How To Bake The Perfect Christmas Cake

Outside, I am immediately hit by the icy air, we must be getting a cold front. A few people are pulling their wagons towards the store, but Jack is nowhere in sight. I hoof it to the car. It’s empty. I didn’t think Jack would leave me. But I am happy to see the car is still here. I go back to the store and poke my head in again. No sign of Jack.

I circle the outside of the store and Jack is pacing behind it. He is nodding a lot and not saying anything. I stroll up to him and wrap my hands around his waist. Jack jerks away and our eyes make contact. His eyes are wide. Was he actually surprised to see me? He raises one finger to me.

“Listen, Aunt Minnie, I have to go. I’ll call you back…I know. I will. Don’t worry. It will be okay. I know. Okay. All right, I love you. Goodbye.” Jack turns back towards me.

“Hey, sorry about that.” He shakes his head. “Things are just a little intense right now, and my Aunt Minnie is not a patient person.”

“What is she not being patient about?”. I flex the muscles in my neck. I didn’t mean to speak so freely.

“She’s concerned about Vintage Estates and the balloon payment and doesn’t see why the bank can’t meet today or even discuss it over the phone.” He shakes his head and rolls his eyes.

“Is it because you are with me?” I bite my lip.

“Is what because of you?” Jack cocks his head.

“Why you aren’t meeting with the bank today?” I know most banks do business on Saturdays, so I can’t say I’m not Team Aunt Minnie in this situation.

“No, Lauren, it’s fine. Come on, we’ve got a tree to decorate.” Jack grabs my hand and we stride back to the car. Jack opens the door for me. The tree is already tied to the top of his rental car and is wrapped in a tarp. Proper planning.

“All right, before we take on the attic adventure for your decorations, what are you in the mood for dinner-wise?” Jack feasts his eyes upon me.

“How about Chinese take-out?” I bite the insides of my cheek. I am not ready to be dinner.

“I could go for some Moo Gai Lauren Combo.” Jack slants his eyes at me.

“Alrighty then, let me see if The Red Door has that dish.” I dig in my purse for my cell phone and hit the little circle with the square inside it. I scroll through my contacts, I should have The Red Door on speed dial with the number of times I order from them.

I tap on the number for The Red Door and there is only ring before they pick up.

“Hi, yes, I want to order a Moo Gai Pan Combo and the Veggie Lo Mein spicy, for pick-up.”

Jack pinches my thigh. I brush his hand away and he grabs mine and kisses it. I eye him with the “don’t do this while I’m making a business call” stern glare.

“That’s right, thank you.” I hit the red end button and squeeze Jack’s biceps. “You are incorrigible.”

“Only about you.” Jack flashes me a sly grin.

I shake my head at him. “All right, Mr. Uber driver, you’ll need to take the next exit, The Red Door is on 18

street on the right.”

“Sure thing, Ms. Hauser, I will make sure you get to your proper destination.” Jack clicks on his turn signal.