Holiday Kisses

“I would imagine so.”

“This is louder. The ocean. The waves. I can’t explain it, but somehow it drowns the other out. At least in my mind.”

“My grandmother used to say the ocean was the earth’s natural remedy. It can heal just about anything that’s causing us pain.”

“Hmm.” Kendall flinched. “Just about.” She shoved her hands into her back pockets and rose up on her toes. Calliope grabbed for her arm.

“It’s fine. I’m fine.” Kendall didn’t twist free. “Just seeing how far you’d let me sway before you stopped fighting your worry. People always worry about me,” she added when Calliope eased her hold. “Matt, now Lori. You.” Kendall’s smile was sad. “I don’t want that, you know. I’m okay. I’m surviving. Day by day.”

“I worry about everyone,” Calliope confessed. “And I will admit to an ulterior motive to coming here today.”

“I figured. Come on. You’re turning blue.” She turned and waited for Calliope to go first. Once they were back in the service room, she closed the door. “Did Matt send you?”

“No. No one sent me. Truthfully,” Calliope added when Kendall didn’t look convinced. “I know that Holly had invited you to their home the other day and you declined.”

“I’m...pretty messed up.” She shook her head. “Good days and bad. Sunday was a bad one. Not a good time for me to be around people, you know?”

“No. But I can try to understand. I thought maybe you needed to be aware that we do all care. I care. And if you ever need someone to listen, or vent to or deliver food, all you have to do is call.”

Kendall ducked her head and let out what sounded like a snort. “Hmm, that would be a problem. I don’t have a phone. Eventually there will be a landline, but I’m not in any rush on that.”

“Oh. No cell reception here?”

“Wouldn’t know.” Kendall shrugged. “I don’t actually own one.”

Calliope followed as Kendall began the winding walk down. Well that was...odd. Even Calliope, who wasn’t a fan of technology, had one. If for no other reason than for emergencies. “I don’t know that I’ve met many people without a cell. What happens if you get in trouble? Or hurt? What you’re doing out here isn’t exactly safe.”

“It’s a lot safer than what I used to do. And I’ve already had the lecture from Matt.”

“I don’t lecture,” Calliope said as she trailed after her. “But I will give you fair warning, especially since the holidays are upon us. I won’t be your last visitor. Christmas is a time for family, and whether you like it or not, you stepped into one when you decided to stay.”

Kendall’s sigh sounded heavy. “Can’t I just be the cranky old aunt no one wants to be around?”

“Certainly, you can.” They returned to the keeper’s house that somehow felt even emptier than it had earlier. “But that doesn’t mean people will leave the cranky aunt alone. While I understand the appeal of isolating yourself, doing so only worries the people who care about you, like Lori and Matt.”

“They don’t need me disturbing their newlywed euphoria.”

“Believe me, nothing is getting in the way of that,” Calliope laughed. “Will we see you at the bonfire on Friday?”

“Ah, no.” Kendall hugged her arms tight around her torso and flinched. “I’m not big on bonfires.”

“On that I won’t even try to change your mind.” Sensing she’d reached Kendall’s interaction limit for the day, she motioned to the table. “You can drop the basket off at the farm when you head into town. And I’d be happy to refill it for you if you need. I always have more than sells. Free delivery.”

“I’m not a charity case.” Kendall’s eyes went sharp.

“No, you’re not.” Calliope reached over, took Kendall’s hand in hers and gave it a quick squeeze. “You’re a friend.”

* * *

“HOW WOULD YOU like cooking lessons from a celebrity chef?” Xander asked Alethea as he slid into the seat across from her at the diner. He’d forgotten how intoxicating the aromas of this place could be: hot oil, fresh baked pastry and coffee he swore was ground and brewed by angels. It was later than he liked for lunch, but he’d been right.