Louise assured her, “You’re just having the Pre-Christmas Crazies. That’s when all kids become little monsters a few days before Christmas. It’s the waiting that builds the tension. We adults probably have some version of it.”

“I think you’re right, Louise,” Christina said. “Talking to you is as good as two glasses of wine.”

“You can phone Dr. Louise anytime,” Louise teased. “Now, give me the scoop about Andy.”

“It’s confusing,” Christina warned.

“I can handle it,” Louise said.

They talked about Andy Bittlesman, and what Christina felt about him (mad crazy lust and love) and what Louise had heard about him (a solid stand-up good guy) and where Anastasiya Belousova was (in Paris, with Wonk; Louise had googled) and what had convinced Louise that her boyfriend, now husband, had really loved her (he named his boat Louise) and what it would take for Andy to convince Christina he loved her (was it too soon to tell?). They talked about Harriet and Jacob and how Louise’s daughter, Dora, adored Wink, and finally Christina said, “I’ve got to go to bed. Tomorrow’s a big day in my shop. It’s Christmas Eve!”

Chapter 20

The late afternoon on Christmas Eve was always profitable for Christina because so many people came rushing in at the last moment, having only just remembered a child on their list. These shoppers usually wanted something that would be a keepsake of the island for a child, and Christina sold out of rainbow sailboats and anything mermaid or whale.

The last customer finally left. Christina took a moment to lean on her counter and take a deep breath. She needed to slow down. She felt as if she’d been in an emotional popcorn popper today.

When she looked up, she saw the tall, handsome man who’d bought the Legos walking toward her store.

He was carrying the box of Legos.

Delia Bittlesman Lombard was walking next to him.

And here we have it, Christina thought, the perfect end to this topsy-turvy day. Delia was making the man return the Legos. The most expensive item in her shop. A huge financial loss for Christina’s Toy Shop.

Hurry up! her Inner Christina shouted. Turn off the lights! Lock the door! Don’t let them in!

Her pride wouldn’t let her do that. She waited in misery as the couple came closer, closer, and then there they were, pushing open her door and stepping into her shop, stamping snow off their feet.

“Hi, Delia,” Christina greeted the other woman, forcing herself to smile.

“Hi, Christina,” Delia said, and she smiled, too, a great big, genuine smile.

Christina stared.

“Christina,” Delia continued, “I’d like you to meet my husband, Jeff. Jeff, this is the Christina Wink’s been telling you all about.”

The big, handsome man in his designer coat (Harriet would hyperventilate) came across the room and held out his hand. “Hello, Christina.”