A Christmas in Connecticut Page 11

  “It’ll be okay,” Emmy said softly. “You didn’t plan any of this…it just happened. But you do need to tell him.”

  Claire was silent as she nodded her head in agreement. She just hoped Jack saw it that way, too.

  Chapter 14

  Claire had her mind on whether this was the right time to reveal herself to Jack. They were on their way to Mason’s Turkey Farm, about thirty-minutes away. Jack had told her to bundle up as it was brisk outside. She’d donned her warmest coat and added her scarf, hat, and mittens.

  She looked over at Jack as he drove. He looked hot as usual in a flannel shirt over a white t-shirt. A red beanie pulled over his head. What would his reaction be when he found out she wasn’t the real deal? Would he be angry? Hurt? Would he still be attracted to her? These thoughts swirled in her mind. As she continued to stare at him, he broke out into a big grin.

  “I can feel your eyes on me,” he said, looking straight ahead.

  “I was just thinking,” she replied. Her stomach was in knots.

  “I’ve been thinking too.” He glanced over at her before returning his eyes to the road. “I could use your advice about something.”

  What is this about? “Sure…I’m all ears.”

  “I’ve been really wracking my brain trying to find a solution for the store…it’s not doing well, hasn’t been for a while.”

  “I’m sorry, Jack.” Claire reached out and touched him on the arm. “I know how much it means to you.”

  “For all of dad’s great qualities, running a business wasn’t one of them. I’m trying to figure out how to keep it afloat. I don’t want to lose it. It’s important not only to me and Beth, it’s our legacy really, but it’s important to the town…at least to those who haven't taken their business to one of the giants.” He ran a hand over his face, remaining silent for a moment. “I was thinking of investing in a website.” He glanced over at her. “I’m just not sure whether that will help…and the cost of getting someone to build one won’t be cheap.”

  Claire was nodding her head. “It’s a step in the right direction, but you’re right, you need more than just a website.”

  “That’s what I keep coming back to as well.”

  They were silent for a few minutes. Claire looked out the window and watched as farms, dotted with sheep and horses flanked by gentle rolling hills, sped by. “You could try writing a blog.” She looked over at Jack.

  “A blog? Like what you do?”

  “Yeah…except you would use it to direct traffic to your website, or into the store for sales.”

  Jack lowered his brows. “I’m not really seeing how that would work.” He glanced over at her briefly before returning his eyes to the road.

  “Let’s say you blogged about a project…such as your bird houses…that’s it Jack,” Claire clapped her mittened hands together, “you could blog about building birdhouses, you know…a DIY project, and then direct your readers to the store for all the materials they would need…ohhh…you could even offer kits…everything ready to go to build the bird house in one box.” She smiled and her eyes lit up as she continued to think out loud. “Maybe you could even ramp up to playhouses and doll houses.”

  Jack nodded his head. “But how do I get people to even find the blog…it would be like a needle in a haystack, right?”

  “You’d need a social media presence. That’s how I launched City Meets Country, I blasted beautiful photos with hashtags all over social media. Little by little people began to follow…you direct them to the blog which then—”

  “—directs them to the store’s website, where they hopefully make a purchase.”

  “Exactly!” Claire felt really excited…this was right up her alley, and she knew it could be successful, the birdhouses were so adorable, scaling them larger into doll houses and playhouses wouldn’t be that hard.

  “Except I wouldn’t be able to write a blog. And social media? Yeah…don’t think I’m going to be able to do that either.” Jack had pulled onto a winding road which led to a red barn and fenced area with what appeared to be hundreds of turkeys running around. On the side of the barn “Mason’s Turkey Farm” was painted in big white letters.

  “But I know how to do those things,” she said excitedly.

  Jack was silent for a minute before replying. “Except you’re leaving.” He looked over at her, his mouth set in a firm line as he got out of the truck.

