Page 28 of Mistletoe Face Off

“This coverage has already shown to increase team visibility across the various social media platforms, which keeps the team relevant,” Abby says. “It’s part of our job to keep attention on us, as you know, Harrison. Right now, our current sponsors are happy. They’ve told us so. Not only that, but this level of interest can potentially open up the opportunity to attract new sponsors. More specifically for the holiday period, it puts the spotlight on the month-long Christmas charity events the team is involved in, which we hope can only generate more interest in the causes and consequently raise more money.”

“That's a whole heap of good reasons to do it, as far as I can see,” Coach Newton adds.

“So, what are you suggesting happens now?” Harrison asks, echoing the very words in my mouth.

“Isn't it obvious, Harrison? We want you and Holly to keep the feud going,” Coach Newton says.

“There is no feud,” I protest once more.

But no one is listening to me.

Harrison raises his hands in the air, the look on his face telling me he had no idea this was why we were meeting today. “Let me get this straight, Abby. You want Holly and me to fakehateeach other?”

“We do,” Abby replies as though it's no big deal at all.

“But—” I begin. I'm not quite sure what I'm going to say, other than “are you crazy?”of course. Because this is crazy. Me and Harrison locked in some kind of publicity feud?

Certifiable.

“That's exactly what we're suggesting. People will want to see this. They will come to more games and more of the Christmas charity events. It's a win-win, as far as we can see,” Abby says.

“How is it a win for me exactly?” I ask, incredulous.

I mean, I've read enough romance novels to have heard of fake dating, but fakehating? That's a whole other ball game.

“I think I see where you're going with this. Increased publicity for you also means increased publicity for us. Our journalist involved in a feud with an NHL star,” Stephen says, nodding his approval. “You can do that, right, Holly?”

I capture Harrison’s gaze. His face is lifted in a hint of a smile. “I'm up for it if you are,” he says smoothly.

“You're up for fake hating me?” I ask, surprised.

“Yup.”

“Why?”

“For all the reasons Abby explained.”

If I agree to this, I have to pretend to hate Harrison Clarke. It's not too much of a stretch. I'm still dark over the whole pretending to be someone else thing. But to do it publicly?

Stephen leans his elbows on the table. “We would want exclusive rights to break the stories first.”

“Of course. That's part of the win-win,” Abby replies.

“How long do you anticipate this feud lasting?” Stephen asks.

“We’ve agreed we would like it to last for the holiday period. The last team event is on December 22ndbefore the team holiday party on the 23rd. One final public argument then and I think we'll be all set,” Abby replies.

“Abby is right. It will become boring if we drag it on for too long. Christmas Eve is about three weeks away, which is ample time to let this play out,” Coach Newton adds.

“Maybe Holly and I can make up on at the final event on December 22nd?” Harrison suggests.

“I like that,” Abby says, nodding. “A kind of Christmas miracle.”

Harrison laughs. “A Christmas miracle might be taking it a little far.”

“No, that would work. People get super sentimental around the holidays, especially at Christmas. You two can attend the final Christmas event, holding hands and looking happy,” she says.

My traitorous belly gives a flip at the thought of holding hands with Harrison. Dang you, high school crush, rearing your inconvenient head!

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