“I’ll do my best to fill up on sweet treats all day long, just to make you happy,” Pam said. “And we’ll start right now. Bought some irresistible goodies yesterday at the bakeshop.” She waved the pastry box in the air. “Indulge with me, woman.”
“Have you ever known me to say no? I shouldn’t let you tempt me, but I want to taste everything before I depart this world. That world-sized goal puts an end to my internal conflict every time and the elusive dream of a twenty-six-inch waist.”
Pam poured the coffee into two huge Santa mugs and added a holiday creamer for taste. She popped open the baker’s box and placed one of everything on a platter. Two small plates for each of them and napkins completed the tempter’s tray. She carried it to the center island and joined her friend. They sat on barstools and Pam watched Denise’s hand stroke the parcel, her itchy fingers threatening to pull the twine free and rip the paper off.
“Go ahead,” Pam said.
Denise glanced her way to see if she were serious then the flushed kid face took over.
“Note the return address: North Pole, Arctic Circle. The sender is C. Claus.” Denise laughed. “Are you kidding me? A package shipped from the homeland of Santa’s workshop. Too good to be true.”
“It’s my experience that when something is that good, it’s usually counterfeit.” Pam received a frown from that negative comment. “Well, my name is almost right. Pamela C. Legend. I never knew I had a middle name. Maybe they shipped to the wrong person.”
“The Claus family do not make mistakes. He does have the list, you know?” Denise said as she took a sip of coffee.
“Ah, yes, the list,” Pam said. Sarcasm tainted her words.
“And you are definitely on the good-girl list. You couldn’t be naughty if the opportunity arrived wearing skin-tight, black leather pants and…”
Pam slapped her friend on the arm. “Enough! What’s wrong with you? Open the thing and stop spouting your nonsense.”
Denise carefully ripped the labels free first and placed them safely to the side. “Evidence,” she explained. The brown wrap tore free, and a box loomed before them. “Another box?” Impatience wore her thin. She pulled at the tape and the lid opened. She stuck her head over the top and groaned. “No way! I give up. Someone meant for you to open this, Miss Patience. I need a sugar fix.” She selected one off the plate. When Pam didn’t move fast enough, she said, “Well, hurry. I have a store to open.”
Pam pulled the parcel in front of her and withdrew a Christmas gift, beautifully wrapped in shiny red paper, tied in thick ribbon, and topped with a huge white bow. She grinned. “I should put it under the tree for tomorrow morning. I haven’t received a gift from Santa – ever!”
“Stay focused! It is July, not Christmas Eve. Open it!”
Pam placed the bow on the pile with the labels and pulled the ribbon. The decorative paper fell open, and she gasped. Fastened atop a finely cut stone, set an ornamental key. Alongside, perched four beautiful white daisies accented by a bright nucleus that matched the brilliant gold of the metal opener. The key was long and elaborate – apparently one that opened an oversized lock. The object resembled something she’d seen in books recounting tales from ages past. She plucked it from its holder on the base and examined it, feeling an aura of those times and a strange sense of belonging. That was absurd, for she was not a history buff.
“C. Claus knows daisies are your favorite flower. How personal is that?” Denise asked.
Pam remained tongue-tied, but Denise was not! She chanted her tireless tease.
“Aha! It’s the key to your heart! How deliciously romantic.”
“My heart is not that big,” said Pam.
“You are so wrong! You have the biggest heart in all of Cedar Springs. Ask anyone.”
Pam held up the key. “I’m a doctor, Denise. I’ve never seen a heart big enough for this. But the ornament is beautiful and will look lovely on my Christmas tree come December.”
“An ornament? No, it has to mean more than a tree decoration. You can buy trimmings at my store anytime.”
“Yes, you can! And maybe you recognize this one? Someone apparently purchased it and sent it to me as a prank,” Pam said.
“Or maybe you have an admirer?”
“Or a stalker.”
Denise grumbled. “Like you to think of the worst scenario.”
“Relax. My life is still open for your meddling purposes, and my heart remains available for Prince charming when he rides into town.”
“But, I now have a partner,” Denise picked up the tag with the postal address on it and examined it again. “How exciting is that?” Pam groaned, then jolted upon hearing her next remark. “What do you think of John?”
“Seriously? John Doe, my patient?” Pam snickered. “He’s not for me. That man has a long, challenging road ahead of him.”
“Probably, but he is handsome and can be quite witty when he’s not wracking his brain for a memory.”
“I must admit he has a certain charm to him. And last night he showed how he loves the unlovable. You’ll be pleased to know that’s high on my wish list for a man.”
“I’m more excited to hear you even have a wish list. Maybe this weekend, since Christmas is our theme, your C. Clause will drop by to see if you received your gift.” Pam cast a grow-up glare in her direction. Denise jumped to the floor. “A girl knows when she’s outstayed her welcome. Drop in the store later and say hi.”
Pam
