“Lucky girl. And that reminds me, the Theatre Workshop of Nantucket is running Miracle on 34th Street. We might want to go and take Wink.”

“Or we might want Delia to take Wink, and you and I could see a grown-up play.”

Christina laughed. “Actually, I love Miracle on 34th Street. But I’ll check and see what’s on at the White Heron. Oh! Dreamland Theater is streaming a live production of the Bolshoi Ballet doing The Nutcracker. One afternoon only.”

Andy paused. “Mmm, you know I can see ballet live, here in the city. Some opera, too.”

Defensively, Christina said, “It’s true, we don’t have the cultural variety you have in the city, but we have things on the island that make up for that.”

“Sorry, Christina, I didn’t mean to sound like a jerk.”

“I know you didn’t. I know better than anyone how quiet it gets here in the winter. But somehow we’ve all found our own special pleasures—book clubs, bridge, visiting lecturers…Oh! I almost forgot. I’m invited for a drink at your father’s house tomorrow night.”

“Get out of town.”

“It’s true. I called and asked to meet him and we’re set for tomorrow evening. Drinks. At his house.”

“Good luck,” Andy said.

“Thank you. I know I’ll need it.”

“You’ve seen the man in his civil persona. You’re about to meet him as his true self, a businessman with no heart of gold. I would be amazed if he changed his mind.”

“I’d hate myself if I didn’t try,” Christina told him.

“Whatever happens, will you call me afterward and tell me about it?”

“Of course, if you want me to.”

“I want you to. And, Christina, remember: I’m on your side.”

“Thank you, Andy. That means a lot to me.”

“You mean a lot to me,” Andy told her.

—

Christina fell asleep with stars in her eyes after her conversation with Andy, but she woke with butterflies in her stomach, thinking of Oscar. She took a long time getting dressed, wanting to look warm and welcoming to her customers, but businesslike and competent to Oscar.

Her morning in the shop flew by. Snow was forecast for the next day, and people were rushing around buying presents now while the streets were dry.

At noon, she headed down the wharf for lunch at Mimi’s. The other three were already there.

“We shouldn’t stay long,” Jacob said. “Today’s a good shopping day and we don’t want to lose customers.”

“We don’t have to stay at all,” Christina said. “I’ve often eaten my lunch while working.” She hadn’t taken off her gloves, so she waved and turned to go.

“Wait, Christina!” Mimi called. “Wait a moment. We can take a few minutes. Sit down. All of you, sit down.”

Puzzled, Christina sat.