Christmas and Tchaikovsky – Part 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.

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Monday the shop was buzzing early. Being the week before Christmas, customers were finishing up their work schedules and preparing for last minute holiday shopping and gatherings. Libby was glad for the distraction. Although she was feeling a little better, the prospect of a Christmas weekend alone was a reminder of everything that felt off.  Artie had invited her to the Shibad’s family Christmas gathering. She knew would have a lovely time, but their traditions were not the same as the ones she and Reggie had always enjoyed.

Everyone seemed a bit on edge.  Reggie’s buddies only mumbled hello when they came in to claim their table in the corner.  Artie had the tiny kitchen in the back of the coffee area smelling heavenly with her cranberry orange scones and cheddar cheese cookies.  Even that didn’t seem to help the mood of the place.  Michael had barely said a word to anyone when he arrived, and Artie was too busy baking to engage in conversation.

A last-minute shipment of books arrived in the back.  Libby stepped over to the coffee area to see if Michael could keep an eye out for the front counter. Rattling cups and saucers and seemingly clumsier than usual, he practically snapped at her.

“Of course, Libby!  Don’t I always?”

Taken back by his sharp tone, Libby merely responded with a thanks before heading to the back door.

When the morning rush had settled, Artie wandered into Libby’s office where she was entering new inventory. Looking up, she stopped typing.

“Hey, how’s it going?”

“Man, it’s not even lunch yet and my feet are aching! It’s great though. Everyone is in holiday mode and eating up my goodies. I’m enjoying it as long as I can before diet season starts in January.” Artie replied as she pulled up a chair in front of Libby’s desk.

“Those scones are to die for.  I ate two myself.” Libby said. “Hey, any idea what’s up with Michael? He nearly bit my head off when I asked him to watch the front counter.”

“I have no idea.  He was like that when he got in this morning.  I asked if something was wrong, and he told me to mind my own business.  Whatever it is, it must be bad.  Michael is the sweetest guy I’ve ever met. In the two years or so he has worked here, we’ve never had one cross word, and that’s saying something.  I usually bring the worse out in people within ten minutes of entering my kitchen. Michael is the one person that seems to understand that is my happy place.  I do not know what I would do without him.  He has such a wonderful instinct of what I need before I even ask.”

“That does seem odd, now that you mention it.  I don’t think I’ve ever had a cross word with him either.” Libby stated as she twiddled her pen.

“Well, I need to get back to it.  The lunch crowd will start wandering in and I want to get a jump on those curry chicken pitas.  Catch you later, Chickie.”

After Artie left, Libby sat staring off into space still pondering Michael’s odd behavior.  Maybe he wasn’t feeling well.  She knew he had asked time off for a doctor’s appointment recently.  Or maybe he just had a long weekend of studying.  The jingle on the front door brought her back to the present and she soon forgot about it as the lunch crowd arrived.

Later in the afternoon, she was finishing up that last display of new arrivals when Michael approached.  She immediately noticed that he appeared nervous.

“Uh, Libby, got a minute?” He barely even looked her in the eye.

“Sure, what’s up?  You okay? You seemed a bit upset earlier?” Libby stood back from the display to make sure everything was symmetrical.

“I’m fine, thanks.  Sorry about earlier.  Umm, I wanted to give this to you in person.  I really appreciate all you’ve done for me.  School has kicked my tail but working here has been like a breath of fresh air.” Michael held out an envelope to Libby.

She finally turned and looked at him.  “What is this?” she replied taking the envelope with her name on it. She looked back up. “Michael? What is this? What’s going on?”

“It’s all there in the letter.  I really appreciate everything, but I need to run before I miss my bus.  I need to get to the library on campus before they close.  Thanks again, Libby.”  And just like that, he was out the front door.

What in the world? Libby thought.  Opening the envelope, she realized it was a resignation letter.  Written in true Michael style, very polite but to the point.  She couldn’t believe it.  He had never said one word about being dissatisfied or needing time off due to his studies.  Not one word! 

About this time, Artie walked over.  “You’ve got your scrunchy face, what’s wrong?”

Libby handed her the sheet of paper.  Scanning over it she looked up at Libby. “He quit? Just like that? No goodbye or anything?” Artie was just as stunned as Libby.

“No, nothing.  Are you sure you two have not had a misunderstanding or cross words?” Libby implored.

Artie was thoughtful for a minute, “No, that’s what I meant earlier, everything has been fine.  He has seemed a little withdrawn since last week, but nothing between he and I.  He has been….well, Michael.”

Handing the letter back to Libby, she said over her shoulder as she headed to the kitchen, “I think you need to call him and get to the bottom of this, and fast.”

Later that evening as she and Spartacus settled in for some evening channel surfing, she started thinking about Michael’s resignation.  He had become a vital part of Books and Beans. As much as she hated to admit it, Michael was the person people most loved to chat with when they came into the shop.  All of Reggie’s buddies adored him and he often stayed later just to visit with them and argue over Parcheesi.  She would call him first thing in the morning and get to the bottom of this.  Hopefully, he would be back in the shop laughing and joking with everyone sooner than later.

The next morning, first thing Libby dialed Michael’s cell.  It immediately went to voicemail.  Instead of leaving a message, she decided to text him a note.

“Hi Michael, I read your resignation yesterday. Can we talk? Let me know if you have some free time. Thanks, Libby.” 

In about five minutes she heard her notification bell ping on her cell.  He had replied,

Hi, Libby, sorry for the quick notice but I really need to focus on my dissertation, and I stink at goodbyes. I really appreciate everything, but it’s time I moved on.  I will stop by one day soon and see the guys and Artie. If you don’t mind, mail my last paycheck to my PO Box on file. I hope you can understand.  Thanks so much for everything. Michael.” 

