Christmas and Tchaikovsky

Chapter 4

Libby woke late on Saturday morning with puffy eyes and a headache. Spartacus let her know that she was well behind schedule in getting his breakfast. Stumbling out of bed and wandering into her tiny kitchen, her cell phone began buzzing. Looking at the screen, she saw it was Artie calling. She hit the speaker button. Before she could even say hello, Artie immediately started in.

"Well? Was it Prince Charming sending all those gifts? Did you have fun? Did you kiss? Tell me every detail, slowly."

Setting Spartacus' bowl on his little food mat, she stubbed her toe on the fridge, "dammit!"

"Uh oh, that doesn't sound good."

Picking up her phone, she really wasn't in the mood for another, "I told you so," but Artie was her best friend. Even though she thought she was all cried out, tears started running down her face.

"Oh, Artie, I am such an idiot!" The details of the whole evening came pouring out like water from a jug. As usual, Artie just listened until she was done.

"Libs, you are not an idiot. The guy has been coming into the shop for weeks, making eyes at you, kissing your hands, just being an all-around flirt. He even had me convinced. He sure has a funny way of handling his business affairs. That slinky fiancé of his needs to keep her eyes wide open."

"Thanks Artie, you always know the right thing to say, but you were right though. I was taken in by his good looks and I didn't even bother to really talk to him and get to know anything about him before agreeing to meet. You'd think by now, I would have learned my lesson." Libby sighed as she flopped down on her couch. Spartacus joined her and began his morning bathing routine, fully sated by his breakfast.

"So, what are you going to do?" Artie asked.

"What do you mean?" Libby responded.

"Well, you still do not know who sent all those sweet gifts. THAT guy is still out there, you know. Aren't you the least bit interested in knowing him? He seems to be pretty attuned to you if you ask me. Someone worth investigating, don't you think?" Artie stopped talking and waited.

"Hm...well, I guess. I do not have a single clue who it could be. Obviously, someone who comes into the shop and has been around me enough to know I love The Nutcracker. That could be anyone though. I always put up the poster each year and the place is full of nutcrackers around this time of year. It would not be too difficult to figure out that I have a thing for Tchaikovsky."

"Well, I'm just saying I think you should investigate. If I were in your shoes, I certainly would, that's all." Artie decided to let it drop for the moment. "So, what are you plans for the rest of the weekend?"

"Honestly, I do not feel like going anywhere or being around people. I think I'm just going to curl up here with Sparty and binge some Netflix."

"You aren't going to be depressed all weekend, are you? If that is your plan, then you are coming downtown with me to Tootsies. They are having a Christmas Karaoke night." Artie was a huge fan of country music and went downtown on Broadway every chance she got.

"NO thanks! That is the last place I want to be. Really, Art, I'm fine. I just need some alone time and by Monday, I'll be right as rain again. Thanks for listening, as always. I love you." Libby said.

"Well...only if you're sure? I love you, too, kid. I'll check in later, okay?" Artie felt badly for her friend. She really missed Reggie. He could always get Libby laughing in no time. She knew it was hard being without him. They all missed him.

"I'm sure. Go have fun. See you Monday." She punched the end call button and stroked Spartacus who was purring, curled up next to her. As she began scrolling through Netflix, she thought, "I'm okay. I have a great business that I love, wonderful friends, the best cat in the world. Who needs a man?" Libby almost believed that.