The Christmas Cookie Grouch

** Three Doctors at Christmas **

After NYC head chef Dave Rudolph is unemployed, he joins his sister for Christmas. He thinks he's above Vera Kringle's catered baked goods, so she nicknames him the Christmas Cookie Grouch.

When Dave needs a job, he has to beg Vera. Does Vera want to work with a grouch or lose customers because she's too busy? It's a tough decision, but it is Christmas, after all.

Excerpt

The huge conference room was packed on that Tuesday night, with every member of the community in attendance. Bell City, South Dakota, was that type of town—a happening place. And since it was about a week until Christmas, it seemed as if everyone wanted to attend this most important meeting.

"This year," Mayor Stevens continued. "We want to welcome all newcomers to this town. On Christmas Eve, we're going to have a free dinner for everyone who comes for the lighting of the tree ceremony, as well as other events like the hayrides." He pointed at Pastor King. "The good pastor has agreed to use the downstairs banquet hall, and the members of the congregation will take care of all the cooking. Since it's right beside the town square, it makes the most sense."

Vera Kringle looked around the standing-room-only gigantic room and saw knowing faces nodding in agreement. At least her catering company—Kringle's Catering—wouldn't have to cook for the free dinner. She was up to her eyeballs in work for the season, seeing no end to the job until way past January.

Mayor Stevens leaned closer to the microphone. "We're going to need help this year in making our town the most desired place to spend Christmas in America. We've asked Vera Kringle to help, but she's got orders coming out her ears this year. If anyone else can help, please see me. I believe the church has space to make cookies, right?" He looked over at Pastor King, who shook his head. "No?"

The pastor crossed his arms. "No. We'll be able to make dinner on Christmas Eve but last night, our ovens went out. We have a gas line issue and it may take a few days to resolve. We're out of commission."

The mayor looked over at Vera. She felt like a deer caught in the headlights of a vehicle ready to mow her down. The mayor was going to ask her to do it, so she shook her head slightly. She just hoped he wouldn't embarrass her publicly.

"We'll figure something out," the mayor said. "And I believe the community center is a place we can store some of the items for the events." He looked back over at Vera. "We need at least a thousand dozen cookies, we think. Ben Kringle told me he's sold out in his huge hotel, and with the meals they're making there for the guests, he's going out of his mind."

Everyone chuckled, but it was no lie. They'd even called Vera for her to help with some of the meals. That was another reason she couldn't make the cookies. She was doing the work for two big companies—hers and her parents.

Mayor Stevens continued. "The local restaurants are gearing up, too, so I know you're all busy."

Each of the restauranteurs in town nodded. Every one of them had used Vera's services in the past, and she was certain they'd be calling her if they needed more help.

Mayor Stevens discussed a few more items, like parking lot overflows and how Santa's Sleigh would be circling the town. There would also be a fun-run on the 23rd, so many roads would be blocked off.

He finally looked down at his list then glanced up at everyone with a smile. "That's almost all I have right now. One other note, my brother-in-law, Dave Rudolph, is in town from New York City." He pointed at a man standing off to the left of the stage, quite a few feet from the mayor. "Please welcome him to town. He'll be staying with us through Christmas, taking time to relax."

The man set his jaw and crossed his arms as he stared at the mayor. That was one unhappy man, so Vera nicknamed him The Grouch.

"There are refreshments at the back of the room thanks to Kringle's Catering," Mayor Stevens said. "Have a great night and let's hope we get through Christmas without a hitch." He turned off the microphone and Vera went to the back of the room. Her job had begun, to make sure all the cookies, hot chocolate, cider, and snacks were stocked while people enjoyed mingling.

"There you are," Vera heard.

Vera glanced up to see Mayor Stevens stepping closer, with someone standing beside him. She couldn't see who the other person was because she was working. Vera turned off the spigot from where she was filling a cup with hot chocolate. "Sir?" she asked the mayor.

"Sir." The mayor chuckled. "You can call me John and you know it. No one even had to vote for me because no one else wanted the job I have."

With a laugh, she handed him the hot chocolate and pointed to the items on the table. "Marshmallows are there, as well as candy canes and whipped cream." She looked over at the man beside the mayor. "Would you like some?"

It was The Grouch.

The man crossed his arms. "No. I'm sure it's not real hot chocolate."

She shot him a nasty look, certain to make anyone cringe. But instead of backing off, he raised his nose as if superior.

"Fine. Eat what you want." Vera went back to pouring hot chocolate. Her employees poured other drinks and set out goodies, but none of them spoke to The Grouch. The man walked away so she ignored him.

"I wanted to talk to you," John said, in almost a hushed voice. "Dave isn't happy. He has a chip on his shoulder because he thinks New York is the only place to eat. He lost his job because the restaurant he worked in folded."

Vera kept working behind the table. The Grouch's name was Dave. She remembered that part. "He worked at a restaurant?"

"Yep. Top chef at Zuhys, some restaurant in New York City."

Zuhys was in Manhattan, but snooty as anything. "Ah. I've heard of it and ate there once. Big prices, small portions." She'd never gone back because it just wasn't worth it.

He chuckled. "Yep. Anyway, he's down on his luck. He really needs a friend right now. Can you help me out?"

Vera looked up from her work, seeing the mayor practically begging for her help. "I'm kind of busy this time of year. Can't you pawn him off…I mean introduce him to some other single woman?"

John laughed. "You saw through my plan." He shrugged with a grin. "Well, there are the O'Grady sisters."

Vera wrinkled her nose. "They're both like 80 and set in their ways."

John shrugged. "There just aren't many single women left. I'm sure the men are lined up at your door, anyway."

"Just one and I don't want him." She hated the man who wanted to date her. "Gary Johnson should be shot."

"Did I hear my name?" The infamous sheriff stepped closer. "Ready for our date yet?" The man was young and not ugly, but Vera just couldn't stomach his personality or his aftershave of what smelled like rotten skunk.

"No date, sir," she said, and kept working. "I'm a little busy right now, so choose your snack and be on your way."

He stepped closer. "Is it time for me to raid your warehouse yet?" He even winked, the rotten man.

"No. That sounds like sexual harassment. I'm sure my lawyer will be happy to take the case, too."

Gary stepped back. "I'm wearing you down. At least you didn't call him on speed dial yet."

John sipped his hot chocolate while he laughed. "Just remember my request, Vera." He walked away, leaving Vera with good old Gary. Dave was looking better and better, even if he was a grouch.