Page 57 of Christmas for Keeps

“Wells,” I said, extending a hand. “Connor Wells.”

“Connor is Zach Harris’s boyfriend.”

Margie shook my hand. “Aren’t you a looker? Zach certainly has good taste.”

“Thank you, ma’am.” My cheeks grew hot, and while I wanted to ask what kind of trouble Emory had caused for Margie’s son, I only said, “It’s nice to meet you.”

“Nice meeting you too. Tell Zach we’ll have you over the next time Jay comes home.”

“I will. That’s kind of you.”

Moving into professional mode, Liz asked, “Is there anything I can help you with, Margie?”

“I want to buy two of those prints, but before I go get them, allow me to say I’ll come in here even more often now that I know it’s an Emory-free zone. Wait until I tell the girls at my book club. You’ll be getting a lot more business.”

Liz laughed. “That would be nice.”

Margie smiled at me. “And you, young Connor Wells, are my hero. I’ll tell you one thing, I’d like to see you kick that moron’s ass. I’d send you and Zach on vacation to thank you for doing the town a great service.”

While Liz rang up Margie’s purchase, I looked at my phone. Surprisingly, Zach and Kerry had been gone nearly two hours. After Margie left, I asked Liz if she’d heard from them.

“No, but I doubt they’ll be much longer. Are you and Zach going home when he gets back?”

“We’re having burgers somewhere first. He said they’re the best around.”

“Ah, that would be the Burger Nosh. It’s excellent.” She pointed to the cookie tray. “Have another to tide you over.”

I was halfway through a maple cookie when Zach and Kerry came in, shaking snow off their coats.

“It’s snowing again?” I looked out the window, happy to see it wasn’t coming down too hard.”

“Only a flurry.” Zach wore an uncharacteristically shy smile. “God, you’re beautiful.”

He walked over and leaned in for a kiss. Though I wanted to give him one to remember, we settled for a quick peck.

“Mission accomplished?” Liz asked.

Zach’s grin was a mile wide. “You bet. No problems, right, Kerry?”

“Not at all. We got everything inside.”

Her smile was almost as big as Zach’s, and I wondered what had them so happy. “Did you do anything else?”

Kerry glanced at Zach, then at me. “I convinced Zach to let me buy him a coffee, and we got carried away talking. Sorry I kept him so long.”

The look she and Zach exchanged made me wonder what they’d talked about. “No problem,” I said. “I’m glad you had fun.”

Zach put a hand on my back. “Hungry, babe? Let’s grab some lunch and go home.”

I nodded, and Liz held out her arms for a hug. “Thank you for helping me, Connor. You were fantastic. If you ever want a job, let me know.”

“You’re welcome, and I’ll do that.” Reluctantly, I pulled out of the kind of Mom-hug I hadn’t had for far too long. “I’m looking forward to dinner next week.”

After Kerry claimed a hug and I put on my coat, Zach and I got as far as the door before Liz called out, “Let us hear from you, Zach?”

He turned and winked. “For sure.”

“Hear from you about what?” I asked on our way up the sidewalk.

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