  Right. I’m leaving. Claire sat for a second, trying to sort out her thoughts. Am I leaving? She opened the truck’s door and climbed out. Jack had walked over to a tall man wearing overalls and a barn coat.

  “Claire, this is Henry Mason, this farm has been in his family for generations. He and my dad were good friends.”

  “Hi,” Claire shook the farmer’s hand. “This is beautiful. Oh my gosh…how many turkeys are out here?” She watched them roaming around their fenced-in area.

  “We raise about a hundred turkeys a year.”

  “They all look so happy…out in the fresh air with lots of room to run around.” The sight of the turkeys strutting and pecking at the ground was exactly as Claire pictured.

  “We feed them only organic foods, all the grasses and berries here are treated without pesticides.”

  “That’s awesome,” Claire replied. “Healthy turkeys.” She smiled excitedly.

  “Feel free to walk around, let me know if you have any questions. Good to see you, Jack.” The farmer shook Jack’s hand.

  “I’m going to get some terrific pictures.” Claire felt inspired as she snapped pictures of the turkeys, their barn, and the beautiful countryside. The clean crisp air filled her lungs. You certainly didn’t get this kind of air in L.A.

  “I was surprised you hadn’t included any photos on your blog from your turkey farm visit.” Jack had taken one of her hands in his.

  “I think I had camera trouble that day,” Claire murmured. Shit, Claire…another lie.

  They walked quietly hand in hand.

  “I think your ideas for the store are really good.” He looked at her, giving her hand a squeeze. “I just don’t think…scratch that…I know that I don’t have the skill set for it.”

  “But I do, Jack…and before you point out the fact that I’m leaving…it could work. There’s no reason in the world why I couldn’t do it remotely from Los Angeles.”

  “How are you going to take pictures remotely?” He stopped walking and looked at her.

  “I’m sure you can take pictures, Jack. Really.” Why is he putting up obstacles that aren’t there?

  “Well sure…I can…but I’ve seen your blog and social media…you take fantastic pictures.”

  Claire finished with her camera and looked over at Jack. He had his hands shoved in his pockets…a look on his face that Claire couldn’t quite decipher.

  They continued to walk, making a big loop around the entire farm, ending up back in front of the barn where Henry was waiting for them.

  “Well, I think I’ve got a lot of good shots…I’m ready to go anytime you are.” She looked over at Jack, before turning her attention to the farmer. “It was really nice meeting you, thank you for showing us your farm; the turkeys are simply adorable.” Claire held her hand out to the old man.

  “Aren’t you going to pick one out?” He scratched his head with one hand as he shook Claire’s outstretched hand with the other.

  “Pick one out for what?” she asked, feeling puzzled. Jack was looking at her with a bewildered look on his face.

  “To be slaughtered, of course,” the farmer replied.

  “Slaughtered?” Claire shrieked. Her eyes went from Jack to the farmer and back to Jack again.

  “Just pick one out for us, Henry,” Jack said.

  “City people…where do they think their food comes from?” the farmer mumbled as he walked off, shaking his head.

  “Jack…he’s going to slaughter a turkey for us?” Claire felt her throat tighten.

  “Of course…what did you think w
e were going to do…take it to a movie? Didn’t you pick one out before?”

  Claire was pretty sure that Emmy had picked theirs out at Whole Foods. A horrible feeling began in her stomach, making its way up to her chest.

  “We…we… we could get a Tofurkey instead,” she pleaded.

  “A toe what?” Jack looked at her as if she’d sprouted horns.

  “A Tofurkey…you know…a turkey made from tofu.” She was nodding her head quickly, eyebrows raised, her mittened hands clasped together. Oh please.

  “A turkey… made of tofu? Seriously?” Jack looked incredulous before clearing his throat. “I’m pretty sure Marty doesn’t carry those at the market.”

  “But…but…we—” Just then there was the sickening sound of a turkey screeching loudly; a split second later everything went silent.

