Page 10 of A Very Grumpy Christmas

But I need to try.

I fold the note carefully, slipping it into my bag. I’ll leave it on my car after work, just like I did the last time, and hope that this time, he’ll be brave enough to answer.

When I head into the back room, Maple looks up from her computer, raising an eyebrow as I approach.

“You okay? You’ve been kind of... off today.”

I force a smile, though it feels weak, like I can’t quite muster the energy to fake it. “Yeah, I’m fine. Just... thinking about stuff.”

She narrows her eyes, clearly not buying it. “Is this about your secret admirer again?”

I sigh, leaning against the counter as I cross my arms. “Yeah. I left him a note a few days ago, asking him to meet me, but I haven’t heard anything. I’m starting to think I messed up.”

Maple frowns, setting aside the stack of lingerie she was organizing. “Why would you think that? Maybe he’s just nervous.”

“Or maybe he doesn’t want to meet me,” I say, the bitterness creeping into my voice. “Maybe he’s been having fun with the mystery and doesn’t actually want anything more.”

My sister gives me a sympathetic look, but before she can say anything, the bell over the door jingles, and Cora walks in, her face lighting up when she spots me.

“Ginger! I’ve been looking for you all afternoon,” she says, bounding over to the counter with a grin. “Got time for a coffee break?”

I glance over at Maple, who waves me off with a smile. “Go ahead. I’ve got it covered from here. Thanks for helping out today.”

“Anytime.”

With a sigh of relief, I grab my coat and bag, following Cora out of the sex shop. The crisp winter air bites at my cheeks, and for a moment, the cold wakes me up, shaking off some of the frustration I’ve been carrying around all day.

Cora nudges me as we walk. “So, what’s the latest with your mystery man?”

I groan, pulling the folded note from my bag and waving it in front of her. “Still nothing. I’m leaving him another note today,basically demanding that he meet me in person. I’m tired of waiting.”

Cora’s eyes widen in surprise, and then she grins. “Good for you! It’s about time you took charge.”

“Yeah, well, if this doesn’t work, I don’t know what will. I’ve been falling for this guy, Cora, and I don’t even know who he is. It’s ridiculous.”

She gives me a sympathetic look as we walk into the coffee shop, the smell of roasted beans and cinnamon immediately wrapping around us. We order our usual drinks and settle into a booth by the window, the snow lightly falling outside as people bustle around the square, decorating for the holiday festival.

“Have you thought about, you know, putting yourself out there?” Cora asks, her tone gentle but probing.

“What do you mean?” I ask, sipping my coffee.

“I mean, maybe it’s time to meet someone, Ginger. In person. Secret admirers are fun and romantic, but they’re not exactly... real. You don’t even know if this guy is who you think he is.”

I frown, swirling my coffee in its cup. “You think I should just... move on? Start dating other people?”

Cora shrugs. “Maybe. Look, you’ve been waiting for months, and you’re still waiting. What if he never shows up? You deserve to be happy, and you deserve someone who’s willing to put themselves out there for you.”

I know she’s right. As much as I want to believe that my mystery man will come forward, there’s no guarantee. And I can’t keep putting my life on hold for someone who might never appear.

“I don’t know,” I say, leaning back in my seat. “It feels weird, starting over, dating someone new when I’m still hung up on this.”

Cora grins, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “You know what you need? A little liquid courage.”

I laugh, shaking my head. “Oh no. I know where this is going.”

But Cora is already up, pulling me out of the booth. “Come on. We’re going to your place, and we’re going to have some fun. You need to loosen up a bit, Ginger. Trust me.”

I groan, but I don’t resist. Maybe she’s right. Maybe a night of letting loose is exactly what I need to get out of my own head.

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