“I’d love another wine.” Mandy was eager for the music to start so that she wouldn’t have to talk to Amy.
“I’ll have another, too. Thanks, Matt.” Amy turned her megawatt smile on him, but Matt missed it because he was leaning over to give Mandy a quick kiss. He whispered softly. “I am so sorry about this. We don’t have to stay long. Want to leave after the first set?”
She nodded. “It’s not your fault. And that sounds perfect.”
The band was good and they all enjoyed the music. It was loud enough that conversation was difficult, so they just relaxed and listened to the band. At the end of the first set, Matt pulled out his wallet and set some cash down on the table.
“This was fun, but I think we’re going to get going. Mandy and I both have to be up early tomorrow.”
“So soon?” Amy protested.
Kevin smiled at her. “It’s okay, we can stay for the next set.” He turned back to Matt and Mandy. “This was fun. We’ll have to do it again sometime.”
Matt just nodded and Mandy stood and pulled on her coat. “Enjoy the next set,” she said.
Once she and Matt were outside, Mandy laughed. “Well, that was quite the evening. Your friend Kevin really seems to like her though.”
“He does. I wish them both well, but I’m in no hurry to do this again.”
Chapter 10
Gina was wiping down the kitchen counter when she heard footsteps outside the door, followed by a knock. She opened the door to let Jared in. They were heading over to the Festival of Trees.
He stepped in, stopped and sniffed the air. “Smells like cookies. Were you baking?”
She smiled. “Yes, I just made my Christmas pizzelles. I make a big batch every year. It’s a family tradition.”
“I’m not familiar with those. What are they like?”
“Try one.” Gina walked over to one of the stacks of cookies. They were wafer-thin, dusted with powdered sugar and looked like delicate snowflakes. She lifted one and placed it on a paper towel so it wouldn’t shake sugar on him. “If you like it, I’ll give you some to take with you. As you can see, the recipe makes a lot.”
Jared took a bite as he looked around the kitchen at the piles of the cookies on paper towels all across the counter.
“Oh, this is good. Is that anise?”
“Yes. It’s the traditional Italian flavor. But some use lemon or vanilla instead. I like the anise. I’ll wrap up a stack for you. They’re great in the morning with coffee.”
“What do you use to make them? Some kind of waffle press?”
“A pizzelle press. It’s similar to a waffle machine and has the snowflake design etched in. They only take about a minute each to cook.” She grabbed a handful of the cookies and wrapped them in a sheet of aluminum foil and handled it to him. “Here you go. I’ll probably bring some into the restaurant, too, so if you run out, there will be more there. I’m going to run and change this sweater to one without sugar. I’ll be right back. Help yourself to another cookie.”
“Thanks, I think I will.”
Gina went off to put on a clean sweater and when she returned, Jared was standing in her living room looking at her easel with the half-finished painting. She had it set up by the big window that let in the best light.
“You did this?” He sounded surprised and impressed.
She nodded. “I went to school for art, but got away from it. I haven’t touched my brushes or paints in over a year and they are in rough shape. My brushes really need to be replaced, but for now, I’m having fun.” The picture was of one of her favorite holiday sights—the lighthouse at Brant Point that was decorated for Christmas with a big red ribbon. She had a photo that she was using for inspiration and it wasn’t coming out too badly, so far. She thought she’d be rusty but it seemed to be coming right back to her.
“That’s really good. You’re talented.” He grinned. “I can barely manage stick people.”
“Thanks! Well, I’m ready if you are. Don’t forget your cookies.”
They decided to walk as it wasn’t too far and the sun was shining. It was cold, but overall a nice, clear day.
“I know you said you haven’t been to the Festival of Trees, but have you been to the Whaling Museum yet?” Jared asked.
“No. I heard it’s good though. I’ve meant to go, but haven’t made it over there yet.”
“Good, you’ll like it. There’s a lot to see and it will be even more fun with the trees.”