Chapter 101

Kiki opened the door of the Christmas Cove Jewelry Store, determined to get back to work. To have some semblance of a normal life again. Even though it was getting late, she was surprised to see that the store was still open, but thought she'd take advantage of it.
"Yeah! You're back!" Jocelyn shouted as she walked in. "Roxanne, James! Kiki's here!"
Kiki had almost forgotten that Jocelyn had hired James right before Christmas. He must have been working out pretty well. After all, he was still there.
"Oh, for heaven's sake!" Kiki took off her coat and draped it over her arm. "It's just me."
Jocelyn hurried around the corner of the display case, and flung her arms around Kiki, pulling her in for a hug. When she released her, she looked into her eyes. "So, when are you coming back?"
"Soon, I hope." Kiki forced a smile. Even though she was happy to see her, the pain of losing Taren to his ex was still too fresh in her mind. "But I need to talk to Roxanne first."
"It's good to see you again." James leaned against the front counter, placing his hands on the edge of the glass. Kiki cringed, knowing that was a faux pas in the jewelry business.
"Take your hands off the glass," Roxanne ordered, walking into the room.
James quickly stepped away and then reached for a rag under the counter and started cleaning the glass right away. "Yes, ma'am."
Roxanne rolled her eyes. But her scowl turned into a smile when she looked over and saw Kiki. "It's great to have you back." Then she stepped closer and held both of her hands. "Please, tell me that you're coming back."
Kiki laughed. If Roxanne was that eager to have her back, James must have really been driving her crazy.
"That's what I'd like to talk to you about." Kiki let out a deep breath, feeling funny having to ask Roxanne for her job back, even though she had never quit. "When can I come back?"
"Is tomorrow too soon?" Roxanne asked, raising an eyebrow.
Even though the next day was New Year's Eve, Kiki shook her head and smiled. "No. That's perfect. What time?"
Roxanne walked behind the counter as she talked. "Jocelyn will redo the schedule and will put you on it." Turning to Jocelyn, she asked, "What time would you like her to come in tomorrow?"
"Well, James is off-." She turned to Kiki. "So, is nine o'clock too early?"
Kiki shook her head as a smile spread across her face. "No. That'll be fine. I'll see you then."
"Now that that's settled, let's close up for the night." Roxanne took the rag from James and placed it back under the counter. Then she looked up and her eyes met Kiki's. "Welcome back." She walked to the back room and emerged a moment later, her purse and coat in hand. "I trust that you can close up without incident?" she asked James. When he nodded sheepishly, she added, "Good. I'll see you all tomorrow. Have a good evening." Then she walked out the door, appearing to be eager to leave.
James let out a deep breath and then rushed over and locked the door behind her. "That woman is driving me crazy! Is she always like that?"
Kiki and Jocelyn looked at each other and then burst out laughing.
Kiki turned to him and replied, "I'm afraid so. But don't worry. She'll loosen up a bit after she gets to know you."
James let out a deep breath. "That's what I'm afraid of."
Jocelyn laughed. "Don't worry. She treated me like that when I first came here, too. Now, I'm the manager."
James smiled, raising his eyebrows. "You mean, there's still hope?"
Kiki chuckled. "Yes, of course. We all have to go through the Roxanne orientation, and then you'll be a permanent fixture around here." Then she turned to Jocelyn. "Are you in a hurry to go home?"
Jocelyn smiled. "Why? What do you have in mind?"
"Santa's Cafe?"
"Sounds great!" Jocelyn pulled her phone from her pocket. "I'll let Caden know I'll be a bit late."
"I'll help James while you text." Kiki walked behind the counter. It felt great to be back, even for just a few moments. She needed some semblance of normalcy. And if she couldn't have it at home, then maybe she could have it at work.
A few minutes later, everything was stowed.
"James, why don't you go ahead and go." Kiki smiled.
"I was hoping you'd say that." He quickly slid on his coat. From the way he was shifting his weight, he couldn't wait to leave. He'd probably had enough, especially if Roxanne had been there all day.
"Thanks, but are you sure you'll both be okay?" His eyebrows pulled together in concern. "I mean, I don't want you ladies to walk outside alone."
Kiki reached up and patted him on the shoulder. "No, you go ahead. We've worked late on many nights. I think we'll be okay. Besides, don't you have to go to school tomorrow?" If Kiki remembered correctly, he was a senior in high school and on track to graduate in May.
"Yes, but that's beside the point. I don't want to leave two defenseless women--"
"Okay. That's enough," Kiki cut him off, as she started pushing him toward the door, her old Emo-self taking over. "We may be women, but we sure aren't defenseless." She opened the door. "But it's nice to see that chivalry is still in. Night!" She pushed him out and locked the door behind him.
Outside, he waved as he pulled his coat around him and then hurried to his car, looking as if he was glad to finally be free.
Jocelyn laughed. "You didn't have to do that, you know."
"What?" Kiki asked, giving her an innocent look.
Jocelyn smiled as she shook her head. "Nothing. I just missed you."
"I missed you, too." Kiki checked the glass cases to make sure they were locked. "Now, go get your things and let's go have some hot chocolate."
"Why're you in such a hurry?" Jocelyn walked to the back, her voice carrying, and then emerged a moment later, wearing her coat, with her purse slung over her arm.
Kiki turned off the lights and slipped back into her coat, as well. She shrugged. "I missed you, too." She didn't want to get into it here.
"Uh huh." From the sound of it, Jocelyn wasn't buying it.
Kiki lifted an eyebrow. "You know me too well."
Jocelyn opened the door and smiled, looking smug. "Yes, I do." Then she thought of something and added, "But that's a good thing."
Kiki laughed, already feeling better. Somehow, being with and talking to Jocelyn always made her feel better. Jocelyn had been the best friend she ever had. She walked outside and cold air rushed to her, causing her to shiver.