“Wow. This is your view?” Nathan asked, eyes going wide. They stood on an upper walkway over what looked to be a cafeteria. Everything was made of glass and open to the amazing views all around. To the west, the mountains loomed into the sky. To the east, the plains stretched out for miles. The town stood directly in front of him. It was small and cheery. He could see the colorful lights of Christmas decorations starting to flutter on.
“This is everyone’s favorite spot,” George said with a proud smile. “That’s Devonsville just down there.”
“Is that the elementary school?” Nathan asked, picking out a large building with a flagpole. He wondered if Holly had received his gifts yet.
“It is,” George replied. “We have one of the best school districts in the state. The Colorado State College is just a few miles north of here. They just ranked second in the nation for computer science programs. We work closely with the schools around here. It’s easier to get the best talent before they know they’re talent.”
Nathan nodded, not really listening. His eyes were on the school. “Do you know Holly Jones?”
He felt dumb as soon as the words left his mouth. This was supposed to be a business meeting. He shouldn’t be asking about a random school teacher.
“Jones... Jones...” George leaned against the railing and thought for a moment. “I think she’s a teacher at the school. I know her dad. He runs the bookstore in town. He also manages all our reference materials for us. Well, he did, anyway.”
Nathan nodded. Paradigm would supply all the needed reference materials.
“Will you be here for Christmas?” George asked him.
“I’m not sure,” Nathan replied. He was hoping to see Holly and convince her to come back to California with him. He loved the idea of seeing her in that swimsuit on a beach.
“If you are, we’re having a parade on Friday. All the businesses make floats and the kids walk in it. It’s great town spirit. And Jones throws a party on Christmas for the kids. Hands out presents. The whole town shows up. You sho
uld come if you’re here.”
“Thanks. I’ll keep that in mind.”
“Let me show you the rest of the place,” George said, motioning them on. “I think you’ll love our Research and Development area. It seems like something the creator of the quad-ram would appreciate.”
Chapter 25
Merryweather
Merryweather closed her eyes and smiled. The snow. The lights. The Christmas tree. It was all set up and perfect.
All that they needed was the kiss.
Merryweather rubbed her hands and made a little magic.
Chapter 26
Holly
Holly stepped out onto the street and watched as her breath frosted and drifted away. There was a boy in her class who claimed he was part dragon because he exhaled “smoke” whenever it was cold. She smiled, blowing out an extra long breath into the dark night.
Christmas was everywhere downtown. Holly wrapped her jacket around her and wandered the brightly lit streets. Window were filled with toys and goodies. Restaurants were filled with happy diners. Christmas lights sparkled everywhere.
Holly meandered down the street, pausing to look at the holiday themed windows of the stores. She made her way to the city center where the mayor made speeches and the holiday parade started and began. This year, the tree stood in the center of the courtyard. It was decorated in silver and purple with lights strung from top to bottom.
Carolers walked the streets wearing old fashioned clothes and singing in perfect harmony. Holly recognized several members of the group as the high school choir. She made sure to put a couple dollars in their tip jar.
“Thanks Ms. Jones,” one of the singers piped up.
They paused and then began a beautiful rendition of Silent Night.
Holly stood with her eyes on the sparkling lights of the tree listening to the songs that made her remember her mother. Her mom hated this song. She would roll her eyes and complain that the baby Jesus would not have been silent, because babies are never silent.
And “sleep in heavenly peace” with a newborn? Her mother would just shake her head. And then sing the song in her soft voice. She always sang along with the Christmas carols.
Holly turned as the song ended.