Miles to Go by Kate Sweeney

Author:Kate Sweeney
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Publisher: Intaglio Publications
Published: 2016-04-15T06:00:00+00:00

Chapter 21

Sheila chatted away as they did a little window-shopping. They wandered down the street stopping in a few shops; Sheila wasn’t satisfied with window-shopping. With the sun setting in the late afternoon, the cold wind started. Thank God it stopped snowing. They would definitely have a white Christmas. The shops around town all played Christmas carols for the busy shoppers.

Rose had four bags she was lugging around, and Sheila complained of cold feet.

“Big baby. Why don’t you wear boots?”

Sheila looked at Rose. “You look like a page out of L.L. Bean, ready for the wilderness. No fashion at all, my friend. However, you do look warm.”

“I am. How about you?” Rose asked sweetly.

Sheila looked down at her flimsy, fashionable boots. “Well, they’re fashionable.”

“As long as you keep your toes.”

“Oh, shut up. C’mon, let’s get going.”

Rose laughed as they headed back to their cars. Then she looked across the street to the Hays Landscaping office. A dim light shined through the open blinds. She saw Deirdre staring out at the street. For some reason, Rose thought she looked lonely.

“Okay, I’m going home before my toes fall off.”

“I’m going to hang in town for a while.”

“Do you want me to…”

“Oh, no. You go ahead. Don’t worry. Call me later,” Rose said and gave her a quick hug. “I’ll see ya, Sheila.”

Rose stood there for a moment after Sheila pulled away. She wondered what Michelle had said to Deirdre. She turned and walked over to Mr. Sanders, who sold trees and wreaths.

“Hi, Rosie,” he said. “You already have a tree. What do you need?”

“A big wreath, Mr. Sanders.” Rose looked around. “That one, please.”

“Sure thing. Should I put it on your aunt’s account?”

Rose shook her head and reached into her jeans pocket. “Nope. I want this to be from only me.”

She paid him, took the big wreath, and ran across the street. She peered into the window to see Deirdre rocking in her leather chair, just staring at nothing in particular. Rose rapped on the window and waved. When Deirdre looked up and laughed, Rose held up the wreath. Deirdre nodded and motioned her in.

The bell rang as the door opened. Rose stomped her feet free of snow.

“Hi. You guys have no Christmas decorations. That’s horrible,” she exclaimed and held up the wreath. “Ta-da! Christmas.”

Deirdre walked from behind her desk and gave her a hug. “Hey, Rose. Thank you. It’s perfect,” she said quietly.

“I’m sorry I bolted out of the diner like that.”

“That’s okay. All forgotten.”

Rose knew her well enough to know when there was something wrong. Deirdre always spoke softly. She did that now.

“Did you have a nice conversation?”

“What? Oh, yeah, yeah. She’s fine. I invited her here for Christmas. She has plans.”

“Family?”

“No, she just didn’t want to make the trip back up here. She’s…”

“Are you okay? You look a little sad.”

“I’m fine. Nothing for you to worry about.”

They stood there for a moment in silence. Deirdre had her hands deep in her pockets looking out the window; Rose sat in the chair under the window, looking up at her.

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