Deep Freeze Christmas (3 page)

Chef walked in. "How you doin'?" He sprinkled grated cheese and freshly chopped parsley into each bowl.

"I'm OK. She was a bit upset."

"Don't worry about her. You didn't do it on purpose. Everybody knows dat." He stopped sprinkling and turned to her. "Especially Cameron."

"I feel like a fool and a failure."

He narrowed his eyes. "I don't want to hear dat kind of talk. You are not a fool or a failure and you shouldn't be letting dat girl make you feel like one." He handed her the tray. "Go."

"Shouldn't you—"

He raised one eyebrow—his classic I'm-serious-don't-argue look. "Go."

She lifted the tray and walked toward the dining room.
Lord, Your strength. Please, I need it.

Marissa had returned to the table wearing a sparkling red gown. She smiled at Leona as she approached her chair. "Maybe we should let the head chef serve this side of the table." She laughed.

This was it. How she handled this would set the tone. "If you'd feel more comfortable with Chef Julian, that is not a problem. We can arrange that for you." She skipped Marissa's chair and served the remaining guests.

Julian entered with the other tray.

Leona glanced toward Marissa's empty place.

Chef Julian nodded and began serving. Because Marissa was on the opposite side of the table from where Chef was serving, she received the last bowl.

They returned to the kitchen and began working the next course. "What is going on? I taught you better than dat. You serve people regardless of how you feel." His dark eyes bored into her.

"She asked for you to serve her."

"She did, did she? Of all the childish prima donna attitudes"—he slammed the drawer shut—"I've never seen such a spoiled brat."

Leona stopped working and waited for him to look at her. "Chef, it's OK. We'll be God's hands and feet these next few days. Remember, we can't do it if we're angry or judgmental."

He took a deep breath and wrapped his large arm around her shoulders. "Ah, petite, you always know jus what to say to calm me down. Le Bon Dieu knew what he was doin' when He sent you to me."

The good Lord had known exactly what He was doing. God had shown Leona that beneath Julian's gruff exterior lay a kind-hearted man who'd had more heartache than one person deserved. Her heart had bonded instantly with his when she'd learned that Julian's wife and daughter had disappeared without a trace over twenty-five years ago. She'd become the daughter he'd wanted, and he'd become the mentor she needed.

When salads were plated, they walked out to retrieve the empty soup bowls.

"Julian, the soup was wonderful. I see you've added your signature kick to it. Very good," CG said.

"I can't take the credit." He pointed toward Leona. "It's Miss Buquet's recipe."

The other guests complimented the food as well, except for Marissa, whose soup bowl remained full. Chef took the side of the table where Marissa sat. "Didn't like the soup, Miss Madison?"

"Oh, it was fine. Just a bit cold." She flipped strands of her long blonde locks behind her shoulder.

"Would you like for me to warm it for you?" Julian's words dripped with kindness.

Leona was proud of him. Even if he didn't feel the kindness, at least he was trying.

"Nah, that's fine. Besides, I don't need the calories." She turned toward Cameron. "I'm sure Cameron would hate for me to get chubby while I'm here."

Pink spread across Cameron's fair cheeks.

Leona cleared the dishes and returned to the kitchen for the next course. As she served the salads, she couldn't help but overhear the dinner conversation. The guests discussed the latest big movie filming on location in Italy.

Marissa leaned forward and turned to the end of the table toward the other guests. "Yes, I hear a certain famous director of that movie is sleeping with his famous leading lady." Her violet eyes sparkled as she relayed the news. It was as though she imparted the latest ground breaking bit of juicy information everyone needed to know.

Lord, enter her heart. Show her a better way. Show her You.

 

****

 

Cameron hated Hollywood gossip. He wished Marissa had not felt the need to share the latest rumor. The director was a friend and as much as he hated contradicting her, he couldn't let the lie spread. "I'm sure that rumor gets started about every director and leading lady for every big film. I know Garrison, and I'm pretty sure it's just nasty gossip. His wife is on location with him, as is the leading lady's husband."

