"How are you doing, Lisa?" Keith asked. "You're quiet."
"I have a lot to think about," she said. "I'm okay."
"She spent the day getting bullied by my sister," Annie grinned.
"Amy had some really good suggestions," Lisa replied. "I'm not good at picking out dresses. I really liked the things she found. And she steered me to very humane bridesmaid's dresses."
"I love my sister," Annie sighed. "Hey, have we ever decided who is the leader of Subtle Origami?"
"Keith." Fabian said, pointing. Keith has been about to take a sip of latte and froze, then looked up.
"Wait! Huh? What?"
"Step up, dude," Fabian sat back in his chair and smirked. "You can't just show up, play and leave." Keith stuck out his tongue.
"Boys." Lisa sighed. "Honey, do you want something? Coffee? Chocolate?"
"I could go for a Red Zinger, if they have some," Fabian said. "I'll go, sweetheart." He gave her a kiss and went up to the counter to order his tea. He returned with it a few moments later.
"Wow, Fab -- that smells awesome," Annie said, peering at his cup.
"It does," Lisa agreed, "but I'm sticking with my cappuccino. I need the caffeine or I'll fall asleep at church. And since it's the greening and that involves ladders ... I'd rather stay awake."
"Are you still not sleeping well?" Fabian asked. He, Annie and Keith all looked at Lisa, concerned.
"Lisa, I thought you were going to go see my dad," Keith admonished.
"I did, and he prescribed some lovely medicine," Lisa told him. "Problem is, it makes me really groggy the next morning. I have a lot of orders to fill right now and I'm still working at the diner, so I really can't afford to be out of it. They also don't always work. Sometimes I can't get to sleep whether I take something or not. I wish my brain had an off-switch."
"Nobody should have to deal with the mental load you have right now," Annie said. "I think the things you're dealing with are even worse than what Keith and I complain about college -- or Fabian and his job. I think you're insane to start a business on top of everything."
"The loan rates are really good," Lisa shrugged. "Besides. Aunt Mat pointed out to me that with the loan if moving proves necessary I'd have the money to get another place and go. I am forcing myself not to think about the property beyond that. I have been told sternly that there is nothing that I can or should do other than stay out of it. So, Fearless Leader." She looked at Keith. "Shall we, as Subtle Origami, take the jobs we have been offered?"
Keith pulled out a day planner book and a pen, and the four of them began to discuss when they would be available to play Christmas carols in the lobbies of some of the businesses and a turn or two at Kendall's Department Store. Everyone was enthusiastic about the New Years party.
"You know why we were asked, don't you?" Keith teased, "Mr. "I won't make any decisions even though I'm the most talented". We never got the New Years gig before."
"That's why," Fabian said, sipping his tea.
"Why what?" Annie looked at him.
"You three have played together for a lot of years. I love Lisa, and you guys are excellent friends. All I want to do is add to your group. Not take it over."
"You're a really good guy, Fabian," Keith said, "and I really enjoy working with you. I wouldn't object if you wanted to lead."
"I don't" Fabian smiled. "I just want to keep it fun and relaxing."
They all finished their drinks and Fabian packed his stack of library books into a backpack he'd brought for that purpose. The four of them shrugged on coats and picked up their instruments. After the greening of the church was a Christmas party in the fellowship hall and they were playing. The four of them set out to walk to St. Mark's, passing Kendall's and looking at the windows. The windows were gorgeous -- Amy had outdone herself. It had taken a lot of frantic designing right up until she went into labor, but the windows were drawing crowds. Some looking for gift ideas and some, like the kids, were looking at the window full of toys, games and books. Fabian stopped before a window of winter casual wear.
"I've always wanted one of those," he said, looking at a black leather bomber jacket worn by a particularly rakish mannequin.
"Why don't you get one?" Keith asked. "You're not exactly hurting for money."
"This is where the strongman routine bites me in the butt," Fabian told him. "If they fit the shoulders, they gap at the waist. If they fit the waist, I can't move my arms."
"That's a shame," Annie said. "It would be a really good look for you. Hey Lisa -- do you have one of these?" She pointed to something in the kitchen goods window. Eventually, they started walking again. Lisa suddenly gasped and stopped.
"It's snowing!" she said, her voice hushed and full of wonder. Fabian looked at her, and wasn't disappointed. Her face had lit up like a child's. Just when he thought she couldn't get any more beautiful, somehow she did. He wrapped an arm around her and kissed the side of her head. Her hair smelled like sweet cinnamon.
The greening of the church usually takes place the second Sunday in Advent, followed by a party for those who helped. Not only do they decorate the church, but they set up tables in the Fellowship hall for the annual bazaar.
"I love doing this," Lisa said from the top of a ladder as her sister handed her garlands to fasten. "It reminds me of Last Chronicle of Barset."
"What?" Carol started to laugh. Carol had introduced Lisa to English literature when Lisa was very young, and the works of Anthony Trollope were a favorite to both of them.
"Remember the part where Lily Dale and Grace decorate the church in Allington? I always feel like Lily Dale when we decorate the church for Christmas."
"Hate to ruin your literary fantasy there, Lisa, but that big sparkly rock on your hand says you are no longer Lily Dale. And there is no way on earth Fabian would ever jilt you."
"I don't think so, either," Lisa agreed. "Could you please hand me a bow?" Carol passed a bow up to her sister.
"Are you okay?" Carol asked.
"In what way?"
"You've looked tired lately."
"Sometimes I have trouble sleeping. Hopefully, things will settle down in the new year."
"Steve and I pray for you, if it helps."
Lisa smiled.
"It does. Thank you. I'm so glad to have Fabian. He's made this a lot easier. I can't even imagine going through all of this and being alone. Her sister nodded.