Christmas in Bayberry

“Sorry. I was in the shower when you called.”

“It’s fine. I just wanted you to know that the party last night renewed my drive to save the company.”

“I was thinking about it while I was out jogging.”

“Jogging? In this weather?” She glanced out the window at the falling snow.

“It was a really nice run. Usually I’m on a treadmill in the city, but it was nice to get out and enjoy the fresh, crisp air. Do you run?”

“I, um, used to. I haven’t in quite awhile.”

“You should join me tomorrow before work.”

“That would be nice.” The words passed her lips before she calculated just how early in the morning she’d have to get up to run, shower and make it to work on time. “Can I think about it?”

“Sure. It’s an open invitation.” He cleared his throat. “You called. Did you need something?”

“Oh, yes.” She’d gotten so distracted that she’d totally forgotten her reason for calling him in the first place. “I’ve done a lot of thinking since the sale—”

“It was just last night.”

“I know, but I was excited and couldn’t sleep. We did really well, and I want to keep up the momentum. I had some thoughts I wanted to run past you.”

When he was quiet, she added, “If you help me, I promise to make this up to you.”

“Kate, you don’t have to bribe me. I’ll do what I can to help you.”

“But now you have a surprise to look forward to.”

“I’m meeting my mother for brunch. Can we get together after that?”

“Yes. That would be perfect. I have some more things I want to look at before you get here.”

“You’re already at the office?” He sounded shocked.

“Yes. Remember, I couldn’t sleep. My mind was racing, so I decided to put the time to good use. I have a company to save.” Anticipating his response, she rushed on. “Don’t say it. When it comes to the future of this company, I intend to prove your projections wrong.”

“I just don’t want you to get your hopes up.”

“Too late.” Kate doodled a heart next to her list of possible cost-cutting measures. And then, realizing what she’d drawn, she scratched it out. “My mother always said, you have to have faith that things will work out. My aunt says that good thoughts aren’t enough. You have to back them up with actions. I’m doing both.”

After they hung up, Kate realized that none of her ideas so far were big enough to significantly impact Bayberry’s bottom line. Another cup of coffee and a clean sheet of paper, and she sat there determined to plan a way out of this predicament.

Brunch was over.

Their coffee cups were almost empty.

Wes leaned back in his chair at Mel’s Grille. It was his favorite food stop in town. Not that the Italian restaurant and the burger joint weren’t good. They were. He just preferred Mel’s. He wondered if he could find something like it in New York, near his office.

Wes finished his coffee and then set aside the empty cup. “Mom, it’s so good to see you. I have to admit you really surprised me. Why didn’t you tell me you were coming to Bayberry?”

She smiled at him. “Because I didn’t want to mess up your plans.”

“My plans?”

She nodded. “It seems like every time we try to meet up, you have other obligations, and we miss each other.”

Guilt hit him like an avalanche of snow. “I’m sorry. I know I’ve been working hard. But I promise it won’t always be that way.”