Harbor Street (Cedar Cove #5)(38)

“So you’re going out to dinner alone? Does that happen often?” she asked, hoping for more information about Gloria’s social life.

Gloria shrugged. “Since you’re busy, I’ll probably just order in. Maybe from Wok and Roll. I’m in the mood for something hot and spicy.”

Linnette sighed. “Oh,” she murmured, genuinely disappointed. “I love their food. I wish I could join you.”

“Another time,” Gloria said. Straightening, she glanced at her watch. “I better get out of here before your date shows up.”

Just then the doorbell chimed.

“Too late,” Linnette whispered, dreading the evening more with every minute.

“Just remember what you said earlier,” Gloria reminded her. “You want to let him down gently.”

“You’re right, I do. He’s a really nice person. Actually, I’m glad you’re here so you can meet him. Then you’ll understand my dilemma. He’s charming and witty, but it can be hard to hold a conversation and—”

“Don’t you think you should answer the door?”

“Oh, right.” Linnette hurried into the other room and opened her door.

Cal stood there holding a small potted poinsettia. “Merry Christmas,” he said without a hint of a stutter.

“You brought that for me?” The answer was obvious and Linnette felt even more uncomfortable. Silently she vowed she’d make sure he understood this was their last date. It was the right thing to do.

“For you.” His gaze moved past her to Gloria, who stepped out of the other room.

“Cal, this is my friend and neighbor Gloria.” As she spoke, she set the plant on her coffee table, where it provided a festive touch.

Gloria came forward with her hand extended. “Hello, Cal, I’ve been hearing a lot about you.”

Cal’s gaze shot to Linnette, and he seemed both pleased and surprised. “My p-pleas-sure,” he said, shaking hands.

“I’ll check in with you after the weekend,” Gloria said as she moved past Cal on her way out the door. “Have fun, you two.”

“I’ll just grab my coat and gloves,” Linnette said and momentarily left him. She opened the hall closet to retrieve what she needed, and for good measure, added a wool scarf. When she’d agreed to go out with Cal, they hadn’t decided what to do. She’d suggested a movie. That sounded less demanding than attempting to carry on a conversation over dinner. Because she wasn’t all that interested, she hadn’t bothered to look at the movie listings.

When she returned, Cal’s appreciative smile warmed her. He took her coat and as he held it, she slid her arms into the sleeves, almost wishing he didn’t possess such impeccable manners. Not looking at him, she buttoned her coat, wrapped the scarf around her neck and put on her gloves. They left the apartment and she locked the door, testing the doorknob—just like her father always did.

“Did you decide which movie you want to see?” she asked as they started down the staircase. The wind chilled her face immediately and it seemed about to snow.

He shook his head. “Did you?”

“Oh, I didn’t really look. Should I go back to the apartment and get the paper?”

He shook his head again. “H-hungry?” he asked.

“Not very. I had a late lunch.”

They continued walking, and Linnette had to admit that Cal was an attractive man. She liked the way his Stetson shaded his face, giving him a mysterious look. He wore a sheepskin coat and leather gloves, and he reminded her of a young Clint Eastwood, back in his spaghetti western days.

“Let’s…j-just walk,” he suggested.

“Okay, if that’s what you want.”

Cal tucked her hand in the crook of his elbow and they ambled down Harbor Street. Linnette thought the traffic—both vehicle and foot traffic—was particularly heavy for a Saturday night, but didn’t comment. Several other observations occurred to her, but she resisted mentioning them, fearing Cal would feel obliged to respond. Conversation often seemed awkward for him. After a few minutes, she came to enjoy the companionable silence.

Then suddenly it was impossible to remain silent. “It’s snowing!” she cried when a fat, moist snowflake fell on her nose, surprising her. “Cal, look! It’s actually snowing.”

He laughed at her obvious delight. “I see.”

“We never get snow….” In the light of the street lamps, Linnette saw his face break into a broad smile. “I mean, we get snow, but it’s so rare, especially this close to the waterfront.”

“Christmas,” he added.

“Oh, I agree. It’s absolutely perfect that it’s December and Christmas is only about two weeks away.”

They followed the sidewalk past the waterfront park and the marina and rounded the curve toward the clinic and City Hall. By that time, the snow was coming down fast and furious.

Fascinated as she was by the snow, Linnette didn’t immediately notice that all the traffic was going in the same direction they were. Everyone, it seemed, was headed toward a group of carolers who lined the steps of the City Hall building. They were dressed in Victorian costume for a Dickensian Christmas, their songbooks held open. They began with “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen” and followed that with “Deck the Halls.”