Today's Reading
CHAPTER ONE
Sheila Aldridge leaned back in her desk chair, considering how to answer. She glanced over at her empty desk calendar, although she already knew she didn't have plans over the Christmas holiday, but the "what's your calendar look like" question always made her freeze, feeling like a mouse getting ready to be pounced on by a cat. Real estate slowed this time of year, making it one of her least favorite seasons, especially since her divorce. But this wasn't just anyone asking, it was Natalie. "My schedule is fairly flexible. What are you thinking?"
"I want you to come stay with me for the holidays. I miss my best friend," Natalie said. "Please say yes. I promise it'll be fun."
Natalie had moved from Richmond to the tiny mountain town of Chestnut Ridge last year following a devastating loss. Sheila understood that Natalie needed to get back on her feet, even take time to lick her wounds, but she never thought she'd stay up there.
I'd have guessed she'd last three months. Tops.
"Why don't you come here instead? We could do the lights at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. It'll be like old times." Sheila could never get Dan to go see them, so for six years running, it had been her and Natalie going together. Good riddance, Dan.
"You know I can't. Randy is here, and it's our first real Christmas together."
"Which is probably why I shouldn't be there. You don't need a third wheel while you snuggle-bunny your way through the holidays."
"Oh stop. You're never a third wheel. Plus, the town has this huge festival called the Christmas Tree Stroll. It'll be fun."
"Exactly how huge? There aren't but a couple thousand people in the whole town." It came out a little snarkier than she'd intended.
"Everyone will be there. If it's one thing about Chestnut Ridge I've learned, it's that folks enjoy getting together. The Christmas Tree Stroll is supposed to be the party of the year," Natalie explained.
Sheila had thought Natalie's move into her late husband's hunting cabin was a big mistake for a girl used to all the conveniences of living in the city. But the joy in Natalie's voice was undeniable. She was making a new life for herself in the small town of Chestnut Ridge, and it warmed Sheila's heart that Natalie sounded like her old self again.
Natalie was still rambling. "And it's held on the high school football field," she explained. "So, it might not be the lights and festivities at the Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens, but rows and rows of Christmas trees will line the whole field, and each tree is decorated in a different theme. I've seen pictures and this year it's going to be even more spectacular."
"If you've never been to this Christmas Stroll, how do you know that it will be even more spectacular?"
"Because I just entered." Natalie's excitement was contagious.
Sheila grinned while shaking her head. "Of course you did. I knew there was more to this invite."
"Go ahead, make fun," Natalie said. "Not only do I want your help, but I'm also counting on the festival inspiring new ideas for next year's card collection. Technically, it's work and play, and that's always more fun when you're around. Come on. Please? You're so good at decorating. I need you."
"And you want to win." This was the enthusiasm Sheila had missed since Natalie left town.
"I do, and with your help I know we can create something magical."
"Mm-hmm. What are we going to win?"
"Bragging rights for next year and a banner."
"A banner? High stakes. How can I say no?" Sheila couldn't contain her amusement, but she didn't want to disappoint her friend, either. "Okay, fine. What would I have to do?"
"Does it even matter?" Natalie's voice bounced with excitement. "We're decorating for Christmas. It'll be festive. And festive is fun."
"Fun for you, and your sweetheart. Everything is fun when you're in love. That leaves me the third wheel, and that's about as fun as a flat tire." Sheila stared at her empty calendar.
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