Marissa's smile dimmed. Something replaced the sparkle in her eyes—disappointment? Anger? Cameron couldn't tell which. She stared at him. Would she have a few unkind words for him later? He hoped not.

Cameron was relieved when his Dad spoke. "On a happier note, I found out this week that we received the final permits and licenses to expand our company to New Orleans. Cameron will transfer there to get it off the ground after the first of the year. The movie industry is booming there, and I'm excited to be part of it."

"Really? How interesting. Cameron, you bad boy. You didn't tell me you were moving to New Oryleens. Shame on you." Marissa's furrowed brow and tight lips let him know she was not happy with him regardless of how casual sounding she tried to make her words.

He met Leona's gaze and found comfort there, as though she sensed his unease and wanted to encourage him.

Julian clapped Cameron on the back. "'Bout time you come back to God's country."

"I'm looking forward to being there again. Especially for the food and the wonderful people." He stole a glance in Leona's direction. While she busily cleared plates, he didn't miss the huge smile she sported.

 

 

 

 

Quatre

 

After the crème bruleé and coffee were served, Leona and Julian had dinner at the counter in the kitchen. While CG had invited them to join them in the dining room, Julian had politely declined. "We don't need to be in dere tonight. I wanted to talk about what happened."

"I'm fine. It's over as far as I'm concerned."

"But it's not over for her. She is used to gettin' her way. Cameron being nice to you is rubbing her the wrong way. She will take it out on you. Watch your back wit' her."

"Chef, how many times have you told me God is in control?"

He hung his head and nodded. "Bout a t'ousand."

She patted his hefty hand. "It's sweet of you to worry about me, but I'll be fine. Have you called Jack yet to see how things are going at the restaurant?"

"Yeah, all went well. Mrs. Doucet came in tonight and axed for you. Seems she wanted your special bread puddin'."

"She did." Leona smiled. She'd worked at Mayeux's during her breaks from culinary school. Anything Julian needed, she'd done. Including busing and waitressing.

Poor Mrs. Doucet had the misfortune of food on her lap when Leona tripped on a tear in the carpet. The wealthy New Orleans socialite had been furious. The next day, when Leona had shown up on her doorstep with a formal apology by way of a pan of her famous bread pudding, Mrs. Doucet had become a fan.

Leona washed the remaining dishes. Mrs. McCaffrey had been a wonderful help loading the dishwasher throughout the evening. Once the kitchen sparkled, Chef and Leona reviewed the next day's menu and gathered items needed before they turned out the lights.

Leona, high from the evening's excitement, wanted to explore her new surroundings. Bundled in her coat, scarf, and the boots she'd placed near the back door, she stepped out onto the small porch. Her breath caught when the cold clean air rushed into her lungs. She loved it. So many new experiences. She checked to make sure her journal was in her pocket.

The light from the full moon reflected off the snow, casting a blue glow throughout the night.

She took a step off the porch and sank in the two-inch powder that had fallen that evening.

Lord, thank You for this opportunity, for experiencing this new and wonderful landscape. These mountains reflect Your majesty. Lord, use me as you will during my time here.

A small gazebo beckoned next to the frozen pond on the edge of the forest. As she trekked toward the haven, her breath made visible puffs in the air. The rushing water sounds from the river filled the night.

Once seated on the gazebo's bench, she gazed into the heavens and marveled at the billions of stars visible in the bright night. Even with the full moon's blaze, the Milky Way streaked clearly across the sky. She'd never seen anything so breathtakingly beautiful.

A dog's bark pierced the night and before long, Max climbed onto the gazebo and brushed his head against her leg. "Oh, now you're well-behaved. I could have used these manners earlier today." She placed both hands behind his ears and rubbed his head. He rewarded her with slobber on her pants leg and the most endearing puppy-dog eyes she'd ever seen.

"Beautiful, isn't it?" Cameron entered the gazebo, sat next to her, and gazed toward the heavens.

"It is. Can't see this in New Orleans," she said.

"Guess, not. I love coming out here. The quiet is deafening after living in Los Angeles."

"Oh, I agree. I have an apartment in the Quarter. This…this is awesome. It makes me see God's majesty in a different light." She met his gaze, the reflection of the moon in his blue eyes.

