Chapter Text
Christmas time in Purgatory was probably one of Waverly’s favorite times of the year. The small town wasted no time throwing up decorations on every square inch of open space they could find. Christmas was the season of giving, and Purgatory had...not a lot to offer for tourists, so they dolled up their humble little ghost town in hopes of bringing business to Shorty’s, stores, and bakeries for the holiday season.
Waverly Earp, history buff and small business extraordinaire, wandered the streets in the early afternoon of her last day off from work. It wasn’t the world’s best job, but she had to make do with what the Ghost River Triangle had to offer. After moving home from the Big City and suffering the loss of her restaurant, Waverly was forced to move in with her sister and find a job that didn’t make her want to absolutely ram her head through a wall.
She started as a bartender and part-time waitress at Shorty’s bar, but quickly came to the realization that she preferred to not be surrounded by drunken and overly confident men hitting on her every chance they got. That was when she saw the bulletin hanging in the police station one afternoon when visiting Wynonna after her shift. The Ghost River Ski Lodge, Purgatory’s main and only tourist attraction, was looking for a new restaurant manager. Considering the Gardners, Purgatory’s wealthiest family, owned the lodge, Waverly knew she would have no trouble landing the job.
“It comes with a lot of benefits, and a large paycheck,” ski resort general manager, Beth Gardner, had told her. Waverly left the lodge that same day with a new job.
One year later, Waverly was still as happy as ever working there, and was still extremely thankful for the income. With her salary, and the amount Wynonna got paid at her own job, the sisters were able to afford a relatively decent apartment in the downtown Purgatory area. They lived off of leftovers from the lodge and old doughnuts stolen from the station, but neither sister could complain. The life they lived now was so much better than the lives they lived when they were younger.
Waverly came to a stop just outside the glass doors to the sheriff’s station and used her free hand to pull the door open, the other being occupied by a tray of coffee. She walked in and was immediately greeted by one of the very few the sheriff’s deputies, Lonnie, and gave him a curt nod as she made her way to the back of the building where she found Dolls and Wynonna standing near the evidence lockers.
“I’m telling you, no one just leaves one shoe hanging around a crime scene by accident.”
“So you expect me to believe that a wanted convict is trying to send us a message?”
“Dolls, what I’m saying is that just because he’s a criminal doesn’t mean he can’t be used as bait for some sort of ulterior motive!” Dolls caught Waverly’s eye from over Wynonna’s shoulder and cleared his throat. Wynonna turned around and sighed a sigh of relief.
“Am I interrupting?” Waverly asked cautiously.
“We were just debriefing today’s case,” Dolls replied, taking the coffee the brunette offered him. “I’ll take this to Jeremy,” he added and took another cup before walking out of the room.
“Rough day so far, huh?” Waverly walked over to her sister and gave her a quick side hug.
“Boss man has just been in a big mood ever since Lucado decided to give me a badge,” Wynonna rolled her eyes and took the last coffee from the tray.
“So you’re officially a cop now?” Waverly asked excitedly.
“Hell no. I’m an agent, with no affiliation to the bastardized and corrupt police industry. This badge changes nothing about who I am except that now I’m legally protected. I still have Peacemaker and my extremely good looks. I’m far from a cop.”
“Either way, I’m still proud of you,” Waverly beamed.
“Thanks, baby girl. How’s your time off been?”
Waverly shrugged and looked around the station as Wynonna took a sip from her coffee. Her sister had offered her a position with Black Badge more than once, saying they could use someone with Waverly’s skill set and interest in history on their team, but Waverly knew a government agent wasn’t her future.
“It’s been kind of nice actually, not having to worry about running orders or watching over a sometimes very messy and unorganized kitchen staff.”
As if on cue, Waverly’s phone vibrated in her back pocket. The younger Earp sighed and pulled her phone out, knowing who was calling before even reading the name.
“What is it, Chrissy?”
Wynonna sipped on her coffee and studied her sister’s face while the blonde rambled on from the other end of the call. Clearly it was something important, Waverly’s eyebrows knitting together in concentration, but also frustration. Wynonna couldn’t make out every word Chrissy was saying, but she assumed it had to do with the restaurant and the lodge, which was never good news for Waverly.
