A Key West Christmas by Barbara McMahon

Author:Barbara McMahon [McMahon, Barbara]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fiction, Romance, Contemporary, New Adult
ISBN: 9781944392642
Google: I0dKEAAAQBAJ
Publisher: Barbara McMahon
Published: 2021-12-08T18:30:00+00:00

Chapter Ten

Beau arrived at the restaurant before Shelly. He waited near the door watching as people entered. The customers reflected most of what he was seeing in Key West–laid back casual. It was hard to feel rushed in this tropical climate. And hard to think about business when the gentle sea breeze made everything fresh.

“Hi,” Shelly said as she walked up to him. “You must have been a million miles away, you didn’t see me coming.”

He smiled not wanting her to know exactly where his thoughts were.

“This place must do a good business, there have been customers streaming in and so far no one’s come out,” he said as he held the door for her.

“McDuff’s really good and not too expensive. Plus there’s a big deck right on the water where most customers congregate.”

They were soon seated on the outdoor deck and orders taken. A couple called out to Shelly and she waved.

“I walked over from the hotel and passed a Christmas tree lot. We can shop there after dinner for your tree,” he said.

“Then maybe get one for you, too. We should also stop for some popcorn and construction paper. I don’t have any ornaments. My folks started buying each of us kids a special ornament every Christmas, so I have a bunch, but they’re all back in New York.”

“I’m sure there are places to find ornaments around,” he said dryly. “No one’s going to miss a chance to sell as much as possible during the season.”

“What I’d really like is lights. Lots of sparkling lights. Then I can turn the tree on at night and enjoy the colors.”

“That can be arranged.”

“Can you have lights on your tree?” she asked.

“Sure if I plug into the electrical system. LED lights don’t draw much power.”

“Then you’re the one who needs ornaments,” she said.

“I like your idea of lights only. Let’s try it out. If the trees look like they’re missing something we can always add ornaments later.”

“Good compromise,” she said with a teasing voice.

Dave stopped by their table.

“How was the diving?” he asked.

“Great. We even took some picture. It was a super spot,” Shelly said with a bright smile. “Want to join us?”

“Naw, thanks. I’m meeting Phil and Bart. We’re planning a trip to the Dry Tortugas in a week. Weather holding, of course.”

“We’ll be by tomorrow to refill the tanks,” Beau said.

“I’m open at seven. See ya.”

He nodded and moved on to a table on the other side of the wide deck.

“I should have checked to see if you wanted to go diving again,” Beau said.

“I’d love to. I never get my fill.”

They’d both ordered the Captain’s Platter and when their meals came their plates were piled high with shrimp, crab, scallops and clams. Conversation stopped as they began to eat.

Shelly watched as Beau seemed to really enjoy the food. The place was a favorite of hers, but not as elegant or fancy as the restaurants he used to frequent in New York. Should she have suggested a more up-scale place?

No, she thought as she took another bite.

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