Christmas In Reunion Gap by Mary Campisi

Author:Mary Campisi [Campisi, Mary]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781942158424
Publisher: Mary Campisi Books, LLC

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The Cherry Top Diner made a decent New England clam chowder, and the salad wasn’t half bad either. Nicki was debating between a slice of peach pie and pumpkin roll when a very pregnant woman approached her.

“You must be Nicki,” she said, her face flushed, eyes bright with curiosity. “I’m Andrea Marone, Jameson Price’s sister.” She leaned toward her, smiled. “You had dinner with him the other night at The Oak Table.”

“Right.” There really was no privacy in this town.

“We heard you were here for the holidays and were staying at the Peace & Harmony Inn.” She paused and her voice turned pitiful. “Alone.”

“That’s right.” No different than most nights in Chicago.

“My mother wants to invite you to the house for dinner tonight. Nothing fancy, but it’s good food and my sisters are dying to meet you.” Her face lit up and her smile spread. “We don’t get a lot of strangers in town and Mom says nobody should eat alone. Please say you’ll come.”

When she saw Jameson again, she’d make sure she told him just how much she didn’t appreciate his family’s interference. If he’d kept his mouth shut, they wouldn’t know a thing about her. Not that she was alone, or that she’d be here for the holidays… But if she’d kept her mouth shut, none of this would have happened. Nicki had told him way more than she’d intended, and she couldn’t even blame it on the wine. Once they’d started talking, he didn’t seem so intimidating or aloof. He’d been approachable, straightforward, and he’d listened.

She like that about him. A lot.

Nicki forced a smile and said, “Thank you very much for the offer, but I’m used to being alone. I actually prefer it.” Why was this woman looking at her like she’d just admitted a horrible truth? Had Jameson told her that Nicki was a pathetic loser who couldn’t commit, that she had no family, that her mother was dead? She didn’t want pity, she didn’t need it. She liked being alone; she did not miss family. How could she miss something she never had?

“Oh no, it would be very bad manners to leave you alone and our family’s known for its hospitality. Mom still cooks a ton of food, as if we were all still living at home. It’s just the way we are.” She placed her hands on her large belly, studied Nicki. “Please say you’ll come. It would make my mother so happy.”

And why exactly would it make her mother happy, she wanted to ask. Was this a fix-up? She fought the heat creeping up her neck, spreading to her cheeks. Did Jameson know about the potential fix-up? She bet he didn’t because he would not be happy about this—not at all. Something told her he’d also revealed way more than he’d intended to the other night, especially the part about the old girlfriend. “I appreciate the kind thoughts, but I really think I’d rather be alone.”

Andrea Marone shrugged. “Then you’ll have to come tell my mother because she’ll march right up here and guilt you into coming.

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