“Well did you ask her about it? I mean, she is the owner of the lodge,” Waverly pinched the bridge of her nose and leaned back against the wall.
“What do you think I am, stupid?” Chrissy replied and Waverly rolled her eyes.
“If you really think we’re going to be that busy tonight, then I guess I’ll be there in ten,” Waverly sighed and ended the call, looking at Wynonna with sad eyes.
“Does this mean movie night is cancelled? Again?”
“I’m sorry, Wyn, but I just don’t feel comfortable leaving Chrissy in charge when she’s certain we’re going to have a large dinner rush.”
“I get it, Dolls is the same way with me. You have to keep all of your ducks in a row. We’ll just reschedule for...some other time. Don’t worry about it, baby girl,” Wynonna winked and hugged Waverly before nudging her toward the door.
- - - - -
“Welcome back to Can You Stand The Heat. We started this season out with fifty amazing celebrity chefs, and narrowed it down to just three. So...who’s it gonna be?”
The host turned away from the cameras and faced the audience, smirk on her face, as she began announcing the final three contestants.
“Perry Crofte, whose big talent is only second to his big brain?”
Perry casually walked out from backstage with his hands in his pockets and the audience erupted into cheers and applause. He stopped and pretended to show off his muscles for the camera, tossing a wink and toothy smile to the audience.
“Or Champ Hardy, the only baker who has what it takes to rise to the top? Tortured artist of cakes and pastries alike.”
A man a few inches shorter than Dolls walked out and was met with the same cheers and applause. He stood next to the other man with his arms crossed, and legs slightly apart in an attempt to claim dominance. His tattoos and short haircut gave the impression that he was, in fact, a prick.
“Or will it be Purgatory’s hottest celebrity chef, restauranter and bachelorette, Nicole Haught?”
A tall, redheaded woman ran out from backstage and threw her hands in the air as the audience rose to their feet, cheering and clapping. Nicole stood tall with a smug smirk on her face and winked at a small group of ladies in the front row, causing them to scream louder. Nicole took her place next to Champ, who muttered something under his breath and lightly bumped Nicole with his shoulder.
“Well, we’ve waited so long to see the best of the best slice and dice, and sift it out. And now for the winner…”
The program’s music shifted to a more suspenseful tune as the audience watched in anticipation.
“Champ…” The audience gasped collectively as the tatted baker stepped forward. “You are...not the winner.”
“Oh come on!” Champ shouted. “This is bullshit. This thing is rigged,” he angrily ripped the microphone from under his shirt. “These two wouldn’t even know a puff pastry from a Danish pastry.”
Perry and Nicole watched as Champ stormed off screen, shouting profanities along the way. The two remaining chefs shared a glance and held back their laughter as the host continued.
“And this year’s “Can You Stand the Heat” celebrity champion is...Nicole Haught!”
…
The kitchen staff erupted into cheers as the winner was announced. Some high-fived while others exchanged money for bets placed at the beginning of the season. They watched Nicole shake the host’s hand and began talking amongst themselves about which of Nicole’s dishes they thought was the best.
“Guys?” Waverly’s voice barely rose above the collective chatter. When no one responded, she grabbed the TV remote and turned the volume down. “Guys.”
“Guys!” Waverly shouted a third time, gaining the attention of her staff. “If you’re looking for something to do, maybe your jobs could use a little attention?”
“But Waves–” Chrissy tried to explain, but Waverly cut her off.
“Yes, I know, but we have a big day ahead of us apparently. So, we need to get going. Like now. Thank you,” Waverly smiled as the staff dispersed to start their pre-shift duties.
“Oh, Waverly, you might as well own this place,” Chrissy said to her friend.
Waverly laughed and shook her head. “Oh, no, I am just happy managing.”
“Yeah, but your restaurant in the City was great. I mean, I could just imagine what you’d do to this place.”
“Well, enough about that. Let’s just worry about these guests.”
“Nicole won!” Chrissy whined and motioned to the TV.
“Yeah, good for Nicole,” Waverly rolled her eyes.
“Everyone loves Nicole.”
