Page 2 of Mistletoe Magic

“From what Chrissy was telling me, this place was really special to Uncle Denny. Did you hear him talk about it?”

“Wait, he talked a lot about going to the North Pole when we were kids. Could that be this place?” I’m going to go home and do some research.

I spend the next four hours talking, and drinking. By midnight, I’m sober enough to head home.

What amI going to do in Celebration, Florida?

Ava

“Get over yourself.I love your sister. She’s a firecracker in bed while you’re a dud.”

My ex-fiancé Matthew’s words still swirl in my head six months later. They’re hitting hard today as I stare at their Save the Date magnet. My mom couldn’t wait to bring that over because one of her daughters is marrying into money, while my dad wants to kick all three of their asses.

I’ve always been a Daddy’s girl. He hugs me tight as he’s leaving and makes me promise we’ll do lunch this week. He and my mom are going to Michele’s for Thanksgiving with her future in-laws. I passed on the opportunity and toss the magnet after my parents left. I have no intention of going to their wedding. Since my parents interrupted my bath, I now need to hurry and grab a shower.

Looking at the clock, I sprint into the bathroom— otherwise, I’ll be late for work. This is one of the rare mornings that I got off to sleep in before the busy season is in full force come Friday. I hired a superb manager, but it’smybusiness, and I like to be in control.

After my shower concert— yes, every woman is a rockstar in the shower as they belt out Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas”— I wrap my long hair in a towel and dress in my jeans and Celebration Ice t-shirt. Of course, my first love after my dad and godson is the ice. When I was four years old, Dad bought my first pair of ice skates.

Celebration Ice has been in this town for over twenty-five years. A few years ago, I bought it off Dennis King. He was a sweet man, and I was sad to hear about his passing. I planned to fly to California for his funeral, but they had a family-only memorial service. I contacted his brother David and asked if it would be alright to do a dedication to Mr. Dennis. He didn’t know about his brother’s life here.

We talked for a couple of hours, and he said he’d love to be a part of it. So this year’s ice pageant is dedicated to Dennis. I fixed up the ice rink and started a local hockey team, and this is our second annual Special Olympics Christmas— The Pageant. This year we’re doing Christmas on Ice. Along with ice skaters, the hockey team is joining in and having so much fun.

My phone rings, and it’s my best friend.

“What’s up, bitch?” I say as I straighten my long, red hair.

“Do you think you can pick Timmy up from school? I have to work late tonight.”

“Sure. He has practice anyway,” I remind her. Timmy is my godson and the reason for the Special Olympics pageants for the holidays. He has Downs Syndrome and couldn’t do hockey like he wanted. Since he’s in a special needs class at school, I came up with the pageant. His teacher, Mr. Davis, is a big help, and his entire class is learning how to skate. The parents love that these kids have a place that makes them feel normal besides school.

Alyssa has been my best friend since kindergarten. She got married and pregnant right out of high school. Her husband was a great man, and I couldn’t have picked anyone better for her. He joined the Army, and right after Timmy was born, they deployed him overseas.

Five years later, an IED killed him. I tried to pick up the “dad” role slack, but Timmy prefers doing the guy stuff with my dad.

“Fuck, I forgot about that.” Alyssa seems more frantic than usual.

“Lys, I got you. He can stay the night, and I’ll take him to school. We’re doing Thanksgiving at your house, right?”

“We are. Thank you.” She hangs up, not waiting for a reply. I make a note on my calendar to pick Timmy up, so I don’t forget.

Driving through Celebration makes me happy. It’s like living at the North Pole— Christmas 24/7|365. Arriving at the rink, a lot of the parking spots are full, which is good. Smiling and whistling, “We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” as I open the door, my manager is on the phone and waves.

I look into the rink at some guys playing hockey. I wave to Jack, who is the goalie. I’m trying to set him up with Alyssa. He’s willing, but Alyssa worries about Timmy. Jack is a single dad of a girl Timmy’s age, so it’s perfect.

My cell phone rings, and Michele’s name flashes across the screen. I better answer it, or she won’t leave me alone.

“What the fuck do you want?” I snap. I’m in the woman’s locker room.

“Well, hello to you too.” Her nerve grates on my nerves. “I’m calling to see if you got the save the date magnet that I sent to mom.” Her voice sounds like she won a prize or something. She’s gloating. I roll my eyes.

“Mom dropped it off, and it went straight into the trash. It looks great sitting on top of my leftovers.” I smile even though she can’t see. I try to sound cheerful even though my heart is crushed by her.

“Why are you such a bitch? I need help, and you’re my baby sister. This is a time for the family. Weddings bring families together.”

Is this chick for real?

“You were sleeping with my fiancé the entire three years we were together! You helped pick out my wedding dress. How am I supposed to feel about you? Because from where I sit, I hate you and Matthew. I wish you nothing but the best but leave me the fuck alone.”

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