Page 21 of Mistletoe Kisses

Warren let out a happy sigh. “Thanks.”

I picked my guitar back up and played a bit from “Chapel of Love” by The Dixie Cups while Warren sang along.

“We had a Festival of Lights committee meeting the other night, and they’re still looking for performers for Making Spirits Bright. One of the acts had a death in the family and needs to be out of town for a couple of weeks.”

My palms began to sweat, and I dropped my guitar onto my lap like it burned. “Warren. No. You didnotgive them my name. Did you? For the love of candy canes, tell me you didn’t.”

He raised his hands in a defensive gesture. “Of course I didn’t. Butyoucould put your name in. You’re incredibly talented, and people would love to see you back on that stage.”

I began shaking my head before he’d even finished speaking. “Not after what happened last time. And the time before that. And before that.”

“None of that matters. It’s in the past.”

I scoffed. “Tell that to the people who keep mentioning it.”

He winced. “Well, if you change your mind, I’ll be there to support you. I would love to see you perform again when you’re ready.”

“IfI’m ever ready is more like it. I’m happy singing for an audience of me.”

“Bullshit.”

“You’re not my therapist.”

“Maybe you need one,” he said too gently.

“On that note, I’d better start getting ready for work, and you’d better go bother your soon-to-be fiancé.”

“That’s a great idea. See you later.” He pulled his coat on, then reached for the doorknob. He paused and looked over his shoulder. “Tell Arlo hi for me.”

I flipped him off and laughed as he blew me a kiss before escaping into the cold.

Perform at Making Spirits Bright again? Sure, as soon as I met the real Santa.

Chapter9

Arlo

“That looks amazing.”

I was startled by the unfamiliar voice. I hadn’t heard the front door chime since the last customers left the bookstore a while ago. Traffic had been slow all morning. I hadn’t meant to head to Tome Raiders after grabbing coffee, but my feet had carried me there, nonetheless. I couldn’t stay away from the place.

The plan had been to return for the passport event tonight, and not before, but I’d wanted to touch base in case Ron could use help finalizing everything. I’d offered to write information about the blind date with a book on the chalkboard.

I looked at the visitor and promptly dropped the chalk I’d been holding while putting the finishing touches on the sign. It broke into three pieces.

“Oh, honey. I didn’t mean to startle you.” Karen, my aunt and Ron’s wife, had an even bigger smile in person than I’d seen when searching for my family online months ago.

“It’s okay. There’s more chalk.”

She held out her hand. “I’m Karen, Ron’s better half. You must be Arlo.”

My head grew light at the recognition. “It’s nice to meet you.”

“Pleasure’s all mine. You saved his bacon this year. I was certain he would land on Mabel’s naughty list, but you got him moved back to the nice list.” She gripped my hand in both of hers. “Truly, everything you’ve done is amazing. Thank you.” She let go of my hand. “It’s nice to see my Ronnie inspired by the store again.” Karen smiled sadly and looked toward the back office and storage room where he was whistling.

I swallowed thickly. “I’m glad I could help.”

“He told me about your blind date with a book idea. It’s brilliant.”

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