Christmas Encounter_The Perfect Feel Good Festive Read by R. J. Prescott

Author:R. J. Prescott [Prescott, R. J.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Goodreads: 48775373
Publisher: Piatkus
Published: 2019-11-14T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nine

Lauren

I never thought I’d be the sort of girl to waste time mooning over some guy, replaying every word of a shared conversation in my head, yet that’s exactly what I found myself doing the next morning. The early breakfast rush had passed, and while I enjoyed a brief lull before the mid-morning Christmas shoppers would stop by, I cleaned down the empty tables and daydreamed of Jensen and our magical evening together.

“Lauren, isn’t it?” I turned toward an older lady, who’d taken a seat at the table behind me.

“I didn’t see you there. Yes, I’m Lauren. What can I get for you? I can recommend the hot chocolate, and we have a special offer on our fresh pastries this morning,” I said.

“Do you think you could sit down with me for a moment?” she asked. Her request was odd, considering we’d never met before. Combined with the fact that she knew my name, I was immediately suspicious. Feeling uncomfortable, I looked toward the counter for Jill, but she must have slipped into the kitchen.

“I’m sorry, but I’m working right now. I’d be happy to get you anything you’d like, but I need to be available to wait on other customers,” I replied.

“It’s all right, Jill and I are old friends, and I’ve already asked her permission. I really won’t take up more than a few minutes of your time,” she said.

Taking her at her word, I sat down opposite her hesitantly.

“We’ve never met before, but my name is Nancy Adler,” she explained.

I smiled when I realized who she was to Jensen and how she must know me.

“I’m sorry, I had no idea who you were,” I replied. “Jensen has told me all about you and Ronnie. I’m so sorry for your recent loss, but Jensen speaks very highly of you both. He loved your husband very much.”

“You and Jensen must be getting very close if he’s talked to you about my husband. You know, Ronnie always thought of Jensen like a son. He was very protective of him, and to a degree, I feel as though that responsibility has fallen to me with his passing. My decision to come and speak with you hasn’t been the easiest, but I think Ronnie would have wanted me to say something,” she said.

“I don’t mean to be disrespectful, Mrs. Adler, but why are you here?” I asked, cutting to the chase. My initial happiness had ebbed away with her words. The tone of her voice was gentle enough, but it was clear that her reason for being here wasn’t good.

Rather than looking put out at my harsh abruptness, she looked almost sad as she considered my words. “Jill tells me that you’re a nice girl and a hard worker, and she’s not the sort to give praise where it isn’t due. I want you to know that I’m not here because I think you’re a bad person. Despite my misgivings about your father, I trust Jill, and she’s had nothing but praise for you,” she said.

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