Chapter 81

After she dressed, she slipped into her coat, grabbed her purse, and headed out the door. When the elevator doors opened on the first floor, an attractive older woman stood behind the front desk, her hair in a bob that stopped just above her shoulders. A broad smile spread across her face when she saw Kiki.
"Good afternoon, Ms. Long." The woman placed her car keys on the counter and slid them across to her. "A friend of yours asked me to give these to you when you came down."
Kiki smiled as she picked them up off the counter. "You're a mind reader. Thank you miss-."
"Ms. Bennet."
"Like the fictitious character Elizabeth Bennet in Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen?"
The woman's eyebrows rose in surprise. "Not fictitious. I have you know that I am a direct descendant of Elizabeth Bennet herself."
It was all Kiki could do to keep from smiling, but the woman's face was so serious that she dared not. "The character Elizabeth Bennet is one of the most complex fictitious characters ever written."
"Based on my great grandmother, Elizabeth Bennet." The woman was so serious that Kiki wondered why she hadn't been committed yet. But if that was her only flaw-.
"Well, it was nice to meet you, Ms. Bennet." Kiki clasped her keys in her hand. "Thanks, again."
A broad smile appeared upon the woman's face as she waved her hand dismissively in front of her. "Oh, think nothing of it. We hope that you enjoy your stay."
Kiki returned the smile as she gave the woman a nod, and then hurried out the door. Her working there was a testament to Mr. White's character. If the woman did her job, then who cared if she was a bit eccentric?
The cold wind blew across Kiki's face as she stepped outside, bringing with it little bits of snow. As she rushed to her car, it felt good to be able to drive again. And the first place she wanted to go was to Santa's Workshop, a toy store in the center of town.
Luckily, the roads were clear on the way. She just hoped it stayed that way. She would hate to get caught at Taren's house, although she really wouldn't mind it, but she hated the thought of Taren driving her home in the snow. She pushed the thought quickly from her mind, making a mental note to text him later to tell him that it wouldn't be necessary to come for her. After all, she was feeling well enough now to drive herself.
It felt odd thinking of The North Pole Lodge as her home, but home it would be until she could find another place. But she had no intention of taking advantage of Mr. White's generosity nor Taren's friendship with him. She knew she would have to find another place soon, but not now. She pushed the thought aside, determined to enjoy the evening with Taren and his family.
A few streets later, she soon turned down Main Street of Christmas Cove. The giant Christmas tree was still rising majestically in the town square, a testament to the town where Christmas lived three hundred sixty-five days a year. The gazebo was adorned with big red bows and Christmas lights that would come on automatically when night fell, along with the lights that hung outside the Danish and Swiss architecture of the stores. The Christmas tree lot, owned by Caden's parents, had very few trees now that Christmas was over, but was still buzzing with tourists shopping for wreaths or ornaments to take home. They stayed busy all year.
A thrill ran through Kiki as she pulled the car to a stop in front of Santa's Workshop. Even though she was a grown woman, the excitement of childhood still filled her heart each time she entered the store. Toys lined the walls all the way to the ceiling, along with end caps and shelves filled with more toys--a child's wonderland.
"Good afternoon, Ms. Long!" Ralph Cummings, the owner, greeted her with a warm smile. His white beard and matching hair made him look like Santa himself. He takes his turn listening to the wishes of children along with the other professional Santa Clauses year round. He peeked over his reading glasses as his eyes filled with concern. "How are you feeling? I was so sorry to hear about the fire." He walked around the counter and took her hands into his own as he looked into her eyes. "But I'm so glad you got out okay."
She didn't want to go into detail about Taren carrying her out, so she responded, "I was very lucky."
Mr. Cummings nodded his agreement. "Yes, you were." Then a broad smile spread across his face. "Well now, what can I do for you today?" He peered at her over his spectacles once more. "I'm sure you didn't come to see me for my good looks."
Kiki laughed. "No, I'm here for a Christmas gift for a little girl."
A crease formed between his eyes, going into his business mode. "What are her interests?"
Kiki started walking through the store, her hand grazing over some of the toys, as she spoke. "Well, she's great at chess and is very smart, but I wanted to get her something different."
"What do you mean?" Mr. Cummings asked, following her around the store.
She shrugged. "She probably already has a chess set."
"Chemistry set?" he asked, picking one up off the shelf.
She shook her head, smiling. "No, she probably already has one." Then she saw a china doll, its face painted with rosy cheeks, blonde hair, and wearing a crushed red velvet dress. "This is it." She picked it up and cradled it, sure that Abby didn't have one exactly like it.
When she looked up, Mr. Cummings was smiling. "Would you like me to wrap it up for you?"
Kiki nodded. "Yes, please." She handed him the doll and followed him to the register, hoping that Abby liked it. With as much as Taren had done for her, it was the least she could do.