.

  “You’re unusual, that’s all.”

  “Unusual good?”

  “Very good.” He further loosened his tie. “What’re you doing at that club?” he asked. “For real.”

  She explained about her student loans and then Sophie’s accident. “I make more during my weekend shifts than I make in a week teaching.”

  “That isn’t right.”

  She smiled at him, hoping to coax the frown from his face. “It’s not—but who said anything about right or fair? I get paid to run around in my skivvies and bring drinks to guys like your client. Men still run the world, Jed Marsh.”

  “Men like my father.”

  “I suppose you could say that, yes,” she said. “But I don’t spend time feeling bitter about what isn’t in my control. What I can do is save my friend from financial ruin by slinging some drinks, so that’s what I’ll do.”

  “Does your family know about your job at the club?”

  She shook her head. “No. They wouldn’t approve of me running around in my bathing suit serving drinks. My principal at the elementary school doesn’t know either.”

  “Is it weird having a secret like that?” he asked.

  “Yes.” She took a moment to find the right words. “There’s this whole part of my life I can’t share with them. I mean, Rif and Marty and the girls are true friends who look out for me. I wish I could tell Mom and the girls about them, but I can’t. I can’t take the look of disappointment in their eyes.”

  The car slowed and came to a halt. They were probably stopped at the light that turned onto Highway 202. She lived in a suburb called Sammamish. Soon, they’d pass through downtown Redmond, then turn right on Sahallee Way. She wished the drive would never end.

  “Do you mind being an only child?” So far, they’d talked about her. He was good at asking questions, drawing her out, but she wanted to know more before it was time to say goodbye.

  “I always wanted siblings,” he said. “My mother, especially, is intense. So much…too much attention and expectations. Most of the time I feel like I’ve failed her.”

  “Is she hypercritical?”

  “You could say that, yes.” The corners of his eyes crinkled as he grimaced. “And then there’s my dad. He’s one of these old-school types, who parents like a football coach. Not the good kind like Pete Carol, but the ones who yell and bully their team into submission.” He tugged on his ear and looked away. “Anyway, enough about that.”

  “Did he physically bully you?” she asked, too curious to keep her mouth shut.

  “Sometimes he roughed me around, yes. Nothing serious. Just some boxing of the ears, that kind of thing.”

  “That’s awful. Children should never be hit.”

  He smiled gently. “Nah, he made me tough.”

  “What’s it like work
ing with him?” She imagined working for a man like that would be rough for anyone, but especially for a son.

  He rattled the ice around his glass. “Hard.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  He lifted his gaze to look at her. “I must sound like a monster.”

  “Why would you say that?”

  “Poor little rich boy with mean parents, who has his own driver and a business worth millions of dollars.”

  “Money has nothing to do with how good a person’s life is or isn’t.” She touched her fingertips to his knee before snatching them away. Why had she touched him? Who was she right now? So free and talkative and touching a man she didn’t know. But you do know him, a voice in her head whispered. You’ve known him all your life. “The only thing that matters is supportive family and friends.”

  He watched her without moving a muscle. “Do you really think that’s true?”

  “I do.” Transfixed by his gaze, she also froze. A current passed between them.

  After a few seconds, he broke the silence. “Sometimes, I think about walking away from it all—giving up my place in the business and going out on my own. But to do what? I’m not really good at anything except nurturing client relationships.”

  “Aren’t there a lot of jobs like that?” she asked. “Businesses who need good salespeople?”

  “I suppose. I don’t know. I’ve felt like there are no choices in my life that haven’t already been made.”

  “There’s always a way to reinvent yourself.” She touched his knee again. This time his hand covered hers before she could snatch it away.

  “Will you have dinner with me tomorrow night?” he asked.

  She pulled her hand back to her own knee. “I can’t. I have to work.”

  “Sunday then?”

  She looked at his earnest, sweet face. Where were the red flags she usually got with men? Nothing but white flags, one after the other.

  “Yes, I’ll have dinner with you on Sunday.”

  “Rif’s ordered me to send flowers tomorrow, which I will do for the privilege of taking you to dinner.”

  “Rif worries too much.”

  “I like knowing there’s someone looking out for you there.” He flapped his hands apologetically. “Not that you need a man to do that for you.”

  “I don’t, but I get your point.” She smiled to ease his mind.

  The car turned. Soon, they’d be at her apartment. She didn’t want the night to end. How was that possible when she’d only just met him?

  “What’s your favorite flower?” he asked.

  “Tulips.” They’d been her mother’s favorite. One of her fondest memories was going to the tulip festival with her parents. Rows and rows of reds, yellows, purples, as far as the eye could see.

  “What color?”

  “Any will do, but I love pink,” she said.

  “Good to know.”

  The sound from the car’s engine changed. They were climbing the hill toward downtown Sammamish.

  “What’s your favorite food?” he asked.

  “Simple. Bland,” she said. “I eat like my kindergarteners.”

  He laughed. “Like fish sticks and French fries?”

  “Chicken fingers and macaroni and cheese, if you want to know my absolute favorite.”

  “I’ll be sure to take you to a place with a kid’s menu.” His eyes sparkled, teasing her.

  The car slowed and then stopped. “We’re here, I guess.” She set her glass over near the bucket of ice. I wish we weren’t, she thought.

  Thomas opened the car door and backed away, waiting for her to exit.

  “Wait, let me help you out,” Jed said. He set aside his glass, then scooted toward the door, hopping out and then offering his hand.

  Once she was out of the car, Thomas disappeared back inside.