“I have a table of seven coming in. Can you please help me set up?” Waverly quickly changed the subject.
“Fine, okay,” Chrissy sighed. “She’s...really cute, though.”
Waverly chucked and watched her friend grab the appropriate amount of silverware for the table. She glanced back at the TV and watched as Nicole was handed a small trophy.
“Remember that name, folks. Nicole Haught. She’s the country’s most famous chef, and most eligible bachelorette. Breaking eggs, breaking hearts...Nicole Haught, everybody!”
Waverly bit back a smile and turned the TV off. She rolled her eyes and turned to walk toward the kitchen.
- - - - -
Waverly worked her shift as any normal busy night, running food and walking around checking on guests. The holiday season was upon them and that meant more couples coming out to celebrate date nights or anniversaries, so it was no shock to Waverly to see so many tables full of happy couples chatting about and eating.
She retrieved a couple dirty dishes from a now vacant table and took a table’s drink order on her way to drop them off to the dishwasher. After delivering the dishes to be washed, Waverly made her way over to the bar and asked for two glasses of red wine. Across the room, she heard a man call out to her and clap his hands.
Waverly sucked in a sharp breath and closed her eyes, hearing him call and clap again. She rarely saw customers like this, even despite their demographic of customers being wealthy business owners, so when she encountered one it was tough to not snap.
“How can I help you today?” Waverly gave her brightest and warmest smile to the couple.
The man looked up at her and scoffed. “I ordered a rare steak and it’s not bleeding.”
“Well you seemed to have enjoyed the first half of it,” the woman across from him, presumably his date, said.
“Yeah but...I didn’t love it. Shouldn’t I love my steak...Waverly?” The man asked looking at the necklace hanging around her neck, her name written on it.
“Well, I’m afraid I can’t guarantee you love with this steak, but I can get you a new one. Rare, and extra bloody.”
“Touchdown!” The man exclaimed and winked at the woman across from him.
“Oh, wow. Well, this date is over, and I am so sorry about that,” the woman said to Waverly. “Is there a taxi stand outside? I’ll just…” She stood up and quickly left the table.
“I’ll be back in just a minute,” Waverly smiled awkwardly and walked back to the kitchen.
“I bet you’re glad to be back, huh?” Chrissy asked her in passing.
“Over the moon,” Waverly deadpanned.
- - - - -
The end of the night was finally upon them and Waverly had never clocked out of a shift quicker in her life. Being thrown into the middle of a busy day after a week of not working at all was way more stressful than she thought it would be. She quickly changed into more comfortable clothes in the bathroom and met Chrissy in the lobby of the lodge.
“I seriously can’t wait to get home. I’m exhausted,” Waverly groaned.
“I know. Me too. Okay, but first I have got to go use the bathroom.”
“Again? You just went to the bathroom.”
“Yeah, and?” Chrissy shrugged. “I gotta go again.”
Waverly stared at the blonde for a moment and raised an eyebrow. “Have you been stealing cheese from the kitchen again?”
“So?”
“So, you’re lactose intolerant,” Waverly laughed.
“I am not! Cheese just makes my stomach gurgle just a little bit.”
“Right, right. My bad,” Waverly held back a laugh and nodded. “Enjoy your cheese.”
“Can you hold my bag?” Chrissy shoved her purse into Waverly’s hands before she could answer. “Thanks, love you!”
Waverly shook her head and chucked when Chrissy walked away. Her smile faded, however, when she saw a familiar face enter the lobby.
Nicole Haught strolled in with a duffle bag slung across her shoulder and a bright red toque on her head, battling with her orange hair for dominance of color. Waverly’s breath caught in her throat as she became both awestruck and aggravated.
“Hi, I’m just checking in,” Waverly overheard the redhead say to the concierge.
So overcome with emotion she didn’t know how to process, Waverly dropped Chrissy’s purse and watched as several different types of cheeses spilled out onto the floor. She groaned and knelt down to pick them up before anyone noticed, frantically grasping at the cheese.
“Can I help you with this?” An unfamiliar voice asked and a pale hand entered Waverly’s periferal.
Waverly looked up and nearly jumped out of her skin when she saw Nicole there next to her. She cleared her throat and shoved a block of Gouda into the bag.