"Yes, it does." He smiled and gazed into her eyes until she broke the connection and turned toward the moon.

Silent, they stared into the night sky. After a few moments, Max ran off and romped in the snowdrifts along the pond.

Cameron stood and watched Max. "Looks as if he's having fun."

"Yep." Leona imagined being as carefree as Max and enjoying the snow as much as the yellow Lab did. She'd seen movies where kids laid in the snow and made snow angels.

Could she do it?

Should she?

Why not?

"I think we should join him." She leapt off the steps and lay in a large drift. The snow caressed her as she began moving her arms up and down and her legs in and out. The cold ice seeped into her collar, but she didn't care. Sheer joy filled her heart. Laughter bubbled inside and then exploded. She finally stood and stepped away from her handiwork.

Cameron laughed and leaned on the railing. "Looks like a perfect angel to me."

She peered his way and realized he looked at her and not her snow artwork.

Max dashed around her wanting to play, breaking the connection she and Cameron had for just an instant. Max jumped up, and she raced away from him. She didn't get far. He caught up and knocked her into the snow. She wrestled with him until they both panted with exhaustion.

Cameron's laughter drifted through the night as he caught up to where she and Max lay in the snow.

"We're pooped." She gasped for air.

"Um…think again," Cameron said as Max jumped after a rabbit at the edge of the forest.

"Shouldn't you go after him?"

"He'll find his way back." Cameron plopped into the snow next to her. Close. Too close.

"Speaking of heading back. I need to. Five AM will be here soon." She stood and dusted the snow off her shoulders and legs. Besides, she'd spent enough time with Cameron. He was here with Marissa, and Leona had no intention of coming between them. What was he doing out here with her anyway?

"I imagine it does. Any hints on what's for breakfast?"

"Nothing special tomorrow. Traditional biscuits and sausage gravy with scrambled eggs and fruit."

"Sounds great."

They walked together toward the lodge.

When Leona glanced at the upstairs balcony, Marissa stood at the opened door staring down at them—her glare evident in the bright evening moonlight.

After a few minutes, Max sprinted past them toward the porch.

"See, I told you he'd find us." He stopped at the back porch. "I'll take him in the side door. His kennel is in the mud room there."

Leona stomped her boots on the side of the steps and walked up the porch to the back door. "Goodnight, Cameron."

"Good night, Leona."

After he walked away, she removed her boots and entered. She'd probably gone too far with the romp in the snow with Max and Cameron. When would she learn? The night had been so perfect until Cameron showed up—or had it been perfect because he'd shown up?

 

****

 

Cameron wiped the snow from Max's coat and paws and settled him in for the night. He slid a carabineer on the kennel to avoid Max's repeat escape.

He sat on the bench and removed his boots. What a night. The first time he'd laughed out loud in a long time. Working in the entertainment business had not been entertaining for him. His father's high expectations and Cameron's non-stop busyness had zapped any ideas of old-fashion fun. Even parties were for networking. And many of the women he met were more interested in his bank account and what he could do for their career than in him.

Tonight, Leona had shown him a glimpse into what being with someone who enjoyed life and who believed in God could be like. That was another thing he'd let slip from his life—God.

She hadn't cared about her makeup or what her hair was doing. She'd just enjoyed the moment and the snow. Her childlike wonder had captivated him.

He'd actually seen the skies from a different perspective tonight, and it felt good. He climbed the stairs in his socks and tiptoed down the hall careful not to make any noise. At this late hour, he knew his dad's guests were asleep. As he turned the knob of his bedroom door, a noise behind caused the muscles along his back to tighten.

Marissa's room was across the hall. Her sultry, whispered voice wafted out. "Cameron, I'm still awake. Would you like to visit?" She was standing in the doorway. Thankfully, she'd donned a thick robe. But there was no mistaking her intent when she slid her leg through the slit in the robe.

Cameron swallowed, he didn't want to hurt her feelings, but he had to be honest with her. "Marissa, I'm sorry if you got the wrong impression about us. I brought you here as my father's guest only."