Marriage Matters

Sixty-three

Kristine hovered by the cash register, staring off into space. Not ideal, considering the holiday rush was happening all around her. The normally cheerful staff was shooting her looks to kill.

There was a loud bang from upstairs and she jumped. The landlord had started doing construction in the space above the store, just in time to add more chaos to the holiday season. She had the Christmas music turned up loud, but in between “Holly Jolly Christmas” there was the whir of the drill or a steady banging. The whole thing was giving her a headache.

“Where are the rest of the Spanish Santa cards?” Annie demanded, swooping up to the counter. She was wearing a deliberately ironic snowman sweater, complete with carrot noses made out of felt. “I know we haven’t sold through all of them.”

“Um . . .” Kristine blinked, trying to remember. “In the office. I put the extras back there to make them look more in demand. Do you want me to—”

“I’ve got it.” Annie took off her glasses and quickly cleaned them with a tissue. Sliding them back on, she said, “But if you could just refill the coffee pots and put on some more mint cocoa, that would be a big help.”

“Okay.” She nodded. “Absolutely.”

Normally, the holiday season was her favorite time of year. Not only was business booming, but she loved the smell of the fresh-baked cookies that they served from morning until night and the thrill of helping people find that perfect gift. This year, though, Kristine couldn’t concentrate. She was so confused.

Kevin was doing his best to fix a bad situation, that much was for sure. She had been receiving cards in the mail from him, little love notes saying things like, Can’t wait to see you again, Firecracker! or I love you more than honey-roasted airline peanuts. But just like the last-minute trip to Italy, it all felt just a little too late. Years ago, she had loved getting cards from him. Now, it just wasn’t enough.

On a late-night phone call, where Kristine suspected he’d been drinking, Kevin insisted that things were going to be fine. That he had some news that would make her “very, very happy.” Kristine had just rolled her eyes. She was so tired of talking, so tired of being alone.

The bells on the door jingled and she forced herself to snap to her senses. Straightening her shoulders, she walked over to the coffee display. She threw away the paper cups that were lying around and loaded the gigantic carafe onto a cart. Wheeling the cart back toward the utility room that served as a makeshift kitchen, she even managed to smile and say hello to a few regular customers.

At the door to the kitchen, Annie stopped her. “Listen,” she said, frowning behind her black-framed glasses. “I’m sorry if I sounded short. I’ve just been worried about you.”

Kristine pasted on a smile. “Annie, I’m fine.”

“Kris, be real with me.” Annie put a hand on her arm. “The big triple wedding is right around the corner. I mean, I know mothers who have lost their mind just handling one wedding. Like, stone-cold nuts. So, the fact that you’re trying to deal with three?” Annie raised her eyebrow, her eyebrow ring winking. “That’s enough to push anyone over the edge.”

Kristine bit her lip. “Yeah. It’s . . .” She sighed. “It’s a handful.”

“Are . . . Are you and Kevin having problems?” Annie blurted out.

Kristine flushed, surprised that her friend would be so blunt. “Every relationship has problems.” She forced herself to keep it light. “But that’s life, right? We’ll work it out.”

Annie hesitated, as though debating on whether or not to tell her something. There was another bang from upstairs.

“What is all that noise?” Kristine demanded, looking up. “It’s so annoying.”

“Things aren’t always what they seem, Kristine.” Annie’s eyes were intent behind her glasses. “Hang in there. I promise you everything is going to be okay.”