46 | Christmas at the Cafe

Everett

The cafe was decked out in festive Christmas lights. They were strung up on the ceiling and wrapped around the fir tree. Clementine thought he was being sneaky that day, but I noticed him redoing the decorations on my side of the tree. I couldn't blame him though, he made everything more beautiful.

We had tied what few crackers were intact on the bottom branches and hidden the opened ones on top—too high up for any kids to reach. Dad had looked at them rather suspiciously but hadn't said anything. He came back to check on us last night, but luckily we were done covering our tracks with the Bon-Bons. Not so luckily, the cake had exploded just as he walked into the kitchen. He sent Clementine home and made me scrub the oven under his watchful gaze.

He stayed up with me though and helped make some Christmas goodies—puddings and things—to sell since the kitchens will be closed today. We also made tons of plain brownies and cupcakes to decorate at the workshop.

It was the first Saturday of December and we were all prepared for our first workshop. Clementine was leaning over the Christmas stollen, carefully dusting snowy white icing powder over it. His floppy hair fell over his eyes as he worked. He frowned and pushed it back, glaring at the stollen as if it had been the cause. His violet eyes narrowed and flashed with ire, glinting like amethyst. They were beautiful to me.

He was beautiful. He was ethereal with his high cheekbones and pointed chin—almost elf-like. Light lavender eyes contrasted strikingly against his dark hair, adding to his elusive pixie-ness. He had scowled beautifully when I'd told him, but I still think it secretly—he's just pretty.

"What did the stollen do to you, sweetie?" I teased, coming up behind him.

He huffed and blushed at the nickname, his cheeks turning a delectable shade of pink.

"The powder isn't sitting right," he grumbled, unconsciously rocking up on the balls of his feet. A habit he had when he was feeling anxious.

"It looks perfect," I declared, reaching out to poke it.

He smacked my hand away. Unnecessarily hard, I might add.

Clementine growled at me to stay away, but it was difficult to take his threats seriously. He looked too cute when he huffed and glared.

He messed about with the stollen some more, deeply focused on his task. He gets this serious—seriously cute—look on his face when he's making something. And I find it adorable.

"Are you excited to see everyone?" I asked as Clementine nervously tapped his fingers against the counter.

Jenna was coming by the cafe later to support the workshop opening, along with Rowan, Alex, and several other of his friends. A couple of my friends from school were coming as well.

"Uh, sure," Clementine muttered. He had started seeing his friends a few months ago, but I think he still found it awkward to hang out with Jenna.

"It'll be fine, there's going to be a whole group of people," I reminded him.

Clementine hesitated. "I just didn't want you to feel uncomfortable that I was spending time with Jenna again."

"Oh." My eyes widened. "I wasn't upset about that, Clementine. I'm glad you're seeing your friends again."

He looked doubtful, lips pressed into a thin line. I wanted those lips to be doing other things.

"It really doesn't bother me," I insisted, lacing my fingers with his.

Clementine smiled softly, and my heart flipped over in my chest. He was shy and brooding when we first met—and I had loved that too—but lately he's been smiling more and more.

We had some time to kill before our friends came over so I dragged Clementine to a corner booth, not allowing him to fret over the cupcakes or muffins next. He sat and I slid in next to him, slipping my hand in his.

Clementine stared down at our intertwined fingers, a soft blush painting his cheeks. He still flushes when I kiss him, and he flushes even more when I ask whether his allergies are acting up again. Clementine grabbed my face suddenly and kissed me till I was dizzy and light headed. My heart fluttered and dropped faster than the snow falling outside. I'll admit he made me blush a fair amount too.

"What was that for," I gasped as he finally let go.

Clementine blushed as if he hadn't just been sucking on my face. His cheeks and lips looked pinker than ever in contrast with his pale skin and dark hair. He bit his lip in an utterly distracting manner as he fumbled on his words. "I just wanted to ask you something...."

Before Clementine could spill what had turned him that pretty shade of red, the bell above the front door jingled, signaling the arrival of our first customers.

I usually wouldn't have paid them any heed, but Clementine looked up and waved, smiling. I glanced up to see Jenna sallying towards us with Rowan and Alex in tow. Clementine got up and pulled me to my feet before I could ask what he had been about to say.

"Hi Clemmy!" Jenna chirpily greeted. She glanced at me. "And, erm..."

"Everett," Clementine supplied, turning to me. "You haven't really met. This is Jenna, her boyfriend, Rowan, and—"

"Oh, we're not dating anymore," Jenna interrupted.

"Sorry, um...and Alex." Clementine smiled at the third person who smiled back and waved me.

We all slipped into the booth and Clementine threw me a nervous glance, fiddling with the end of his sleeve. He was still anxious on my behalf, though I'd assured him that I didn't feel awkward around strangers. And thank god for that, or else we never would've met.

"So, how long have you all been friends for?" I asked, breaking the ice.

"I met Jenna and Rowan in high school," Clementine said. "But I knew Alex the longest, they were in my class since first grade."

Alex dimpled. "Clementine's told me a lot about you."

"Oh?" I glanced at my boyfriend. "Good things I hope."

"Of course not."

"He's just teasing you," Alex assured. "I've only been hearing him gush. For hours on end."

Clementine flushed a little, lightly kicking them under the table. "Stop, you'll make him insufferable."

"Awwe, you're blushing Clemmy-tine," Jenna squealed. "I'm really glad your happy."

Rowan nodded in agreement, though the smile didn't quite reach his eyes. I sensed he still had some unfinished business with Jenna, from the way his eyes kept roaming towards her, and the frown that marred his face whenever she looked at Clementine.

"CLEMERETT!" Jenna's sudden declaration was so loud that I forgot what I was thinking. "That's your couple name," she said decidedly.

"That's horrible," Clementine muttered. "No way."

I couldn't help grinning at his attitude. It only made me want to tease him. "Really? I quite like it."

"Clemerett it is then; it's been decided." Jenna looked pleased with herself for dubbing us.

Customers had been steadily pouring in, the bell above the door jangling more than I've ever heard before. I glanced at the clock to see that we were five minutes past our workshop starting time.

Clementine caught my eye and smiled. "I think it's time to start."

A/n: shoutout to pixelmum for suggesting couple name CLEMERETT!