Page 15 of Chloe

I step aside to let him in, trying to ignore the flutter in my stomach as he brushes past me. “No interruption at all. I was just working on the inventory system.”

Oliver sets the boxes down and looks around the room, his eyes twinkling. “Wow, you’ve really turned this place into command central, haven’t you?”

I follow his gaze, suddenly seeing the room through his eyes. My laptop is surrounded by stacks of papers, sticky notes cover every available surface, and a large whiteboard I’d ordered online dominates one wall, covered in my neat handwriting detailing donation goals and distribution plans.

“I suppose I have,” I admit, feeling a blush creep up my cheeks. “I just want to make sure everything’s organized properly.”

Oliver’s smile softens as he surveys my work zone one more time. “How long have you been working on this?”

Shrugging, I close the door. “A few hours.”

“It’s amazing.” He puts his hands in his pockets. “The kids of Benton Falls are lucky to have you on their side.”

His words send a warm feeling spreading through my chest, one that I quickly try to squash. I’m not doing this for the kids, I tell myself. This is just a project, like any other.

“Yes, well,” I say, clearing my throat. “Speaking of the toy drive, we should probably go through these new donations.”

For the next hour, Oliver and I work side by side, sorting through the toys and logging them into the system I’ve created. As we work, Oliver regales me with stories about past toy drives and the children they’ve helped. Despite my best efforts to remain detached, I laugh at his jokes and hanging on every word.

“Oh, that reminds me,” Oliver says suddenly, setting down a stuffed reindeer. “The high school band is having their holiday concert tonight. They always collect toy donations at the door. I know it’s short notice, but would you like to come with me? You know, to oversee the donations and all that.”

I hesitate. Sheesh, how many Christmas concerts can one town have? And suddenly I find my instinct to decline warring with an unexpected desire to say yes. “I don’t know, Oliver. I’m not sure about another concert.”

“Come on,” his hazel eyes twinkling in persuasion. “It’ll be fun. Plus, we’ll be collecting donations. Who knows?” he beams. “You might even enjoy yourself.”

I sigh, knowing I’m fighting a losing battle. “Fine. But only to oversee the donations.”

Oliver’s face breaks into a wide grin. “Great. I’ll pick you up at seven.”

As he leaves, I stand at the window, watching his retreating figure until it disappears into the snowy night. A small voice in the back of my mind whispers that I’m in danger of caring too much, of letting myself get too invested in this town and its people. But for once, I push that voice aside and worry about the most pressing problem—What am I going to wear?

Fifteen minutes later, I stand in front of the mirror, frowning at my reflection. I’ve changed outfits three times already, unsure of what to wear to a high school band concert in a small town. I finally settle on a soft cashmere sweater and dark jeans, a far cry from my usual power suits but somehow fitting for the occasion.

At precisely seven o’clock, there’s a knock at the door. I open it to find Oliver standing there, looking handsome in a green sweater that brings out the flecks of gold in his eyes.

“Wow,” he breathes, his gaze traveling over me. “You look beautiful, Chloe.”

I feel a blush creeping up my cheeks, surprised at how much I appreciate his compliment. “Thank you. You don’t look so bad yourself.”

The drive to the high school is filled with comfortable conversation, punctuated by the soft strains of Christmas music from the radio. As we pull into the parking lot, I’m struck by the festive atmosphere. The school is decked out in twinkling lights, and families stream towards the entrance, many carrying wrapped gifts for the toy drive.

Inside the foyer is a hive of activity. A large Christmas tree dominates one corner, its branches laden with ornaments and twinkling lights. The evergreen scent mingles with the aroma of hot chocolate and freshly baked cookies being sold at a nearby table.

Oliver guides me to a table set up for toy donations, where we’re greeted by an enthusiastic group of student volunteers. As we help them organize the incoming gifts, I’m surprised by how much I’m enjoying myself. The excited chatter of the students, the warmth of the community spirit, it all feels so... right.

Just as we’re finishing up, Rebecca appears, her golden hair catching the light as she weaves through the crowd towards us.

“Chloe. Oliver. I’m so glad you’re here,” she says, her smile bright. “Isn’t this wonderful? So many people have brought donations.”

I nod, surprised to find that I actually agree with her. “It is pretty special,” I admit.

Rebecca beams at me. “Oh, we should go in. The concert’s about to start.”

I nod and wonder how I seem to spend most of my time in Benton Falls with Rebecca, a girl I’m not totally convinced I really like. It’s like she’s got some weird agenda with me—like I’m her Christmas project.

Pushing the notion aside, we make our way into the auditorium, and I’m struck by the transformation. The stage has been turned into a winter wonderland, complete with sparkling fake snow and twinkling lights. The excitement in the air is palpable as parents and community members find their seats.

Oliver leads us to a row near the front, and I find myself sandwiched between him and Rebecca. As the lights dim and the first notes of “Rocking Around the Christmas Tree.” fill the air, I’m surprised by the quality of the performance. These kids are good.

---