“Thank you.” Missy didn’t know what to say. She was still basking in the applause.
Dylan sang a few more songs and ended his set. He came over and sat beside her. “That was fun, wasn’t it? Singing together again? And your song was great.”
“Thank you. It was fun to sing with you again.” She eyed Dylan over her beer glass. “But you shouldn’t have waylaid me like that.”
“I was afraid if I asked you beforehand, you’d say no. But I knew you wouldn’t walk away once they started clapping for you to come up.”
“You’re a sly one, Dylan Rivers.”
He winked at her. “Well, it worked.”
Shawn and Belinda stood up. “We better head home. We told Belinda’s mother we wouldn’t be late. Gotta go gather up our little guy. I’ve got an early day at the tree lot tomorrow.” Shawn paused and smiled. “It was good to see you again, Missy.”
“Same here.” Missy realized it had been good to see Shawn. Shawn and Belinda. Somehow seeing how happy they were together had brought a kind of closure to that portion of her life. The portion that had always wondered “what if.”
“They are a great couple, aren’t they?” Dylan nodded towards Shawn and Belinda as they wound their way across Frankie’s towards the door.
“They are. They seem just perfect for each other.”
Frankie herself came up to their table with two beers in her hand. “Here you go, you two. The set was great. Dylan knows he’s welcome here anytime, but Missy, you’re welcome to sing here anytime, too.” She set the beers on the table. “On the house. Enjoy. And if you’ve got any more time while you’re in town, you come by here and do a set for us, okay?”
“Thanks, Frankie.” Missy smiled at the woman. Frankie had to be fifty years old. Short. Slender. Always had on slim jeans, cowboy boots, and a Frankie’s t-shirt. Not much had changed here over the years either.
Dylan raised his beer glass to hers. “To a good set.”
They clinked beer mugs and then sipped their drinks. Missy enjoyed the easy camaraderie she and Dylan shared. It was like they’d slipped right back into their friendship of years ago. She was glad to have a friend here in town.
“I guess I should be heading back to Becky Lee’s. It’s getting late.”
“Did you drive or walk over?”
“I walked. Love being able to walk to so many places here. Besides, I feel safe walking around Comfort Crossing after dark.”
“Well, how about I walk you back to Becky Lee’s anyway.”
“Sure.” Missy stood up and put on her jacket. She followed Dylan to the door, pausing a few times while he spoke to people at tables. Each time the people said they’d enjoyed her song, too. It was nice. Very nice.
~ * ~
It was a nice night for a walk. Dylan assured himself that was all this was. But, if he were honest with himself, he really enjoyed Missy’s company. He’d forgotten how easy she was to talk to.
They strolled down Main Street, popping in and out of the light from the street lamps lining the street. White Christmas lights were strung across the street at intervals. Red bows were tied on each and every lamp post. He really enjoyed this time of year. The town looked so festive and people were extra friendly.
“So are you going to go to the tree lighting ceremony tomorrow night?” Dylan finally broke the companionable silence.
“Wouldn’t miss it. Besides, I’m sure mom will wrangle me into hauling over the bazillion dozens of cookies she made. You going?”
“Of course. Never miss it. I’m letting the kids out early from the play practice for it.”
“You’re heading up the kids’ pageant this year?”
“I am as of this week. Miss Judy who usually does it is got called out of town. Had to go take care of her mother. She begged me to take over so the show could go on. I will say, I’m not the best kid wrangler out there.” Dylan turned to Missy. “Hey, you want to help me out? We meet at four at the town hall. I sure could use the help.”
“Oh, I don’t know. I’m not that great with kids, myself.” Missy’s brown eyes looked doubtful.
“Please don’t make me beg…”
Missy laughed. “Okay, I’ll be there at four and see if I can help any. I remember doing the pageant when we were kids. They still doing the play about when a stranger came to Comfort Crossing for Christmas?”
“We are. With a few changes here and there, but basically the same story.” Dylan paused under a street lamp. “A stranger comes to town and when people tell him what they want for Christmas, their wishes come true. You know, my grandmother swore it’s based on a true story. Happened years ago right here in Comfort Crossing.”