A Christmas Homecoming (13 page)

She strolled over to her friends. “I hope you weren’t waiting long.”

“We got here right before you.” Nicole zipped up her white puffer jacket.

“Are you ready to shop?” She couldn’t wait!

They looked at each other with looks she couldn’t decipher.

Didn’t they enjoy shopping? They’d been friends for over a year, but shopping had never come up. This adventure had been her idea. Had they come only out of politeness? “Is everything okay?”

“Yes,” Nicole said. “We were hoping for lunch first. Neither of us took time to eat after church.” Her friends went to a service in Sunriver, so they’d traveled farther than she had from Bend.

“Oh. Sorry. I didn’t think about food, but now that you mention it, I could eat.” Bailey wanted to get through her list today, since she’d be so busy in the coming weeks, but food was a good idea. “How about Sisters Coffee?” It was one of her favorite places to sit and relax.

“Perfect.” Relief showed on Sarah’s face. “They make good sandwiches and pastries.”

Nicole led the way across the street toward the coffee shop. “It’s busy.”

Bailey wasn’t the least bit surprised since this was a popular stopping place for travelers. Her parents had made a point to eat here every time they visited the area when she was a girl. She fell in love with the pastries at Sisters Coffee along with Central Oregon during those vacations. “I’m sure it won’t take too long.” Her stomach rumbled. “At least I hope not.” Funny she hadn’t even realized she was hungry before the idea of food was brought up.

They stepped inside the lodge-like shop. Rich aromas scented the warm air. A fire crackled in the grand stone fireplace off to their right, and the hum of voices welcomed them. This place felt like a big bear hug—warm and cozy.

Ten minutes later, they found a table being vacated not far from the stone fireplace and snagged it.

Bailey pulled her secret admirer’s Christmas card from her purse and handed it to Nicole. “That showed up in Stephen’s car the other day when we were shopping.”

“What do you mean showed up?” Sarah asked.

“It appeared out of nowhere. I have no idea how it got there except that we saw Spencer at the tree lot and Spencer delivered flowers to me the other day. He says the flowers aren’t from him. I’m inclined to believe him, but all the evidence points to him, so . . .”

Nicole pressed her lips together.

Bailey lowered her voice. “Do either of
you
think Spencer is my admirer?”

Sarah shook her head. “He’s a no nonsense kind of guy, not a romantic. I don’t see him having anything to do with something like that.”

“And yet he delivered the flowers,” Bailey said. “What do you think, Nicole? He’s Mark’s friend, so you know Spencer best.”

“I’d have to agree, he’s not a romantic. Then again, the man is full of surprises. He once loaned Mark and me his canoe on the spur of the moment.”

“So you’re saying it’s possible he’s my admirer?”

“I’m not saying anything.” Nicole looked away.

Could her friend know something and wasn’t saying? If that was the case, then she really had no reason to worry, but what if Nicole was actually concerned, but stayed quiet so Bailey wouldn’t worry? What if the person leaving things for her was actually the silver-car person?

“Okay then, what’s our plan for today?” Sarah asked. “My list is short.” She sent a pointed look toward Nicole. “Should I tell her?”

Bailey looked from one woman to the other. Did this have something to do with her secret admirer or was there something else? Her stomach knotted, and the old phrase two’s company, three’s a crowd, ran through her mind.

Nicole nodded. “You can trust Bailey.”

Curiosity threatened to override good sense, but Bailey pressed her lips tightly together. This wasn’t about her, and she didn’t want to make Sarah feel uncomfortable.

“I know. It’s so embarrassing though.” She sighed. “I’m a recovering shopaholic. It’s a serious problem that’s taken me a long time to overcome and to pay off the debt I accumulated. Now I try to only shop from a list, which I’ve kept short today so I don’t get sucked back into my old ways. Christmastime is rough. So going from store to store might be problematic for me.”

“Thank you for trusting me, Sarah. Maybe we can visit only a store or two and call it good?”

“That’ll work.” Relief shown on Sarah’s face.

