Thx for the reviews
Chapter 2
The shuttle brought Eric and Nell to the Majestic Yosemite Hotel at 4:00. After checking their coats up front, they got in line for a portrait. Nell gave Eric's hand a squeeze when their turn came. The photographer was a woman with red hair and glowing blue eyes. She wore an outfit similar to the one Hetty helped Nell with for the Renaissance Faire.
"Okay handsome, sign your name and address here and we'll mail it to you", she said after taking their portrait. She was giving Eric some flirtatious looks that were annoying Nell to no end.
"Alright, we have to get going", said Nell trying to keep her voice at an even keel. She put her arm around Eric's as they walked away. He couldn't help but notice that the look on her face resembled the one from the case where Blaze helped them.
"You're really cute when you're jealous", he said.
"I was not jealous."
"Uh huh. Sure you weren't."
"Okay. Maybe a little", Nell admitted. "I don't know how that wench could flirt with you when she just took your picture with your girlfriend."
"Nell, you're the only one I want to spend this time with." Nell smiled. "Besides, I don't think Deeks would like it here." They both laughed.
They sat by the fireplace in the Great Lounge while they waited for line up time for dinner. Christmas carol lyric booklets were handed out for singing along while two pianists played them. These joyful noises went on for 45 minutes.
At 6:00, Eric and Nell entered a room with thirty round, clothed tables that can seat 8-10 guests. Nell marveled at the windows that each hung wreaths with stained glass pieces within their centers. In the center of the room was a banquet table representing Squire Bacebridge's table. They chose a table three rows from the front. Eric pulled out Nell's chair like a proper gentleman.
The hall became silent at the 6:30 chimes. For the next 3 ½ hours, they enjoyed a visual feast of music, humor, customs, and tomfoolery, instigated by the jester calling himself the Lord of Misrule, while they ate. The performance paused as each of seven coarses was delivered. Eric was really enjoying the dried cranberries and spiced candied walnuts that came with the Little Gem Salad. After loving the dishes of baba ghanoush, dungenes crab, and Angus beef tenderloin, Nell felt the dessert of plum pudding to be a letdown. Something about the flavor was off. The actor playing Squire Barcebridge sat at the banquet table and proposed a toast of wassail towards the ends.
Eric and Nell discussed the pageantry of the Bcacebridge Dinner all the way back to their room. Eric sat at the small table. Nell took off her shoes before sitting across from him.
"Thank you", she said.
"For what", asked Eric.
"For something to add to our usual Christmas fun."
"You would come back?" eric had that grin again.
"As long as it's with you." She leaned across the table for a quick kiss.
"Merry Christmas", said Nell.
"Merry Christmas, Jingle Nell Roc", replied Eric repeating the pet name from the bar. Nell giggled in response.
"I'm sorry you were disappointed by the plum pudding."
"Well, it's not too late for a better dessert", said Nell leaning in for another kiss, this time with a hint of tongue.
She arched her eyebrows flirtatiously. Eric tried to lean in, but Nell teasingly pulled away. She got up and stood in front of the bed. Eric sat dumbfounded.
"If I remember correctly, you tried to start something before we left. I suggest we pick up where we left off." All of the sudden, Eric remembered what she was referring to, Nell bowed. "My lord."