The Christmas Phoenix by Patricia Kiyono Read Free Book Online Page B

pocket. He hadn't been lying about having a big order for tomorrow. This was a major banquet at the Pine Ridge Hotel, and he was to provide a huge sculpture for the serving tables. The hosts had some exacting requirements and were willing to pay big bucks for them. This commission would pay off several of his debts, and he would be able to start saving up for his own studio. He needed to get this done and delivered so he could get back on his feet and have a life.
    Would that life include Jess and Rory?
    He shook his head to clear it. Daydreaming and wishful thinking wouldn't get this work done. He picked up his chisel and got back to work.
    ****
    Jess put the last of the dishes into the dishwasher. The leftovers were packed into containers and refrigerated. The candles on the table were put out, and Rory was in his room, talking to a friend on his cell phone.
    Jake hadn't come for dinner. She really shouldn't feel so disappointed. He had told her he had an important project to finish. That had to come first.
    But he had to eat sometime. He'd probably appreciate some hot food whenever he finished, or was ready for a break. She packed a generous portion into plastic containers and put them in a grocery bag. After letting Rory know where she was going, she let herself out.
    A snowstorm was forecast later tonight. Maybe it was a good thing Jake hadn’t come. She’d leave the food with him and come right back home.
    She tried the front door without ringing the bell. If Jake was working in the garage, it would be better not to interrupt him. As usual, the door was unlocked, and she let herself in. Removing her boots in the foyer, she winced as her stockinged feet touched the cold tile. She quickly padded through the carpeted living room to the kitchen. There was no sign of Jake. Nothing was out of place. No dishes or glasses on the counter or in the sink. Had he eaten at all today? She walked over to the door leading to the garage, turned the knob slowly, and pulled the door open.
    Jake sat on his stool with his back to her. He bent, chiseling the skirt of a stunning ice figure. The angel stood, her wings outstretched, poised as if about to take flight. Her expression was serene, and she was so life-like Jess felt the angel would suddenly come to life. Jake's work had shown he was talented, but this was truly a masterpiece.
    She closed the garage door, careful not to make a sound. She put the dinner leftovers in his refrigerator and left him a note. If and when he got hungry, he could heat them up for himself. But the way he was concentrating, it wouldn't be for a long time.

Chapter Eleven
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    Jess put the truck in gear and backed out of the garage. She turned around and put the blade down and followed the markers down to the road. The snowfall the previous night had been heavy, and in spots the drifts came almost to the top of the four-foot poles she had placed to mark the driveways. It would take several hours to get all them all cleared this morning, and she might have to do a second pass this afternoon.
    Thank goodness she wouldn't have to worry about Rory being out in this weather. He probably wouldn’t have school today with all this snow, but he’d be okay on his own. She’d check in with him later. She wasn't sure what had happened, but lately he’d been more conscientious about getting his work done. She'd checked his work last night, and he was taking the time to do a better job. Was it the influence of their neighbor? Rory seemed to look up to Jake. He spent more and more time over at Jake's house, taking care of Charlie and helping out in the studio. She was glad he'd found a mentor, a good male role model.
    The early morning quietness was comforting. The only sound came from the motor and the tires crunching the snow, and on these side streets her headlights provided the only illumination. She felt insulated in her cab, knowing that outside the frigid winds blew.
    This would be her first