“My list is short too.” Nicole pulled out her smartphone and opened to her notes. She flashed the list toward them. “I imagine it won’t take long to make all of our purchases.”

Bailey shifted in her seat. “My list is kind of long, but since I have my own car, the two of you can take off when you’re ready.” She’d been looking forward to this day, but understood Sarah had a problem, and she refused to be the cause of her falling into old habits.

“How is work going, Bailey? Nicole told me about your boss.”

“It’s been weird. Mona’s in the hospital, and I’m running the business.” For which she felt completely unqualified. “I’m supposed to hire an assistant, but I’m not getting any response to my ad. It’s probably the time of year causing the problem, but I can’t do it all alone. Even from her bed, Mona was a big help, but now she isn’t doing anything.” Forget the fact she felt so lacking half the time. What if she messed up and lost a job for the company? More than anything, shopping today was cathartic. She needed to stop worrying about work.

“What about her son?” Nicole asked. “I thought he was helping you. From what I hear, the two of you make a good team.”

Who had her friend been talking to? “To a point, yes. But it’s not like he’s an interior designer. He doesn’t draw up designs and meet with clients.” But from what she heard, he could if needed. Apparently he was an architect with an eye for both interior and exterior design.

“He’s the uncle to those kids we saw at Bachelor?” Sarah dug into her sandwich.

“Yes.”

“He’s good looking,” Sarah covered her full mouth as she spoke. “I heard he’s a widower.”

“That’s true.” Bailey’s face heated. She couldn’t explain why, but talking about Stephen felt weird. Maybe it was because she’d never had a bunch of girlfriends who sat around chatting about boys when she was a teen. She gazed at the tall, skinny Christmas tree in the corner of the shop near the hearth, reminding her of Stephen and decorating the tree with him this morning. She’d enjoyed their time together. She shouldn’t have had so much fun when Mona was laid up in the hospital.

Based on what Stephen said, this could be her boss’s last Christmas. She owed a lot to Mona. The woman had believed in her enough to mentor her and turn over the business to her. If only she believed in herself. Unless . . . Did Mona really turn things over to her, or had Stephen done so out of desperation until he could find someone more suited to the job?

“What’s wrong?” Nicole asked. “All of a sudden you look like you could be sick.”

“I’m fine. Just letting my thoughts stray to an unpleasant ‘what-if.’” She quickly ate the remainder of her sandwich and washed it down with the rest of her mocha. “Are you ready to shop?”

Her friends nodded.

Sarah pushed back from the table. “I already know what I’m getting everyone.”

Nicole’s eyes widened. “What?”

“Coffee beans from here. It’s the perfect gift, and I won’t be tempted by a bunch of stuff while browsing the other stores, since my list will be completed.”

“You’re going to get coffee for everyone on your list?” Bailey asked. She thought to purchase a nice selection for her parents but had other items in mind for everyone else.

Sarah nodded solemnly. “It’s for the best. My family understands, and they are all coffee addicts, so this is perfect.”

The lunch rush had dwindled so Bailey joined her, and in less than ten minutes she had her parents’ gifts purchased.

“Now where should we go?” Nicole asked. “I want to get something special for Mark.”

“I can’t believe you’re getting married on Christmas Eve.” Sarah shook her head.

Bailey’s eyes widened. “I didn’t even think about the date being Christmas Eve. I’ll be in Salem for Christmas.” Disappointment washed over her.

“You
have
to come. We’re having a very small wedding at our church in Sunriver with only a few friends.”

The last thing Bailey wanted to do was disappoint her friend, but her family was counting on her. Maybe she could go to the wedding and drive home right after. She didn’t like the idea of traveling on the pass at night, especially if the weather was bad, but her friend’s wedding was important too. “Okay. If the weather cooperates, I’ll be there.”

Nicole grinned. “Thank you. Now what should I get for Mark?”

“I have no idea.” She didn’t care to admit she’d never had a boyfriend to buy a gift for. She guided them across the street to an art gallery. “This place has nice pieces. Maybe they’ll have something that speaks to you.”

