Once she and Matt were outside, Mandy laughed. “Well, that was quite the evening. Your friend Kevin really seems to like her though.”
“He does. I wish them both well, but I’m in no hurry to do this again.”
Chapter 10
Gina was wiping down the kitchen counter when she heard footsteps outside the door, followed by a knock. She opened the door to let Jared in. They were heading over to the Festival of Trees.
He stepped in, stopped and sniffed the air. “Smells like cookies. Were you baking?”
She smiled. “Yes, I just made my Christmas pizzelles. I make a big batch every year. It’s a family tradition.”
“I’m not familiar with those. What are they like?”
“Try one.” Gina walked over to one of the stacks of cookies. They were wafer-thin, dusted with powdered sugar and looked like delicate snowflakes. She lifted one and placed it on a paper towel so it wouldn’t shake sugar on him. “If you like it, I’ll give you some to take with you. As you can see, the recipe makes a lot.”
Jared took a bite as he looked around the kitchen at the piles of the cookies on paper towels all across the counter.
“Oh, this is good. Is that anise?”
“Yes. It’s the traditional Italian flavor. But some use lemon or vanilla instead. I like the anise. I’ll wrap up a stack for you. They’re great in the morning with coffee.”
“What do you use to make them? Some kind of waffle press?”
“A pizzelle press. It’s similar to a waffle machine and has the snowflake design etched in. They only take about a minute each to cook.” She grabbed a handful of the cookies and wrapped them in a sheet of aluminum foil and handled it to him. “Here you go. I’ll probably bring some into the restaurant, too, so if you run out, there will be more there. I’m going to run and change this sweater to one without sugar. I’ll be right back. Help yourself to another cookie.”
“Thanks, I think I will.”
Gina went off to put on a clean sweater and when she returned, Jared was standing in her living room looking at her easel with the half-finished painting. She had it set up by the big window that let in the best light.
“You did this?” He sounded surprised and impressed.
She nodded. “I went to school for art, but got away from it. I haven’t touched my brushes or paints in over a year and they are in rough shape. My brushes really need to be replaced, but for now, I’m having fun.” The picture was of one of her favorite holiday sights—the lighthouse at Brant Point that was decorated for Christmas with a big red ribbon. She had a photo that she was using for inspiration and it wasn’t coming out too badly, so far. She thought she’d be rusty but it seemed to be coming right back to her.
“That’s really good. You’re talented.” He grinned. “I can barely manage stick people.”
“Thanks! Well, I’m ready if you are. Don’t forget your cookies.”
They decided to walk as it wasn’t too far and the sun was shining. It was cold, but overall a nice, clear day.
“I know you said you haven’t been to the Festival of Trees, but have you been to the Whaling Museum yet?” Jared asked.
“No. I heard it’s good though. I’ve meant to go, but haven’t made it over there yet.”
“Good, you’ll like it. There’s a lot to see and it will be even more fun with the trees.”
There was a small line when they arrived, but it moved quickly and soon they were inside. The inside of the museum was like a Winter Wonderland with decorated trees everywhere. They roamed around looking at all of them. They all had their own personality depending on who had decorated them—local businesses, children, artists, they were all beautiful.
When they finished looking at the trees, Jared showed her around the rest of the museum which was more interesting than Gina had expected. It was probably partly due to Jared’s commentary as they went along. She discovered that he was a big reader. Dennis Lehane was his favorite author, and it turned out they’d gone to the same private Catholic school in Boston, BC High, though Dennis graduated almost twenty years before Jared did. He was also a history buff.
“Did you know that they say in five hundred years, Nantucket won’t be here? It will be underwater.”
“That’s a scary thought.”
“I know, right?
They looked at beautifully decorated scrimshaw pieces—whale teeth that had designs etched into them. There was a whole section with clothing worn in historic times and the vessels. They were at the museum for over two hours and it went by so fast.
They got back to Gina’s place around three-thirty—just in time for her to change for work and head in. Jared was about to jump in his car and do the same, stop home and then into work.
He paused before getting into his car. “Thanks for the cookies. I had fun today.”
She smiled. “I did, too, Thanks for showing me the Festival of Trees. I think I might have to get a tree this week, maybe. I didn’t do it last year, and I like the way it makes my living room feel so bright and cheery.”
“Are you going to get a real tree?”
“Of course! I’m not a fan of the fake ones.”
“I’m not either.” He glanced at Gina’s Jetta. “You won’t be able to get it home in that, though. We can use my Jeep. I think we’re both off on Tuesday. We could go then?”
“Sure, if it’s not too much trouble, that would be great.”
“It’s no trouble at all. I know just where to go. I got my mom’s tree yesterday at Bartlett’s Farm. We could grab dinner after and maybe play some trivia. It’s Christmas Trivia this week, should be fun.”
“You like trivia? I used to play in Boston with some friends all the time. I miss it.”
“Yeah, I like trivia. I usually do okay with the history and geography question.”
Gina laughed. “Good, because those are my weakness. For some reason, I do okay with science ones and entertainment, movies, books.”
“So, we’ll make a good team then. It will be fun.”
She smiled. “I’m looking forward to it. See you in a bit.” Gina went inside, turned on the radio, which was playing Christmas carols and found herself humming along as she wrapped the cooled stacks of cookies in foil to keep them fresh. Boots came running to greet her and rubbed against her legs, purring loudly. She scooped her up and gave her a hug.
“I love that you’re so happy to see me. But I really wasn’t gone long!” She glanced at her food bowl and laughed. “Right, you’re just hungry. That makes more sense.” She filled up her bowl with food before going to change for work. Once again, she’d had a really good time with Jared and couldn’t help comparing him to Alex. They were both handsome in their own ways, but very different personality-wise. Alex was a go-getter, extroverted, energetic and successful.
And Jared was quieter, but she was beginning to see that he was equally passionate about the things he cared about. And he was a lot of fun and easy to be with, but it was comfortable, like a good friend, whereas Alex was maybe a little more exciting. But was that what she wanted?