Page 98 of Deck the Fire Halls

“Well, yes. For the Kris Kringle thing that Soren absolutely forced you into organizing.”

Hamish looked like he’d sucked a lemon. “Uh, no he didn’t.”

I laughed. “It’s fine. He told me. You’re all very bad liars.”

Ren put his arm around Hamish, smiling at himfondly. “All you had to say was that it was a ten-dollar limit.”

“I know.” Hamish winced. “I panicked.”

“It’s fine. I actually have an idea and I need some supplies. Oh, and this,” I said, fishing out my front door key. “I need to get a spare cut. Red or green if possible.”

Hamish came and plucked it out of my hand. “To give to anyone in particular.”

“No,” I squeaked.

Ren laughed and took the key from Hamish but then he looked at me. “Welcome to the terrible liars club.”

Hamish laughed and took my arm. “Tell me of these supplies you need.”

I took out my phone. “I had to have Google’s help I’ll have you know. I’m not creative at all and this will probably look terrible, but this is what I need.”

He took a quick glance at the screenshot of supplies. “Easy. This way.” He led me over to the paint supply section. Acrylics in red, white, and blue, painters tape, foam brushes, and something called Mod Podge. Hamish looked at the supplies he shoved into my arms. “I thought I could guess what you were going to make, but the food-safe sealant is throwing me off. Any clues?”

“No. You’ll need to be as horrified as everyone else when they open it.”

“I think you mean surprised.”

“No. I didn’t.”

“It won’t be that bad,” he tried. “But tell me, are you and Soren doing gifts?”

“We are.”

He wiggled excitedly. “And? What are you getting him?”

“I’m not telling you. I’ve seen your face when you try and lie.”

He rolled his eyes. “Fair.”

“But I have ordered it.”

“Things between you are going well?” He raised an eyebrow.

“They are.” I still wasn’t giving him details. “But he’s working graveyard this week so I won’t see him.”

Hamish made a sad face, but then he corrected it. “Then you just need to go find yourself accidentally in his bed when he gets home.”

I laughed. “You know, out of yours and Gunter’s suggestions, I think I like yours better.”

This clearly pleased him greatly. But then Ren was back, holding up a brand-new red key. “All done.”

“Perfect.”

I paid for my supplies and Hamish walked me to the door. “I will be in touch with the list of potluck dishes. I know it all sounds like a lot of work, but it’ll be fun, I promise. We always have such a good night.”

“It sounds great, to be honest. I’ve been enjoying getting to cook actual meals lately,” I replied. “And a Christmas dinner sounds perfect. I’m looking forward to it.”

He really had no idea just how much I meant that.

---