All I Want For Christmas Read Online Free PDF Page B

Kate Burrows, her best friend since grade school, and her husband, Jack.
    Tall and beautiful as ever, Kate was behind the bakery counter adjacent to the door. “You’re here,” she squealed, hurrying around the counter. Tina had called days ago to let her know she’d be in town. “I’m so glad you found the time to come in this morning!”
    Kate’s friendly welcome was just what Tina needed. “Me, too.”
    She wiped her feet on the mat and hung her coat on the crowded coat tree. Then she and Kate shared a warm hug.
    â€œHow’s G. G. doing?”
    â€œHow’re you?”
    â€œGonna be in town long?”
    â€œHeard you’re up for a promotion. Good luck.” Kate’s customers called out to Tina in greeting.
    She knew most of them, and responded with smiles. “G. G.’ s progressing well enough…I’ll be here until the Sunday after Thanksgiving and back for Christmas…About the promotion—keep your fingers crossed.”
    The aroma of coffee and freshly baked pastry filled the air. Tina’s mouth watered. “It always smells so good in here.”
    â€œDoesn’t it?” Kate headed for the bakery counter and Tina followed. “You just missed Jack. He’s taking Sam to the dentist. She has a terrible toothache—I’m worried it’s a cavity. And she’s not even six years old.”
    â€œPoor thing.” Kate seemed to have the perfect family—an adoring husband, a daughter and a son. “Tell her I’m sorry.”
    â€œWill do.” Kate grabbed a pair of mugs. “How about a cup of coffee and a muffin? On the house, of course.”
    â€œBetter skip the coffee. My ulcer’s acting up,” Tina murmured, too low for anyone else’s ears. No sense churning up the gossip mill.
    â€œThen how about a cup of cocoa, instead?”
    â€œSounds wonderful, but I can only stay a little while. G. G.’ s physical therapy session ends in half an hour. Can you sit with me or are you too busy?”
    Kate glanced at her customers, who seemed content. “I don’t see why not. If they need me, they’ll let me know.”
    A few minutes later, muffins and mugs in hand, they sat at a table near the large front window.
    â€œOkay, I heard what you told everyone.” Forearms on the table, Kate spoke quietly. “Now give me the real scoop. What’s happening with the promotion? How is G. G., really? And more important, how are you?”
    â€œTired, and worried about her.” Tina filled Kate in on their bad night. “She’s moody and demanding—not at all her cheerful self.” Chin in hand, she sighed. “I’m sorry to say that I actually looked forward to leaving her at the clinic this morning.”
    â€œI feel for you, Tina, but it’s probably worse for G. G. Poor woman is in pain. If that’s not enough, she’s lost her independence. She’s not used to relying on anyone, and especially not on the younger woman she raised as her own.”
    All true, but that didn’t make living with her any easier. “I know, and once she’s feeling better, I’m sure her mood will improve,” Tina said. She paused to nibble on her muffin. “If I can make it that long without blowing up at her.”
    â€œYou’ve been carrying the whole burden alone.” Kate offered a sympathetic smile. “You know, Jack can run this place by himself for a few hours. Any time you need a break, call me.”
    â€œThanks.” To Tina’s surprise, tears gathered in her eyes. She hastily blinked them back. “I really am tired, I guess.” Unwilling to probe exactly why she felt like crying, she changed the subject. “Your turn. Aside from Sam’s toothache, how are the kids? How does Cory like third grade?”
    â€œLoves it. Sam’s enjoying kindergarten, too. She’s all excited about turning six and