Christmas at the Restaurant (The Nantucket Restaurant #2)(10)

Gina laughed. “I think Jared’s just being nice. This isn’t a date. I’m not sure it’s really a date with Alex either.”

Connie raised her eyebrows. “Well, whatever you want to call it, I hope you have a good time with both of them. I will expect a full report the next time I come in.”

“Okay, Connie. I’ll see you on Saturday then, at the Stroll.”

Connie beamed. “Yes, you will!”





Chapter 4





“You’re really okay with Cory and his new girlfriend having a baby? How long have they been dating?” Mandy and Jill were sitting in the kitchen Thursday afternoon drinking coffee. The house was quiet as Cory had just stopped by to pick up the kids and Billy was upstairs in the guest bedroom on a Zoom call, interviewing a candidate.

Mandy sighed. “Maybe three months, if that? I’m not going to lie and say I didn’t burst into tears the day I found out. As soon as Cory drove off with the kids, I sat there in my car and cried for at least ten minutes. I don’t even know why I was crying, exactly, but it felt good. I don’t want Cory back, but it’s just kind of hard this time of year—it brings out all the emotions, you know? Remembering what we used to have, when we were happy and the kids were little. It was a magical time of year. And now it will be for him again, with his new baby and maybe his new wife. It was just a lot to process.”

Jill got up and hugged her. “I can’t imagine. I’m sorry, Mandy. Sorry that Cory turned into such a jerk. I never really liked him all that much though.”

Mandy laughed. “Emma said the same thing. And I do like Matt. I’m glad that we’re together.”

Jill took a sip of her coffee and was quiet for a moment. “So, it’s getting serious then, with Matt? I’d hoped you’d have a chance to just have fun and date tons of great men.”

“Dating tons of men doesn’t sound fun to me. It sounds stressful. It’s easy with Matt. I wouldn’t say it’s serious, but it’s very comfortable.”

“Comfortable doesn’t sound very exciting, Mandy. Comfortable is what you say when you’re a senior citizen. You’re still young.” Her sister looked worried.

“I don’t mean boring, just that we fit well together. He’s easy to be with. It’s hard to explain, but I think it’s a good thing. I like a quieter life than you do. I don’t need a lot of excitement. Manhattan is fun to visit, but I could never live there.”

Jill sipped her coffee and smiled. “You’re right. Of course, you’re right. I just want you to be happy. You deserve that.”

“Thanks. And speaking of happy, I’m thrilled for you and Billy. And I’m so glad you guys are here through New Year’s. We’re going to have fun.”

“We are. So, tell me about this wine dinner tonight…”





The wine dinner was a resounding success.

“Paul really outdid himself,” Jill said as they enjoyed the main course, a perfectly cooked filet mignon topped with a rich, wild mushroom demi-glace. They’d started with seared scallops and shrimp over creamy polenta, which was so good.

Mandy, Jill and Emma had helped the servers bring out each course. Billy had offered to help, too, but they insisted they were fine and he should stay and keep Matt company. Gina and Stacy kept everyone’s wine glasses full, pouring a different Charles Krug wine for each course. Mandy’s favorite was the Generations blend that was so smooth and went wonderfully with the buttery filet.

The dessert looked amazing as Mandy was passing them out. It was some kind of layered chocolate pastry, with lots of cream, pastry layers and shaved chocolate on top. Mandy was tempted, but didn’t take one for herself. She was much too full. Jill and Emma did though—they both loved their sweets. Emma often checked the dessert list when she went out before ordering dinner.

Mandy did, however, have a cup of coffee with a splash of Tia Maria which was a perfect dessert. Now that everything had been served, they could relax and take their time finishing up. She noticed that Matt and Billy seemed to be getting along well. Billy could talk to anyone. It came with his job, and Matt was easygoing so she’d had a feeling they’d have plenty to talk about.

“How’s the dessert?” she asked Matt.

“Very good. Do you want a bite?” He pushed his dish toward her but she shook her head.

“No, I’m good. I’m glad you liked it though.”

“I might take Billy out fishing this weekend. He said he’s never been ice-fishing before. I warned him that it’s cold this time of year, and there’s not many fish, but he doesn’t seem to mind. It’s not bad when we bundle up.” He looked excited to go and Mandy smiled. It didn’t sound at all fun to her. She hated being cold. “Well, you guys have fun.”

He laughed. “I know I’ll probably never get you out there, not this time of year anyway.”

“You’ve got that right.”

Billy had the rest of the table laughing as he told a funny story about one of his candidates and a recent search that they almost didn’t fill when Matt spoke softly so he wouldn’t interrupt the others.

“What are your plans for Christmas? Do you have the kids all day or do they go to their Dad’s too?”