  “Well…I think it’s a moot point now,” Jack said.

  “Oh no,” Claire wailed. She buried her face in Jack’s chest. “Poor turkey,” she sobbed.

  Claire held the bag containing the turkey on her lap as they drove back to River Falls in silence. Every few minutes a shudder would wrack her shoulders and her eyes would well up with tears that would then roll slowly down her cheeks. And even though she wasn’t intrinsically religious, she prayed for the turkey’s soul all the way home before breaking out in another sob. I should become a vegetarian.

  Jack had tried to console her. He looked puzzled by her reaction. He seemed to be trying to make her feel better, but it wasn’t working.

  “I’m confused…I mean…you visited a turkey farm before…you’ve written about cooking turkeys on your blog…I’ve seen you eat turkey at Jenny’s. I don’t understand where all the tears are coming from.” He reached out and put an arm around her. “What’s up?”

  She tried to speak without sobbing. Maybe something more was going on here. Was it hormones? It was close to that time of the month. Was it the stress from the fact that she was falling for this man, but her life was three thousand miles away? Was it her guilt over not telling him yet? What’s going on? Maybe all those things had combined into the perfect storm today. She continued to let out a sob every few minutes until Jack pulled up in front of her house.

  “Do you want me to stay with you?” His face was full of concern. “I’m a very good comforter, you know. I could make you some tea…stay with you until you’re feeling better, or even all night if that’s what you wanted.”

  Claire shook her head no. She said something about wanting some time to herself before slipping out of the truck. Jack walked her to the door and kissed her lightly on the head before saying goodbye.

  “Emm it was horrible! I caused a turkey to die,” Claire said into the phone’s screen. She was wracked with guilt over what had happened.

  Emmy screwed up her face. “Uh…what did you think was going to happen, Claire? I mean…you were at a turkey farm…turkey is on the menu. Seriously, what were you thinking?”

  “Oh, don’t look at me like that. I’m not sure what I was thinking, but I didn’t think we were going to commit turkey homicide.”

  “But that’s were turkeys come from…even the ones from Whole Foods.”

  “I know—” Claire let out a shuddered breath. “I feel responsible for Tom’s death.” She wiped a tear from her cheek.

  “Tom? Claire, please tell me you didn’t give the turkey a name.”

  She was nodding her head. “I did. I don’t know Emm…you’re right, I should have expected that was going to happen. What’s wrong with me? I’m a big bundle of nerves the past few days.”

  “I think you know where it’s coming from. I’m guessing you didn’t tell him yet?”

  “No, I didn’t. We got to talking about his business, and some ideas to make it profitable. Emm…I could totally help him.” Claire relayed to Emmy the ideas she and Jack had discussed.

  “Claire, that’s a brilliant idea. You could totally make that work. That pic you sent me of the birdhouse was adorable! Of course, those would sell…either pre-made or as kits. And you’re right, easy to scale up to doll houses and playhouses, they probably have everything needed already in stock.”

  “Right? It’s really a brilliant plan. But I’m going back in a couple of weeks…how does that work?”

  “Well, everything you’ve laid out could be done from here.”

  “I know. But then I wouldn’t be near him.” Claire peeked up at her friend.

  Emmy’s face smiled and it looked as if something had just dawned on her. “You’re falling in love with him.”

  Claire just nodded her head and let out a big sigh. “I might be. It’s crazy, right? We’ve only known each other a few weeks.”

  “No, not crazy at all. My parents met, fell in love, and got married in just a couple of months…look at them. They’ve been married for thirty-five years. My dad always says, ‘when you know, you know.’ Do you think Jack feels the same?”

  “I think so…but he doesn’t know who I really am.”

  “He knows the person he spends time with, Claire. That’s all that matters.”

  “I hope you’re right.” Claire bit her lip. I hope you’re right.

  Chapter 15

  Beth squealed with delight as Jack handed her the carton of ice cream.

