Page 76 of Starlight Bay

He shook Sydney’s hand, then took our coats. “All the food’s in the kitchen. You know everyone here, make yourself at home!”

My mom grabbed a glass of champagne from the table, then headed out to find my dad and Gran, leaving us alone in the kitchen. Jazzy Christmas music played softly in the background and candles flickered, creating a nice cozy vibe.

“Syd, you have to try this drink.” I grabbed a crystal pitcher, pouring pink liquid into a glass rimmed with sugar and pre-garnished with mint and lime. “It’s the one Nate was talking about, the signature drink of the party—they serve it every year. It’s called the Ugly Sweater and it’s awesome!”

“Didn’t Nate say to go easy on this?” she asked, narrowing her eyes at the sparkling beverage.

“It’s fine, he got carried away one year, that’s all.” I poured myself a glass as well, then we knocked our cups together. “Cheers!”

“Mmm, it’s delicious,” Sydney said, taking another drink.

“Right? Told you.” We grabbed a few appetizers, plus a refill of our punch, then headed into the main living room area, towards the soft rumble of conversation.

“Nick, what’s up?” My buddy Jackson and his girlfriend Harper made their way over to us. “Nick, Harper; Harper, Nick.”

“Bro! Great to see you!” I said, patting him on the shoulder. “Nice to meet you, Harper. Thanks for the sweater.” I noddedin Sydney’s direction and she blushed. “This is my girlfriend, Sydney. Syd, Jackson and I went to school together before this crazy kid went off to college and then to the NHL.”

“Ah, another athlete in the house,” Sydney said, smiling at him.

“Retired,” Jackson said, shoving a hand in his jeans pocket. “Now I’m in construction. Family business. Harper and I work together, actually, renovating houses.”

“That’s fun,” Sydney said.

“It is,” Harper chimed in, brushing her hair over her shoulder. “I never thought I’d be doing this type of work, but it’s going great.”

“I heard you guys got a TV gig?” I elbowed Jackson; he was one of theleastlikely people I knew to be on a reality TV show, mainly because he was private and even a little shy.

“We did!” Harper said, with bubbly enthusiasm. “Filming is so fun; I love it!”

Jackson wrapped his arm around Harper and it all came together for me. Theonlyreason he was on television was most definitely Harper.

“I knew you looked familiar!” Sydney said, biting the corner of her lip. “I think I saw an episode where you guys had a rotted tree fall on the house?”

Jackson groaned. “Yeah. That was a freaking disaster.”

“But you saved it, babe,” Harper said, beaming up at Jackson. He shot her a grateful smile and I knew these two were the perfect match.

“Sydney, you need a refill?” I asked, eyeing her empty glass.

“Sure,” she nodded.

“We can get it,” Harper said, linking arms with Sydney. “You both want refills, too?”

“I’ll just take a beer,” I said. Jackson echoed me and the girls walked off towards the kitchen.

“Looks like things are going good with you and Harper, huh?” I asked Jackson.“Yeah, man. Things are great.”

“Like, how great? Marrying great?”

Jackson swallowed, but shook his head in the affirmative. “I think so, man. She’s pretty freaking perfect.”

“I’m happy for you, man. That’s awesome.” I clapped him on the back, congratulating him.

“How about you and Sydney? She seems cool.”

My stomach tightened, my pulse quickening. “She is great.” I dropped my voice, so only Jackson could hear, leaning in closer to him. “But she started working as publicist for the team while I was out in Arizona, so all of this is on the DL. I somehow have to convince her to either break HR rules—or I don’t know what.” My voice trailed off, anxiety buzzing through me.

“Ugh, that’s tough. Harper and I had to work out some career drama, too, but once we made it through that, it’s been smooth sailing.” A slow, contented smile spread over Jackson’s face; he looked happier than a kid on Christmas morning.

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