Page 146 of Holiday Hire

Phoebe arches her eyebrows. "Wow. Peter knows how to bring it home."

"Hey, I didn't say it wasn't going to be cheesy," I admit, but I still love it.

"That was a freebie for you all!" Peter exclaims, then asks, "What's the green thing you stand under if you're desperate for a kiss and can't get it any other way?"

Phoebe giggles, then writes down her answer.

Peter adds, "I'm going to take a song break, grab a beer, then I'll be back. Make sure you tip your servers. And no cheating! Remember, that's bad Christmas behavior."

Mariah Carey's voice singing "All I Want for Christmas is You" comes from the speakers.

"I love this song!" Phoebe declares, then belts out the next few lines.

I stare at her in awe.

"Sorry, I get a tad carried away with that song," she claims.

"Don't apologize. And don't let me stop you. Sing away."

She takes another sip of beer.

I ask, "You hungry?"

"I could eat something."

"You want me to order some appetizers, or do you want your own entrée?"

"Appetizers are good. I've got to run to the ladies' room though."

"Okay, no problem." I scoot out and rise. I help her exit the booth, and she disappears into the women's room.

I put my hand in the air to call Carrie over when Cheyenne slides into the booth across from me, cooing, "Well, well, well, stranger."

I groan inside. The last person I want to see is Cheyenne. I tell her, "Hey, I'm on a date, so..."

I motion for her to go away, not into her antics. What she did the last time she saw Phoebe wasn't cool. She texted me a week ago, and I told her our arrangement was over.

She pouts. "Aw, is that any way to treat an old friend? Especially a nice friend?" She bats her eyelashes.

"Cheyenne, you need to go," I repeat.

She leans over and puts her hand on mine. "What's gotten into you, Alexander? I know you're into this nanny, but come on, haven't you had your fun? Surely you're bored by now? I know damn well she can't do what I do to you."

I open my mouth, but Phoebe's voice pierces the air, "Cheyenne, fancy seeing you here."

Cheyenne keeps her hand on mine and slowly looks at Phoebe. Her lips form into a smirk.

I move my hand back. "Cheyenne was just leaving, weren't you?"

Her eyes widen into an innocent expression. "Oh? Was I? I thought you were about to tell me you were ready to leave with me."

I look at Phoebe and say, with no emotion in my voice, "She's lying." I get up and put my hand on Phoebe's back, motioning for her to take her seat.

She doesn't. She continues to glare daggers at Cheyenne.

I softly order, "Pheebs, have a seat."

She glances at me. I give her a quick kiss on the lips. "Sit down."

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