Chapter 10
Morning in Harmony dawned on a winter wonderland.
The sidewalks were empty save for a few early risers, and Reese Durkee's habitual trek to the Book Café was quick and uneventful. Palm pilot in hand, he absently reached for the door handle, frowning when he found the door still locked. He checked his watch, and finding that he'd arrived a few minutes early, turned to go.
"Reese, wait!" Beth called breathlessly, yanking the door open. "We're open." She smiled to herself when Reese turned around without looking up, still studiously absorbed in whatever factoid was displayed on the screen of his palm pilot. She stepped aside to admit him, grateful when he had enough presence of mind to stomp the snow from his boots. She walked behind the counter and got to work, the rich aroma of coffee soon invading the air.
Pushing his glasses back on his nose, Reese's blue eyes sparkled with the pleasure of finding a new nugget of information as he looked at Beth and inquired, "Did you know that in Brazil Santa arrives by helicopter instead of a sleigh? Actually, he's called Papai Noel…"
"Interesting," Beth agreed with a smile, setting three steaming Styrofoam cups of coffee before Reese.
"And much more practical," Reese mused, frowning at the extra cup of coffee.
"Christmas mall hours are insane," Beth explained. "If I know Hank, he's hit the snooze button five times already and is contemplating smashing his alarm clock into the nearest wall the next time it goes off. The jolt of caffeine won't work wonders, but it'll help."
"Did you know caffeine is more addictive than…" Reese began, ready to launch into another informative monologue when Beth shooed him out of the Book Café with an amused shake of her head.
"Say good morning to Kay for me."
Does anybody actually have palm pilots anymore?
LOL!
I started this fic ages ago so some things might seem a little...dated.
;)
Anyway, I hope you are enjoying the story.
Feedback is loved and adored.
Thanks so much for reading!