  “Best brother ever…hands down.” She closed her eyes as she spooned in the chocolate treat. “Marty will probably be happy when he no longer needs to order this by the case.”

  “You think that will stop once you give birth? If I remember correctly, you’ve always loved that flavor.”

  “Yeah, but I wasn’t eating three pints of it a week,” she snorted before putting the carton down on her nightstand. “What’s up, Jack? I can tell something is on your mind.”

  Beth had always had a sixth sense when anything was bothering him, no matter how well he tried to disguise it. When they were kids, she’d instinctively known when he’d had a bad day at school or if a girl had broken his heart. She rarely said anything. She’d just put her arm around him and give him a hug and he would know she was there for him. But when their dad died, they both had needed support. Jack had tried his best to console Beth but had needed his own comfort. It was part of the reason that he felt so powerfully connected to Claire, she’d offered that support to him.

  “It’s Claire. Something doesn’t add up…and I’m not sure it really matters to be honest.” He rubbed the back of his neck and sat down at the end of the bed, Archie ambled over and flopped down next to him.

  Beth looked at him quizzically. “What doesn’t add up?”

  “It’s as if she’s a different person from who she is online.” He looked over at his sister while scratching Archie’s ears.

  “I think that’s probably normal that people are not exactly the same as their public presence…don’t you?”

  “No…I mean, yeah…I agree with that. But this is more…if I didn’t know any better, I’d say she’s practically cooked nothing in her life. When we made the gingerbread house, it was as if she’d never done it before, and then at the turkey farm today…she just kind of lost her shit when it came time for us to tell Henry which turkey we wanted. She has mentioned something about using ‘creative license’ a few times, I mean…maybe she’s been trying to tell me something.”

  Beth sat up straighter. “So, you think she may not know about any of the things in the blog? If that was the case, then where are those ideas and recipes coming from…oh my god, Jack…do you think she’s poaching this stuff from other sources and claiming them as her own?” Beth’s eyes were huge as she said this.

  “I don’t think so…in my gut, and I’ve got to feel like my gut is right, but it feels more like I just don’t have the full picture…not that she’s straight up stealing ideas. At least I don’t think so. I want you to know this so that you’re prepared for Christmas to not look quite like the photos in City Meets Country.

  Beth was nodding her head. “No problem. But wow. I had no idea. I mean, I kind of had a fun
ny feeling after Sheila said she didn’t think Claire knew what she was doing…it seemed odd, but I let it go. But then there was the gingerbread house…and Jack, no offense, but it looks like a ten-year-old made it.”

  “None taken.” He let out a big sigh. “Whatever is going on, it hasn’t changed how I feel about her, but it’s made me curious as hell…and I hope she feels comfortable enough to confide in me…sooner rather than later.”

  “She has your heart…doesn’t she?” Beth smiled at him.

  “She does. I can’t put my finger on the exact reasons…but I’m happier when she’s around…she makes me feel hopeful and good, if even for only a few more weeks.”

  “Have you guys talked about what’s going to happen when she returns to L.A.?”

  Jack shook his head.

  “Not at all?” Beth asked, a look of surprise on her face.

  “Nope. It seems as if neither of us wants to hear the answers…so we just keep moving forward in silence.”

  They sat quietly for a few minutes. Archie had resumed his place next to Beth and let out a big snort before closing his eyes.

  “She had some interesting ideas for the store, though.” Jack relayed to Beth Claire’s ideas.

  “Jack, that’s really kind of brilliant. I think it would work and I think you could do it…with some help. Maybe she could do it…I mean, she could even do it from L.A.”

  “She said the same thing. And I guess she could...if she even really has those skills though, right?” But she must, Jack thought, otherwise why would she have offered to help him?

  Jack walked Archie and then made sure Beth had everything she needed. Tyler was in Boston again but would be home with lobsters in hand for their annual tradition of a lobster dinner on Christmas Eve.