Page 38 of Christmas Wishes

I shook my head and continued walking with Riggs. It didn’t surprise me that people greeted Riggs by name, but what I didn’t expect was people saying hi to me too. I’d only been in town for six days and didn’t think I’d done much, but I said hi to people I’d met at the vendor fair and coffee shop and while making loops around downtown shopping and stretching my legs.

“You’ve made an impression this week.”

I watched Riggs nod at another person passing him. “What can I say? I’m magnetic.” I pretended to toss my hair over my shoulder.

“You are,” he said with a sincerity that stole my breath.

“Thank you.” I knocked my shoulder into him.

“I should go check in at the stage.” Was it my imagination, or did he sound reluctant?

“Go do what you’ve got to do. I’ll entertain myself.”

He stole a handful of popcorn and winked at me as he shoved it in his mouth. I wasn’t sure I had the fortitude to withstand a playful Riggs. Jesus.

I spotted carolers and wandered over to watch. Arlo would love this. I missed my bestie. A week was nothing in the grand scheme of things, but he was my favorite person. My human emotional support snuggie.

He was probably getting ready for dinner with his dad’s family. Poor guy must be stressing the fuck out. I hoped he worked up the confidence to tell them they were related. He deserved to have a big, loving family around him.

Before I lost track of time at the tree lighting, I should let him know I was thinking of him.

Keaton: Good luck tonight! It’s going to go great! I’m just a phone call away if you need anything [heart emoji]

Keaton: Isn’t this adorable? It’s the town’s tree lighting. [photos attached]

In some ways, I’d always been envious of his small family. I couldn’t imagine what it was like to be the only kid and have all the attention. I only knew the joy of getting misnamed at least once at every family event while getting lost in a sea of cousins or being known as the one without anything exciting going on. No engagement or pregnancy to announce, no fancy job, no traditional accomplishments.

But then I thought about how hard it’d been for Arlo growing up, and hell, still was. Every family had their issues, and mine was pretty damn good overall. I just wanted a reason for them to be proud of me.

Like being a successful beauty influencer.Assuming I actually made that happen. I felt terrible that I hadn’t fulfilled my dare. I didn’t want to go home and have failed on that. When I’d selected Arlo’s dare, I’d been drunk, but also, I knew there was a good chance he wouldn’t be able to do it. Not yet, at least. I’d thought that if the most he did on his trip was see his family at a distance, that was way more than he’d be able to do by never going to Oregon.

Maybe it’d been cocky of me, but I hadn’t worried for one moment that Arlo would pick a dare I might not actually complete. He’d pickedthe onething. Silly of me not to expect it because he knew me better than anyone. Of course he’d challenge me to do something that he thought would improve my life. I would’ve dared me to fuck as many guys as possible on vacation, but I was grateful Arlo pushed me to do better. Be better. Not that there was anything wrong with fucking guys on vacation. Hell, I’d done that.

Hopefully, I’d wake up tomorrow with a flood of inspiration and get my branding shit sorted before driving to the airport. I didn’t want to let Arlo down, but even more than that, I didn’t want to let myself down. I just wish I could figure out what my issue was. I’d never had an issue starting a new venture before. Why now?

“Keaton! Love the look.”

I turned and spotted the Jitterbug barista. “Hey, Lucy! What are you selling?” She wore a fuzzy Santa hat and a bulky green scarf.

“Cocoa and cider. Want one?”

I grinned. “Absolutely. Can I get one of each?”

She waggled her eyebrows. “One for Riggs?”

“Or maybe I want to try them both.”

“Mm-hmm. I bet you’re getting to try all kinds of things. How’s it going in his rental?”

I snorted. “Subtle. I fly home tomorrow.” That felt like shit to say aloud. I rubbed at my chest.

“That sucks. It’s been fun having you around this week.” She stuck her bottom lip out.

“I’ve had fun too.” Definitely way more than I’d expected.

She placed two steaming cups on the table. “I’m working until noon tomorrow. Swing by before you go? Scone on the house.”

“You got it,” I said while choking back the unexpected wave of emotion. I handed her a twenty. “Keep the change. See you tomorrow.” It was easier to say that than have a good life and make sure Riggs is doing okay.

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