“I always wear a red dress on Christmas,” she replied lightly, trying to keep her mind on the discussion and not whatever had just happened. “I know it isn't exactly your style, but our patrons would love it if you played at least a few carols every night during the weeks leading up to Christmas." Her father would also like it, but she kept that detail to herself for the moment.

His suggestion made her glance over at him a little curiously. It caught her off guard that he was thinking so much about business strategies for the diner, but she couldn't help smiling in approval. After considering for a moment, she replied, “I like it. Perhaps we could add spiked cider and traditional Kenyan tea to the holiday drink menu. A lot of people in our neighborhood have Kenyan roots, and the tea goes well with cinnamon buns. We should even be able to get it cheaply, since my uncle runs a tea shop."

She sat down, still mulling over the possibilities. “You don't mind being around the diner so much, even over the holidays?”