“Art isn’t really his thing.” Nicole pointed toward another storefront. “But he enjoys reading.” They meandered into the bookstore instead. Nicole found several books she wanted and decided on a couple she thought Mark would like, including a first edition by one of his favorite authors. “Okay. Now to shop for the girls on my list. Let’s head to the main drag. I saw a place I want to check out.”

They walked until they came to a women’s clothing store and went inside. The place looked pricey, but that didn’t deter Nicole or Sarah. They both quickly found several outfits to try on.

Sarah held up a solid black dress with classic lines. “This would look great on you, Bailey.”

“I’m not shopping for me today.”

Nicole waved a hand. “You never shop for you, and it’s about time you freshened your wardrobe.” She shot a conspiratorial look toward Sarah. “After all, you are the face of Belafonte Designs, and you need to look the part.”

Bailey shriveled on the inside. Nicole had basically said what she’d known since she was a kid—she was lacking. “What do you suggest?” Her voice came out strangled sounding.

Nicole’s brows scrunched. “Giving you a makeover isn’t intended to be an insult. It’s my Christmas gift to you. I know we let you think today was your idea, but Sarah and I have had this planned ever since we learned that you’re taking over for Mona. Your suggestion to go shopping today worked in our favor.” She handed her an envelope. “Merry Christmas! Open it.”

Bailey looked from Nicole then to Sarah and back to Nicole. “You did this for me? Why?”

“Because we care about you. I don’t know who made you feel like an ugly duckling, but you are a swan who needs to spread her beautiful wings.”

Bailey blinked back tears. “You’re a good friend.” She hugged Nicole right in the middle of the clothing shop.

“Ah, you guys,” Sarah dragged out the word. “Now I’m going to cry.”

They all giggled like a bunch of schoolgirls.

Bailey opened the envelope and her eyes widened.
Five hundred dollars!
“This is too much! I can’t accept.” She held a pre-paid visa card out to Nicole. “You’re a school teacher, and I know you can’t afford this. Especially since you are planning a wedding.”

“Don’t you tell me what I can and can’t afford. I’ll never buy you another gift if it makes you happy, but you are going to accept this. I have the entire afternoon planned out. Including a hair appointment in Sunriver. Please, Bailey. Don’t ruin our fun. Planning this day has been about the best present I’ve ever given myself.”

“Given yourself?” Her friend made no sense.

“Yes. I’ve never been in a position to pamper anyone before, and for the first time in my life, I know what it means to give joyfully to not only the Lord, but to a friend. It was Sarah’s idea to start with, but I ran with it. I know it’s extravagant, but that’s what makes this so much fun.” Her pleading eyes were so sincere.

Bailey blinked away threatening tears. “Thank you. I accept your gift.”

Nicole looked at her watch. “My hair stylist agreed to come in today just for you. We have two hours until your appointment, so we need to get a move on.”

“But where did the money come from?”

Nicole got close to her ear. “Remember that scavenger hunt my grandma sent me on?”

She nodded.

“Well, she left me more than the house. When I say this isn’t going to set me back, please believe me.”

Bailey nodded. “I do. Thank you.” She felt like a child in a candy store. “Where do I start?”

“With these.” Sarah thrust several items into her arms.

Four hours later, Bailey stood in front of the mirror in her bedroom in shock. She’d done something she never imagined and had her hair relaxed so all the kinky curls were gone, then she had it cut short into a bob-like style that went to right above her chin. It looked healthier than it ever had and perfectly framed her face. They’d stopped at a one-hour eyeglass store and had new glasses made with frames that made her look chic. The change was mind-blowing. How could a haircut and glasses make her feel and look so much different?

Her closet held a new pair of versatile black booties, two pair of jeans, three tops, and two fabulous dresses. She’d purchased the classic black dress from the shop in Sisters and loved how pretty it made her feel. Since Nicole’s wedding was an evening affair, she planned to wear it there for the first time. For now, she wore an old pair of comfy sweats and a T-shirt. She needed to finish up the tree downstairs and then call it a day.