Page 94 of 12 Days of Mistletoe

“I like him,” she says, surprising me and proving my thoughts all wrong in one breath.

“You haven’t met him,” I say, unsure why I’m trying to support her advice to go slow.

“He left something he loves to take care of you, Bonnie. I am officially a fan.”

“But what about him trying to get me evicted? What about how I hardly know him? What about how living a lie makes the truth confusing?” I tromp down the street and shake my head. “You said all those things.”

“He didn’t have to take you away from the busy hall and care for you. He could have asked you to endure it. He could have left you in the car. He could have given you the keys and said to drive home.”

“None of those things are Elliot. He wouldn’t do that.”

“Which is why I am now a fan.” She huffs. “What’s the problem?”

“I—” I’ve walked Abe from his apartment to mine with the plan to walk him back again, but May Elliot sits outside, in the cold, in front of my apartment building, waiting—it seems—for me. “Ahh, Meg, I gotta go.”

“But you were going to tell me—” she starts.

But my eyes are on May. “Byeee. Love you,” I tell her, pressing one finger to my right earbud and ending the call.

May stands as I walk up to the front entrance.

“Is this a new one?” she says. “That’ll be another two weeks if so.”

I cough out a laugh. “Ah, no. This is Abe, he’s one of myclient’s dogs. We were just headed back to his place, finishing up a walk.”

Noel trots over to May, as far as her leash will allow, and waits for the older woman to pet her. She remembers May and assumes some love is in store. Abe stands back with me, sitting on his back legs and whining at our pause.

“That’s a good girl, No-No,” May says, calling Noel by my nickname. My lips perk up in a grin.

“Are you visiting Elliot?” I ask.

“No, I’m here for you, darling girl.”

My brows knit. I don’t remember having a meeting, a practice session, or a baking lesson with May. In fact, other than seeing May this evening, I thought we had the day off.

“I hear you need a dress.” Her penciled brows lift along with the corners of her mouth.

I swallow and warmth blooms in my cheeks. “May, I’m sorry about the symphony.”

“Oh, pish posh.” She waves away my concern with a flick of her wrist. “I’m not here about that. I’m here for shopping.”

I tug on the ends of my long hair. In my opposite hand, Abe’s and Noel’s leashes go sweaty in my grasp. “Elliot said I could borrow one of Evelyn’s dresses. I can’t afford?—”

“Bonnie, you misunderstand.” She dips her head, her eyes glued to my face, waiting for dawning to occur. “This is my Christmas gift to you. I’m buying you a dress, dear.”

“Oh—” I shake my head.

“And no arguing. I’m an old lady and should be allowed to spend my money as I wish.”

I’m not sure how to argue with that.

“Please take Abraham home so we can go.”

“Now? You want to go now. Um—okay.” I lick my coldlips and run a hand beneath my icy nose. “I’m walking him. The Brewster’s have paid me, so?—”

“That’s fine. Finish your job. I’ll wait for you at Elliot’s.”

I have never stepped foot inside MontanaChic in my life. My income will not allow me to even look inside the windows. But here I am with May, who absolutely looks like she should be here.

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