Page 16 of A Curvy Wonderland

Maybe I could get him to laugh. A real laugh. I wondered what it would sound like coming from his lips…

With that thought running through my mind, I walked into Delilah's house where they were all eating cereal at the table. Holding up the extra headbands, I sang, “I got presents.”

The girls ran up from the table to me, their cereal abandoned, to get their headbands. They immediately shoved them on, grinning at each other.

Delilah laughed. “That is so cute.”

I grinned. “Right?”

Tatum said, “We'll prove to Eldan that reindeer don't stink.”

I laughed. I may have put on my most expensive perfume, the one my parents got me last Christmas and told me to use for special occasions only.

“Cute.” Delilah stood and put her bowl in the sink. “Holly, can I show you something real quick?”

I nodded, knowing that was code for she wanted us to talk privately without the girls listening in.

We went back to the laundry room, and she turned on the dryer just in case one of the girls got nosy and decided to listen in at the door.

“What's up? I asked

She leaned back against the dryer, folding her arms across her chest casually. “I just wanted to see how it was going. It's been a little while since we had a good check in.”

The scent of tumbling clothes and dryer sheets filled the air as I answered. “I can tell the girls get sad sometimes, but I think you were right about volunteering. It's been keeping them busy, and they seem to have a lot of fun. It's brightening a lot of other people's days too.”

She gave me a relieved smile. “That's so good to hear. It's been really hard knowing their dad won't come home in time for the holiday.”

I nodded, totally understanding. “I keep hoping that they'll say it was all a fluke and he's actually going to make it in time for Christmas.”

She gave me a sad smile. “If only.”

I nodded slowly.

“Are you having a good time too? I know you love doing all the Christmassy things. You’re such a trooper for setting that aside for volunteer work.”

I bit my lip, not really sure how to answer. Working with Eldan had its ups and downs. But I had to admit, if only to myself, getting to know him had been an unexpectedly pleasant surprise. Maybe my mind was running away with me, thinking that the best Christmas ever might include a romance too. But that was crazy. “It's been okay,” I finally said. “He's a little rough around the edges.”

Delilah nodded. “His mom was worried about him. I was hoping you might help him get out of his funk.”

I tilted my head. “Do you know why he hates Christmas so much?” I leaned against the washing machine while I waited for her answer. Through the clear lid, I could see its empty insides.

Delilah let out a slow breath. “Not my story to tell,” she said.

I frowned, but I understood. One thing I respected about Delilah was how much she respected everyone else. She was a true friend. One of the many reasons why she and my mom got along so well.

After studying me for a moment, she added, “He is a good-looking boy.”

If I would have had lighter skin, like my friend Belle, my cheeks would have flamed a bright red. As it was, I looked toward the door to hide my smile. “Delilah.”

She lifted her hands feigning innocence. “What? He is good looking—for a cute young girl like you.”

I shook my head at her. “Can I safely assume this check-in is over?”

She laughed. “I guess so.”

“I did have a question though,” I said.

“What's up?”

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