She laid her cell down on the desk.  Well!  You think you know people only to realize you do not.  She immediately went to the kitchen where Artie was looking through one of her many cookbooks.

“Hey, did you get in touch with Michael?” Artie said without looking up from a recipe on Sticky Toffee Pudding.

“I asked to meet with him in person, but he responded to my text and said that he was sorry but needed the time to focus on his dissertation.  That’s news.  He hasn’t mentioned a thing about a dissertation.  I hate to say it, but I’m a little miffed with him.  This leaves us in a lurch at one of the busiest times of the year.” Libby crossed her arms and leaned on the counter.

“Are you kidding me?  Where have you been?  That is all he has talked about for six months.  He is writing his dissertation on financial planning for urban small businesses. Haven’t you been listening at all? Instead of falling over every good-looking guy that smiles at you, maybe you should start noticing the people that are in your life!” Artie slammed her cookbook shut and picked up her knife and began chopping a pan of nuts sitting on the counter.

Immediately stung, Libby angrily replied, “Hey, that’s not fair! Why are you taking this out on me? He’s the one who quit. Also, you two spend more of your time together back here in the kitchen.  I’m the one up front, remember? He doesn’t talk to me as much as he does you.” Libby snapped back.

Sighing, Artie laid her knife down and looked at Libby. “Sorry, it’s just that I hate losing him.  No one will be as good a co-worker, and you know how picky I can be. And that was a shot below the belt, I didn’t mean what I said about you and good-looking guys. Forgive me? I’ll give you an extra scone…..” 

The two friends hated being upset with one another.  Libby immediately came around the counter and pulled her close.  “You’re forgiven. I hate this too.  I will get busy trying to find a replacement as quickly as I can. Okay?”

Artie smiled over at her, “Okay, but make sure he/she can do the coffee, I’m a baker, not a barista.”

“You got it.”

Once back in her office, she made a “Help Wanted” sign for the front window. She still could not believe that Michael was gone and in such an odd way. 

Filling in for coffee duties and manning the front was exhausting work.  By the end of the day, Libby’s feet hurt in places she didn’t know her feet had. She took a minute and flopped down next to Oscar.  The three men looked totally dejected.  Their Parcheesi board was empty of pegs.

“What’s the matter, guys? Not in a Parcheesi mood?” Libby leaned her head over onto Oscar’s shoulders. Just being near the three of them, she almost felt like Reggie was still there.

“No, we are not, thanks to you!” snapped Burt. Willie gave him the eye. Oscar coughed and shifted in his seat.

Lifting her head from Oscar’s shoulders, “Excuse me? What are you talking about?” Libby looked from one to the other. Clearly all three were avoiding her gaze. After an uncomfortable silence, Oscar finally spoke up.

“Well Libby girl, it’s just that we are really missing our pal, Michael.  After Reg died, his addition to the table helped ease our grief a bit. He’s an odd young fellow, but he has a great heart, and he was a dang good Parcheesi player.”

Willie chimed in, “Playing with three people just throws everything off. When are you going to wake up and get him back in here to stay for good?”

Burt refused to even look at her with his arms folded, rearing back in this seat.

“Hey, Michael resigned without even a word to me in advance. It was just as much a surprise to me as it is to you. I tried to get him to talk with me, but he made it clear that he wants to move on. Now if you will excuse me, I have work to do.” Heat was rising up her neck, the usual indication she was angry. As she started to push back her chair, Oscar laid his hand on her arm. “Libs, we don’t mean to take it out on you. We just miss our friend, that’s all.” He smiled over at her.

Willie piped in, “Yea, Libs, we didn’t mean to take it out on you.”

Burt looked at both men and scoffed. “I cannot believe you two are such suckers.  What neither one of these turkeys is willing to say to your face is that Reggie raised you to be a smart, independent woman. He had to since you was left without a mom. We’ve all been so proud of you and all you’ve accomplished and how smart a businesswoman you have become.  But in the romance department, that’s where you are just plain dumb.”  Looking quite pleased with himself, he didn’t see the tears welling up in Libby’s eyes. 

“Burt! That’s enough!” Oscar shot off. Willie punched his arm.

“Ouch!” he yelped. Rubbing his arm, he said, “Well, it’s the truth and you both know it! I’m outta here!” Burt shoved back his chair, crabbed his cane, and walked out of the shop.

Oscar and Willie looked at Libby, seeing the tears in her eyes. “Don’t mind him, Libby.  He’s just an old grumpy goat, and he loves you. We all do. Reggie asked us to watch over you, and well…..we didn’t mean to upset you, honest.” Willie stated.

Brushing the tears away, Libby left the two of them sitting there without saying a word.  She went into her office and sat down at her desk. What did they mean, exactly? She knew she had made some wrong decisions in picking boyfriends in the past, but what did that have anything to do with Michael resigning?

An image flashed in the back of her mind.  It was one of those images that had gotten buried in the recesses of her thoughts. Michael’s resignation letter was still lying on the edge of her desk. She picked it up and saw her name handwritten on the envelope.  She pulled open her desk and dug in the back. The box holding the origami flower was still where she had shoved it. She picked it up and looked at the handwriting. She heard a click in her brain.  It was Michael.  Suddenly, everything made sense. How could she not have known? Was she that self-involved to not realize that Michael had a crush on her? She knew the answer to her own question was not one she wanted to admit.

She walked into the kitchen where Artie was working. Without saying a word, she placed both the envelope and the box on the counter.  Artie looked from the envelope to the box back up at Libby.  All she said was, “What are you going to do, Libby?”