Page 26 of A Cozy Kind of Christmas
TWENTY-THREE
MEG
The night sky opened like a velvet book stitched with stars. Darkness spread across the resort, punctuated by twinkle lights and the lapping flames of the bonfire in the communal clearing near the lodge.
The blazing bonfire and smell of mulled spices and sweets drew Meg to the crackling flames.
Christmas music played on portable speakers—Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, and Ella Fitzgerald—all her favorites.
Blankets hung over the back of the cheery red and green Adirondack chairs circling the bonfire.
A vintage buffalo plaid canopy was set up near the fire with long tables covered in matching tablecloths and lit with red and green lanterns.
Meg’s mouth watered at the incredible spread.
There were all the makings for s’mores—marshmallows, assorted chocolates, graham crackers, and expensive skewer sticks with Lucinda’s family’s Blazen logo etched into silver.
Molten chocolate bubbled from a fondue fountain surrounded by artisan dessert boards loaded with every dipping treat imaginable, from buttery pound cake to fresh berries.
Yet another reason she wished she could hate Lucinda.
Everything was picture-perfect.
No notes.
“This is amazing,” Meg said aloud as she read the dessert and drink menu from the catering company. “‘Yes, Cheese’—okay, that’s adorable.”
A woman about her age grinned, handing her a copper mug. “Thanks, that’s me. Yes, Cheese.” She pressed her hands under her chin and posed for Meg. Then she tugged on the strings of her cheery red holiday apron and pointed to the logo on her chest.
Meg took the mug, weighing between a hot toddy or a mulled spiced cider. “I’m a sucker for a good pun.”
“Me too.” The woman swept her hand over the fully stocked bar. “I’m Marissa, and Yes, Cheese is at your service this evening.”
“And yet we seem to be missing one key thing—cheese.” Meg smiled as she took in the smorgasbord board of delights.
“No, no. Keep looking. Work your way down the tables.” She gestured to the gorgeous spread that seemed to go on for miles. “There’s a cheese fondue section at the end with the savory offerings and more cheese boards. I mean, because cheese. What’s a party without it? Am I right?”
“For sure. I never say no to cheese. The cheesier, the better, in my humble opinion—in food and life.” Meg liked her instantly. “What a cool concept. I’m guessing this is your business.”
“For now.” Marissa frowned, reaching into her red-and-white candy-striped apron and handing Meg a business card.
“If you know anyone else in Bend looking for holiday catering, send them my way. Business has been kind of slow. When I got the call from Lucinda about this, I jumped at the chance. She’s always been great to me.
Lucinda is the best. She’s such a dream to work with.
Blazen hires me for their work events, but I’m trying to do more holiday parties, weddings, birthdays, you name it. If you need cheese, I’m your girl.”
“I’m only visiting, but I’ll keep my ears open,” Meg said, taking the card anyway. She knew how challenging it was to carve out a steady income as a freelancer. She could only imagine the same must be true for a cheese board business. “Lucinda is a regular client?”
“Yes, one of my best,” Marissa gushed, pressing her hands together in gratitude.
“I don’t know what I’d do without her business.
She’s so chill, too. She lets me do my thing.
She usually has a vision like for tonight, but she isn’t hands-on like some of my other clients.
There’s no micromanaging with Lucinda, which is great.
” Marissa brushed her hands together. Then she glanced over Meg’s shoulder like she was looking for someone.
“In fact, I’m kind of worried because I’ve heard some rumors about changes at Blazen.
Bend is still a pretty small town, so word tends to travel.
I just hope that Lucinda sticks around. I’ve been trying to catch her, but I haven’t seen her yet tonight. Have you?”
“No.” Meg shook her head. “What kind of changes at Blazen?”
Marissa shrugged. “Another client mentioned there’s a restructuring in the works, but I don’t have any details. I’m crossing my fingers she loves what I put together. I know this is a big night for her. By the way, what can I get you to drink?”
“I’ll take a hot toddy.” Meg held out her mug for Marissa to fill.
“Enjoy,” Marissa said, finishing the drink with a cinnamon stick.
“It should be a great party. I heard some of the other staff saying there might even be an engagement coming soon. How cool would that be? What if it happens tonight? It’s so dreamy—the stars, the bonfire, the Christmas carols.
All of Lucinda’s friends are here. I would absolutely be over the moon if someone proposed to me like that. ”
A stabbing pain throbbed in Meg’s stomach like she was being attacked by a swarm of angry wasps. “Uh, an engagement? You mean like as in a proposal?” She expelled a long breath. Her body felt numb all over, and not just because of the cold.
Oh, no, please don’t let that be true.
Not tonight.
Not here.
“Yeah. That’s the rumor. She’s dating a guy who also works for the company. He’s the complete package—talk about the ultimate partnership.” Marissa crossed her fingers on both hands. “We’ll have to wait and see. Sounds like love is in the air tonight and we’ll have a front row seat!”