Ingrid grinned. “I never get tired of hearing that.” She grabbed a box of sugar packets and moved toward the saloon doors, then paused. “What would you do instead of running Red’s?”
“Maybe keep working here part-time, but I want to focus on my cheese. Sell at the farmers’ market and maybe do some retail placements at local stores. Sell to restaurants too. I’ve got a few connections of commercial-grade facilities I can use to create it, but it’s been a matter of not having enough time to do both more than anything.”
“I’ll support you in whatever you want to do. I’d miss having you around here, but even more importantly, I’d love seeing you happy.”
I kissed her cheek. “Thanks, Aunt Ingrid. Now get back to work.”
“Little shit.” She laughed as she pushed through the saloon doors.
If only it were as easy to talk to my dad, but at least I felt lighter after confessing to Ingrid. With each person who knew the truth, the secrets held less power over me.
MAPLEWOOD MATTERS BLOG
DECEMBER 24
Merry Christmas Eve, MM readers! The big day is here:Good Morning, USAis in town! If you’re one of the lucky ones who got seats at Sparky’s while they’re filming breakfast or Red’s while they’re filming lunch, please reach out with your accounts. As always, the link to submit news tips is at the top of the page.
Don’t forget that the Christmas Eve Community Dinner is tonight at the Maplewood festival grounds. Bring your appetites! And if you’re Team Sparky’s, wear green. Or if you’re Team Red’s, obviously, wear Red. And if you’re diner neutral, wear sequins. Why? Because sequins should be worn more often.
THIRTY-TWO
AMOS
“This is quite the turnout,” Grandpa said with pride as he gazed out at the bustling restaurant. Pop Pop, my other grandfather, grabbed his hand, then used his free one to wipe a tear from his eye.
“It sure is. I’m glad we’re here to see it.” Pop Pop shook his head in disbelief. “Sparky’s on national television. I still can’t believe it.”
I rubbed his arm, and we shared a smile.
I was gladGood Morning, USApicked the Christmas Eve Community Dinner to cover so my dad’s parents were able to be a part of it while they were in town for the holidays.
Every seat in Sparky’s was taken with a few more people hovering at the entrance, which gave the space a boisterous energy. The lively chatting made it seem like there were twice as many people. A crowd had gathered across the street in their winter gear to watch the action in the brisk morning chill. The film crew didn’t seem surprised, but I supposed they were used to people excitedly trying to get on camera.
I was unexpectedly caught by emotion. My family had built something wonderful that meant a lot to many people in this town. If we’d offered a seat to everyone who asked to come andsupport Sparky’s today, we would’ve needed a restaurant ten times bigger.
I stood behind the counter to make a fresh pot of coffee. My uniform—a collared short-sleeved green button-up shirt and black pants—was freshly pressed and my curls were styled to high heaven in case I made it on camera.
My phone was tucked in my waist apron, and I itched to send a photo to Mickey of the busy place. He was probably scrambling to prepare for the film crew’s lunchtime visit to Red’s. This was a big deal for each of our diners, and it sucked that we couldn’t support each other in person.
Every surface gleamed thanks to our full staff showing up last night after closing to ensure the place was camera-ready for the crew’s arrival at eight this morning. We didn’t finish until after midnight, and I hoped adrenaline would push me through because it was shaping up to be a long day.
It was wild to seeGood Morning, USA’sTheresa Hernandez and her trademark curly brown hair in the flesh. I’d never been a watcher of morning talk shows, but I knew who she was simply from pop culture. She was probably the most glamorous person to ever step foot in Sparky’s, other than prom dates and the time we’d closed for a wedding reception for a couple who’d met at the counter when they’d both been stood up for dates. I swore she hadn’t aged a day since I was in high school.
Theresa had been sitting with various Sparky’s VIPs and chatting with them about Maplewood, the Holiday Hoopla, and their takes on the diner rivalry. She moved to a booth near me where an older couple that frequented the diner sat. Dick and Shirley came in for dinner at least weekly, and Dick was there every Friday morning to lead the local Kiwanis meetings. The camera operator was hot on her heels.
“That looks delicious. Mind if I join you?” Theresa’s teeth were impossibly white.
“You’re more than welcome. I’ve got plenty to share.” Dick scooted over to make room while Shirley stared at Theresa, completely starstruck.
“That’s so kind. May I ask a couple of questions?” Theresa aimed the question at them both.
“Ask me anything you like. Want some of my bacon? It’s extra crispy.”
“I’d love some, but I can’t risk getting bacon in my teeth on national television,” Theresa said conspiratorially. She jerked her thumb at the camera. “Ever since those things went high-definition, I’ve got to be careful.”
Shirley let out a peal of laughter.
“Why Sparky’s Diner instead of Red’s Restaurant?” Theresa leaned forward like she was anticipating a juicy secret.