  “May I walk you to your door?” Jed asked.

  Her apartment building was nestled amongst a bevy of businesses, including a bank, pho shop, music store and a few others. On the first floor of her building, the café’s closed sign hung in the doorway. They’d open at six—just a few hours from now—and serve mouthwatering comfort food. The smell of pancakes, maple syrup and coffee would drift up to her apartment. She pointed to the second floor of the apartments. “I’m in 2A. Above the café.”

  He nodded and indicated for her to go ahead. “Right behind you.”

  She took the stairs slowly, partly because she was exhausted and a little light-headed from the drink but mostly because she never wanted this night to end.

  When they reached her apartment, she pulled her keys out of her bag and unlocked the door. She left it open slightly and turned back to say good night. His eyes glittered in the dim light from the lamppost below.

  “May I kiss you?” he whispered, so softly she wondered if she’d made it up.

  “Yes.”

  He brushed her still damp hair from her cheek. She held her breath as he brushed his lips ever so softly, like the wings of a butterfly, against hers. Despite the gentleness of the kiss, a spark of desire rushed through her. She had to hold herself back to not throw herself into his arms and demand more.

  Jed was too much of a gentleman for that. “Good night, beautiful Alissa. I’ll see you on Sunday.” He reached into his jacket pocket and handed her his business card. “Please text and we’ll work out details.”

  She shook her head. “How about if you just type my number into your phone?”

  “If you insist.” He pulled his phone from his pocket.

  She rattled off her number.

  He typed into his phone. “Done. I’ll text you tomorrow.”

  “Thank you for the ride. And good night.” She slipped into her apartment before she embarrassed herself by asking for another kiss.

  Inside, she locked and bolted the door, then stood against it, breathing heavily, listening to his footsteps descend the stairs.

  Oh my God, she thought. I can’t wait to tell my sisters and Mom about this night.

  But she couldn’t unless they knew the truth about her second job. She instructed herself not to think about all of that and, instead, just bask in the moment. He’d kissed her. They were going out to dinner on Sunday. She hugged herself and smiled. Could she have just met her future husband?

  The next morning, she woke late. A light flashed on her phone. She reached for it as the events from last night rushed back to her. A text from an unknown number flashed on the screen. It was Jed. Had to be.

  Can I help you get your car to the shop today?

  She’d been so blissed out that she’d almost forgotten about her stupid car. She stretched, then sat up straighter to type a message back to him.

  Thanks, but I’ll have to have it towed to the shop.

  God only knew how much that would cost.

  A return text came right away. That car might not be worth salvaging. Have you considered buying or leasing something new?

  She typed back. Don’t you need a big down payment for that? As you say, it’s not like I’m going to get a good trade-in on that piece of junk.

  One of my best friends owns a car dealership. I bet he’ll cut us a deal. We can get you a new car and then I’ll take you to lunch.

  Alissa sat there for a moment, thinking. Was it appropriate to let a man that she didn’t really know help her? A new used car? How could she afford one? If she took on another shift at the club, she risked being too exhausted to give one hundred percent to her students. The only reason it worked now was that her shifts were on the weekends. She couldn’t ask her mother for money, and Sophie needed every penny Alissa made now.

  She would just have to take out a loan. If she continued working at the club, she could pay it down quickly. Unless something else happened. Her fate seemed to be working at the club into perpetuity.

  Sure. That would be nice. I’ll be ready at noon if you want to come by and get me.

  I’ll be there.

  Jed’s friend worked at a Honda dealer with
both new and used cars. Jed’s friend quickly talked Alissa into leasing a new Civic instead of buying, new or used. That way, she needed no down payment, and it only increased her monthly bills by a few hundred dollars. Two additional shifts a month should cover it, she reasoned to herself. She hated to work more but at least she’d have a reliable vehicle.

  Her hands shook signing the paperwork. Was this the right thing to do? Please, God, let it be.

  After completing the paperwork and driving off in her new car, she met Jed at a small café in downtown Redmond. They ordered sandwiches and sodas and sat at a table by the window. Outside, the rain pounded the sidewalks. A gas fireplace warmed the room, both in temperature and atmosphere.

  He’d come to pick her up in a pair of faded jeans and knit sweater that clung to his muscular torso. Now, he pushed up the sleeves and drank from his soda.

  She nibbled on the end of her straw, thinking about what to do with her old car.

  “What’s wrong?” Jed asked. “Buyer’s remorse?”

  “No, not that. In all the excitement, I forgot about my old girl, and that I’m going to have to pay to have it removed from the parking lot. Rif won’t like it rusting away there for long.” She sighed and tugged at her earring. “Just when I get ahead, something happens, and I fall behind again.”

  He looked away from her to the window. Was it her imagination or did he look guilty?

  “I already took care of it,” he said. “While you were signing paperwork, I called a tow truck and had it hauled off to the junkyard.” He reached into his pocket. “As a matter of fact, the guy gave you three-hundred-dollars for the parts.” He laid three hundred-dollar bills on the table. “He’s going to mail me a check, but I’ll give you the cash now.”

  She stared at the money. “But…but that’s too easy. You shouldn’t have done that. I mean, we barely know each other.”

  He tapped the table with his fingers. “I thought you might feel that way. I mean, I thought about that after I already did it. Are you mad?”

  She met his gaze. “Not mad. I’m not sure I love a man taking over my decisions.”

  His shoulders rose and fell. “I’m sorry. I do that sometimes. I’m very action oriented. If I see a problem, I try and fix it.” He looked so crestfallen that her heart softened.