Christmas Pearl by Robin Bayne

Author:Robin Bayne [Bayne, Robin]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Christian Fiction
Publisher: Pelican Book Group
Published: 2011-09-15T00:00:00+00:00

7

“Well. It’s a surprise to see you here, Elizabeth,” a man’s voice whispered behind her. His breath brushed her ear, and her pulse quickened. She didn’t exactly recognize it, but alarm bells sounded at the sultry inflection. She gripped her serving tray tighter. “When did you become a waitress?”

She turned to find David Something-or-other, another client from her previous life. Unlike the woman who had shown up at her breakfast with Lane, this client liked her. Too much.

“David,” she said, stepping sideways and setting the next fruit cup on the dining table. “Just helping out friends. How have you been?” Circling around the table, she finished her task quickly. He was right in front of her.

“You’re looking good.” His gaze roamed over her, taking in the fitted black pantsuit she wore and making her want to squirm.

“Are you here for the banker’s party? I remember you were working for a local bank.” She inched away. “Enjoy the party. I have to go refill.”

He nodded. “I’ll find you later, don’t worry.” With a wink that made her shudder, David headed for the bar. She should never have helped him get divorced and freed him on the world. One of the many mistakes she’d now repented of.

Once the tables were set, Liza stepped back and admired the décor of the Gazebo. The white twinkling Christmas lights outlining the café, the reflections in the mirrored wall, the fresh greens and holly sprigs set at each table all contributed to the romantic effect. The Gardners could be proud of this event.

She’d helped the staff put up the six-foot Christmas tree in one corner, and they’d draped it in garland, lights, and bows. Liza loved the holiday season. Advent was a time to enjoy the sights and smells and prepare for the celebration of Christ’s birth. The carols playing over the speakers sometimes brought tears to her eyes, but so did sentimental Christmas commercials on television.

Liza drank in the scent of cinnamon and a hint of orange mixed with roasting chicken. She wasn’t sure what the chefs were creating for tonight’s party, but it made her mouth water. Air blew through as the doors let in two guys carrying brightly-wrapped gift boxes, which they stacked under and around the tree. Probably empty, she knew, but presents excited her still as they had when she was a kid. Very festive. She loved the quiet moments before a big event.

As a finishing touch, she set a mini poinsettia on each table. The bright red leaves reminded her of the arrangement Joe had sent, spurring questions of why through her mind again. She brushed the thought aside for later. Finally she placed a candy cane on each plate, situated to look like a J for Jesus. She wasn’t sure if Rachel and Tim would have done that, but it had been a tradition in her family for years, a sweet reminder of the reason for the season.

Guests began to flow in, and Liza smiled and nodded at them. Judy had set place cards on each setting so they milled about, searching for their names.

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