Page 19 of A Gift for her Festive Firefighter

“No, you don’t,” Krista laughed, grabbing her arm and pulling her forward. “We’re going to go to this event, hold our heads high, and have a great time.”

“This is insane.”

“This is the best idea you’ve ever had, Beary,” Krista hissed excitedly, hugging her arm and dragging her out the front door. “Let’s do this, and if you want to leave thirty minutes into the event, then we will – but with dessert.”

“Should I get a slop bucket?” Holly asked bluntly, hating the way her voice shook. “Because when I cry, I can seriously put away the food.”

“Noooo,” Krista chuckled, hugging her arm again as they walked down the block heading toward the square. It wasn’t but a few minutes before one of her neighbors saw her, their eyes widening, giving her another panicked moment – however – her friend was fearless, urging her forward.

“How’s my lipstick? Is it on my teeth? Do I have anything in my teeth? Oh gosh, I think I forgot to floss…”

“Relax – and you look stunning,” Krista assured her, winking. “Just like you did thirty seconds ago.”

“I think my eyeliner smeared.”

“It’s fine.”

“My mascara? Did I get the little spots off my cheek where I goofed or can you still see it? Are you sure about my lipstick? It feels really goopy and thick, like it’s been smeared everywhere like frosting or silicone sealant. Smells like it too. Is it supposed to have a weird smell to it? I swear I can smell petroleum. Oh no, what if that’s me?” Holly finished in a frightened hiss and Krista grabbed her by both hands, facing her.

“Breathe in… and let it out.”

“I really should…”

“Stop! Now, breathe in… and out…”

“Every time I breathe, I smell oil.”

“Because it’s probably oozing from your pores.”

“WHAT?”

“Beary, I’m teasing. Lipstick has an oily base sometimes to keep your lips moist and plump – two words I seriously hate.”

“Right? I mean, those two words just sound icky and…— oh no.”

“What?”

“There are people… lots of people,” Holly whispered nervously as Krista threw back her head laughing. “It’s not funny! Stop! They are looking and pointing!”

“Oh my gosh, would you stop? You are killing me, Beary. Seriously, breathe. Straighten your shoulders and have a little confidence in yourself. Pretend you just set the timing on a Lamborghini…”

“It’s done electronically…”

“Pretend something else then – but we aren’t leaving for at least thirty minutes so whatever you have to imagine… get to it, because we are walking into that crowd of people. You hear me?”

Swallowing nervously, Holly smiled politely as she was enveloped in the crowd of neighbors, wondering if Cade would actually make an appearance. Trying to keep her panicked feelings buried, she kept taking even breaths, focusing on the little bits of conversation around her that seemed to be a mindless blur.

“Why, Beary, you sure look nice…”

“Did you see Lourdes in that get-up?”

“Are Doc Josephs and her husband here?”

“I think they went up to Wyoming to see her sister.”

“You know that sweet girl really turned her life around…”

“Good thing, too.”

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