Page 26 of Mishaps and Mistletoe

“Johnny, what are you talking about?”

He pulled out a chair and sat at the table. “Geez, I thought it was obvious. I even had a custom-made ditty for the occasion.”

“For what occasion, exactly?” She arched a single brow at him, but a funny feeling in the pit of her stomach told her she already knew where this conversation was headed.

“Uh, last night at the lodge. I saw the two of you all cozy, enjoying a candlelit dinner.”

“What? Are you stalking me? And like now—why are you here this early?” She crossed her arms over her chest and pinned him with a glare. What exactly was Johnny trying to pull?

“I’m not stalking you. I went for a run at the park last night after my shift and had to use the, um, facilities, which, as you know, are right outside the restaurant doors. And today is just a lucky coincidence.” He flashed her one of his goofy grins that showed both his top and bottom teeth and creeped her out. Which he knew; that’s why he did it.

They weren’t in grade school anymore, so she resisted the urge to stick her tongue out at him. That didn’t mean she wasn’t tempted. “You’re unbelievable, popping up around town. You’re like one of those elves parents put all over the house, so their kids will be good.”

“First, I’m flattered you think I’m worthy of working for Mr. Claus. But this elf isn’t trying to get you to behave. In fact, I hope you’ll do something to get on the naughty list.”

They both recoiled like they’d eaten a sour lemon.

“Nope. Didn’t mean that. Ugh! You’re like my sister. I was going for elf wordplay.” Though not a real elf, Johnny got two very bright red spots on his cheeks like the ceramic figurines Josie remembered her grandmother having when she was a child.

“Let’s just drop this conversation,” she said.

“After one last question: are you going to give Kevin a chance?”

Josie’s lips twisted as she paused a beat to choose her next words carefully. “You know I don’t date. You got a front row seat to the implosion of my relationship with Scott. All that time, wasted. And I’m all about efficiency—you know that. Relationships are such a huge time suck, and for what? A chance to find out the person you thought you loved…” She sucked in a shuddering breath. “That’s a hard pass, Johnny.”

He shook his head from side to side. “You know what? This—” He waved his hand in front of her face. “I’m not buying any of it.”

“What do you mean?”

He leaned forward, cutting the space between them in half. “Answer me a yes or no: do you like Kevin?”

“I think he’s a good—”

“Ah.” He cut her off. “Yes or no.”

“Of course, I like him. I enjoy spending time with him. I think he’s sweet. He’s extremely caring. I like him a lot. What else do you want me to say, Johnny?”

“That’s all.”

“Order up for Johnny Appleseed.”

He stood and pushed in his chair, taking a couple of steps backward, his eyes still fixed on Josie.

“Joy is contagious, Jojo. Make sure you get some for yourself, alright? Life’s gonna pass you by whether or not you take part in it.”

Johnny picked up his coffee and walked out the door while his words—Courtney’s words—pinged around Josie’s brain like a pinball in a machine played at zero gravity. She couldn’t deny she enjoyed hanging out with Kevin. But she was exhausted. She’d been through the relationship wringer, and her heart couldn’t take another break. But then she thought back to the toy drive and the ache that spread throughout her chest when she realized she was standing on the outside of the holidays, looking in. Was she doing the same with her love life? The grains of sand in the hourglass of life were funneling through whether or not she participated. Would she really be content spending the rest of her time on the other side of that window, watching everyone else live their lives?

When she caught a glimpse of her ex-fiancé and the woman who might soon get her job pass the window, it muted her pep talk on the spot. She’d do well to remember the best things in her life always ended… even her time with Kevin, once upon a time.

ChapterEight

What’s the difference between semisweet and bittersweet chocolate chips?

That was one of the half a dozen questions Kevin asked himself as he stood in the baking aisle of Krogers, staring at the wall of chocolate. Josie had texted him earlier in the day with a list of supplies they’d need for tonight’s baking extravaganza—her words, not his. He’d baked about three things in his entire life, so calling this a bakingexperimentseemed more accurate. But when he’d mentioned his company’s cookie exchange, Josie’s face beamed so bright—well, he’d call it whatever she wanted to see her smile like that again. It was a glimpse of the Josie he knew when they were teens—something reminiscent of the girl she seemed adamant to keep hidden as of late.

When he mentioned his plans to take store-bought cookies, she gasped like he’d said his plan was to head to the dog park to kick puppies instead. And when he suggested snagging a tube of those cookies you cut and throw in the oven, she shuddered.“You cannot take slash-and-burn cookies to the party.”And then she’d told him about the time she made a batch, lost track of time, and the apartment sprinklers doused her kitchen.“Steam was coming out of Scott’s ears faster than smoke came out of the oven.”The story obviously wasn’t a ringing endorsement for her ex. Or her baking skills. But surely, she was more adept in the kitchen than he was. He sure hoped so.

Regardless, he enjoyed spending time with her. So, at the very least, if the evening didn’t produce any edible baked goods, it would end in a good time.

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