Page 74 of Mistletoe Kisses

“I can’t believeI did that,” I mumbled to myself after escaping to the park restroom. It felt like I was hovering outside my body as I stood inside the stall. The confined space was a welcome change from the large crowd in the park. The adrenaline surge was finally fading. All the people approaching me and Lucas to tell us we’d done a good job had been overwhelming, and Lucas had kindly escorted me to the restroom and was waiting outside while I took a break.

I pulled out my phone to tell Keaton what I’d done. That might help my body regulate.

Arlo: I’m freaking out. I just got on stage in front of hundreds of people and sang a song with Lucas.

Keaton: No way. Video, or it didn’t happen.

Arlo: I don’t have a video! But my body feels like it’s going to collapse. Does that count?

Keaton: Definitely. Lordy, how did that happen? Are you okay?

Arlo: I don’t know yet. Lucas froze on stage, and I wanted to help. So I did. I don’t know what came over me. I’m not the kind of person to go on a stage and sing!

Keaton: Oh, honey, I know. You must really like this guy. Is he okay?

Arlo: I do. God, I really do. Yeah, he seems okay. Probably relieved that it’s all over and nothing bad happened.

Keaton: Does he understand how big it was for you to do that?

Arlo: Yeah. He gets it. After we were done, lots of people came up to us to tell us we did a good job. He could tell I was overwhelmed, so he ushered me to the restroom to give me a moment alone.

Keaton: Wow. I like this guy. He’s got my official stamp of approval.

I wasn’t seeking his approval, but knowing Keaton thought Lucas was good for me made my stomach fizzy. Keaton knew me better than anyone, and his opinion meant a lot to me.

Keaton: How are you feeling?

Arlo: Overwhelmed. Like I want to laugh and cry and hide. But I’m also really proud of myself. It was so scary on stage, but I did it.

Keaton: I’m proud of you, and I’m sure Lucas is too. From what you said about his past with this event, I’m sure he’s grateful as hell. Damn, A, that town is good for you.

Arlo: I think so too. Okay, I’m going to go back out. Thanks for being available and texting when I need you.

Keaton: I’m always here for you, babe.

When I exited the restroom, I spotted Lucas with a handful of people surrounding him. As soon as he saw me, he gestured that he was going to join me, but I shook my head and smiled. I wanted him to enjoy the attention, and I wouldn’t mind a few minutes of wandering alone to shed the last of the adrenaline.

As the panic waned, a lightness filled my chest as my muscles unclenched. I felt like I could do anything. Like I could finally tell Ron the truth. Like I could tell Lucas how deeply I cared for him and wanted to figure something out between us.

I moved through the crowd to check out the vendors for last-minute Christmas gifts for Keaton’s family. A few people made passing compliments about our song, and I was grateful no strangers stopped me to chat. My mind was too caught up with the conversations I needed to have before my flight tomorrow to function at small talk.

After browsing for a few minutes, I noticed Judith leaving the vendor area. I went to talk to her since I doubted I would see her before I left tomorrow, and I wanted one more good interaction with her in case things went south after I told Ron the truth tomorrow. The thought of that conversation twisted my stomach, but I could do it. I had to. Ideservedto. They deserved to know too.

Judith’s smile was warm as I approached. “You were amazing up there. You’ve been hiding a lovely voice from us.”

Heat raced up my cheeks as I smiled at her. “Thank you.”

“Nice thing you did for Lucas. I was there for several of the mishaps and have worried about that boy.”

I rubbed the back of my neck. “I’m happy I could help.”

She stepped closer and placed her hand on my arm. Her firm grip startled me, so I looked into her eyes.

“Your father would have been so proud to see you sing. He used to perform at this event with his middle school choir.”

It took me a minute to process her words. When I did, it felt like my throat was closing. “You know?”

Judith rubbed her hand up and down my arm a few times before she dropped it. “I put a few pieces together, and you look just like him when he was young.” She couldn’t say when he was my age because he hadn’t lived to be as old as I was.