Page 12 of Daycare Santa

“You said it, not me.” Her mouth puckered and her distaste was clear. “I was going to say street dog.”

“Don’t you think you’re rushing to judgment? Champ is my—”

“I don’t care what he is.” Regina pointed at the dog. “He shouldn’t be here.”

Champ chose that moment to prod Luca with one paw, as if he wanted the petting to continue.

“Don’t touch him.” Regina glared at the dog, then looked directly at Zack. “I’ve changed my mind. I willnottrust my son to a place where street dogs are welcome.”

Chapter 5

“Sis, you’re way toodistracted to be in the kitchen.” Seya switched off the mixer and cleaned the sides of the bowl with a spatula, still chiding Gina. “I asked you to pass me the flour, and you handed me the bread crumbs.”

“Give me a break.” Gina leaned against the island and spun the quart of white rum in circles on the marbled granite surface. Her attention shifted to the pine cabinets before she said, “I have issues. You know that.”

“Did you get more orders?” Seya frowned, narrowing her almond-shaped eyes, which always reminded Gina of their mother’s. At the same time, people often remarked how much Gina and Seya resembled each other.

Nodding, Gina said, “Actually, I got two more today, and another company wants me to cater for their Christmas party. Don’t ask me why they left it so late.”

“You didn’t have to say yes.” Seya’s curls bounced under the hairnet as she shook her head. “What about those boundaries you keep telling me to enforce?”

“They’re long-time clients. I didn’t have the heart to say no.”

“Sounds like when Christmas comes, you’ll be barely conscious to celebrate.” Seya started the mixer again and for a few seconds, neither of them spoke.

Still fiddling with the bottle, Gina shrugged. “No matter how I feel, I have to make Christmas special for Luca.”

“Agreed.” Seya’s nod was vigorous. “Speaking of which, I still need to get his presents.”

Gina uncorked the white vanilla, only to have Seya block her from pouring it out. “You put that in already.”

With her brows arched, Gina set the bottle aside. “Really?”

“Yes. Really. It’s a good thing I made it over here today. Otherwise, you’d probably have to throw out whatever witch’s brew you mixed up in the name of fruitcake.”

“Har har. We were talking about your shopping.”

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