“Oh, uh, thank you.”
“Don’t mention it,” Nicole smiled.
“This isn’t actually my cheese,” Waverly rushed out.
“Right. Well, this is a nice piece of Gruyère.”
Waverly sighed. “It’s still not mine. It’s...um…”
“A friend’s?”
“Yes,” Waverly nodded. “Not mine.”
The two chuckled and stood up, sharing a brief glance in the moment of silence. Waverly cleared her throat and pushed a loose strand of hair behind her ear.
“Anyway, uh...enjoy your stay at Ghost River Lodge.”
“Thank you…” Nicole squinted slightly in the dim light and read Waverly’s necklace. “Waverly.”
“How did you…” Waverly trailed off as she remembered. “It’s on my necklace.”
“Right.”
“Well, have a good night.”
“You too,” Nicole chuckled.
“Bye,” Waverly laughed nervously as Nicole walked back to the front desk.
Chrissy emerged from the bathroom just in time to see the last of their exchange and gasped loudly.
“Do you know who that is?” She asked excitedly.
“Mm-hmm, yep. Mm-hmm.”
“It’s Nicole—”
“Hey! Shh!” Waverly whispered and clamped a hand over Chrissy’s mouth. “Not so loud.”
“It’s Nicole Haught!” Chrissy exclaimed more quietly.
“I know. I know.”
“You know, from that reality show earlier!”
“Yeah, yep,” Waverly nodded.
“She’s standing— She’s here! Oh, she’s even more attractive in real life,” Chrissy gasped and looked at Waverly. “Did she make a pass at you?”
Waverly sighed. “No, Chris, she handed me your cheese,” she returned the purse to the blonde.
Nicole watched as the two women exited the building, whispering and laughing. She couldn’t help but feel a pang of jealousy in her gut, seeing other people happier than she’d been in months. The concierge gave her the key to her room and Nicole grabbed her bag. She walked over to the elegant Christmas tree, adorned with white lights and silver ornaments, and sighed.
Nicole reached into her coat and retrieved a faded Polaroid of her and Shae from Christmas two years ago, the better days. The two were facing the camera, laughing and stringing lights onto their tree. It was an extremely candid photo but it was Nicole’s favorite. She stared at it for a few minutes and placed it back in her pocket before heading for the elevators.
…
“Nicole Haught is staying at our resort!” Chrissy giggled as she and Waverly walked to their cars.
“Well, you know, it’s not really our resort.”
“Oh! Do you think she’ll come to the restaurant?”
“She might, yeah,” Waverly replied, unenthused.
“If I were Nicole Haught and I went to our restaurant what would I order?”
“Pizza,” Waverly deadpanned, not exactly interested in the topic of the conversation.
Chrissy gasped. “Yes! Pizza! I mean, if she’s the perfect woman, which we know she is, she would get pizza.”
The two continued talking until they reached their cars. They said their goodbyes and drove off, one excited about their new guest, and the other...still very confused.
- - - - -
The following morning Waverly and her staff gathered for a pre-shift meeting with one of the two owners of the lodge, and youngest Gardner sister, Beth. Waverly got little to no sleep the night before, her mind racing with thoughts of Nicole and cheese, and so she found it hard to maintain focus on whatever Beth was saying.
“Christmas is just around the corner, and if Thanksgiving in October was any indication, I think we can expect it to be at least twice as busy this year,” Beth said.
Waverly sighed and picked at her fingernails, trying to keep a positive attitude. She loved Christmas, but hated working during it. It was the most busy time of the year for the lodge and every year brought her closer and closer to a breakdown.
“Also, before we break for opening, I have a very exciting announcement to make,” Beth continued. “To help with the busy season, and perhaps some marketing opportunities, we’ve hired a new head chef starting today. She’s a huge talent. Nicole Haught.”
Chrissy and Waverly looked at each other, one beaming with excitement and the other...not so much. Nicole walked out from the kitchen and shook Beth’s hand with a warm smile.
“It’s Nicole Haught. She’s not a guest! She’s with us,” Chrissy whispered.
“How fun,” Waverly forced a smile.