Page 6 of Never Sleigh Never

“I’ve already gotten permission from the mayor,” I share.

“Since yesterday?”

“I move fast.”

She shakes her head. “That you do, but he gave you the green light?”

“I’m on the agenda for the city council meeting on Thursday night, and that means I have a chance to convince them to give me a small budget to pull off the event.”

“Good luck,” Gabby says, her voice sincere, but concerned. “But, honey… I mean, Phillip and I can help a little, but we have the holiday afternoon tea next weekend and the breakfast with Santa at the inn the following weekend, and that’s already overbooked.”

“It’s alright,” I say, waving away her concern. “I’ve already spoken with Lennon from the thrift shop, February from Deja Brew, even Joy from Wordsmith’s. They’re all on board.”

“To help organize?”

“Well, no,” I admit, tucking the stack of fliers into a manila folder. “They’re happy to take part, but they don’t really have time to assist with planning. You know, the holiday season and all. But that’s okay. I’ve got everything under control.”

Her lips purse, and her voice drops. “Are you sure you’re not just throwing yourself into this festival idea to avoid dealing with the breakup?”

I bristle, certain it’s not even a little white lie when I tell her, “I’m not avoiding anything other than men. This town could use some good old-fashioned holiday cheer this season, and so could I, so really, it’s a win-win!”

Gabby holds up her hands, as if giving in. “If you say so. But if that’s the case, then let’s circle back to the whole Thomas Crawford helping you outsituation.”

“It’s not asituation,” I scoff, snorting a sip of the now lukewarm peppermint mocha and uncertain why the fuss about the gruff hardware store owner across the street. “He’s always pitching in for town events, even if he is more Ebeneezer Scrooge than Buddy the Elf.”

“Exactly. So why did he say yes to helping you organize a holiday festival?”

I’m not sure myself. And I may or may not have been wondering the same thing about the monosyllabic man since yesterday. Especially, because he surely realizes my vision doesn’t involve sawdust or flannel. Not that flannel doesn’t suit the rugged ex-ball player. Especially when he rolls up the sleeves and his thick forearms are on display.

“I…appealed to his sense of community,” I offer. It’s the only reason that makes sense.

“Thomas and Phillip have been friends for years,” Gabby says, speaking of her husband. “And they both feel a strong duty to support Magnolia Point. Plus,” she adds, resting a hip against the counter, “Thomas has that rugged, salt-of-the-earth thing going on. Totally not your type.”

“You can say that again.” I flick a glance across the street at Lowcountry Lumber and Hardware. “The man is basically as far from my type as one could get. He’s all…baseball caps and scuffed work boots. And gruff. I mean, he thinks a grunt constitutes a complete sentence.”

“And you’d never date him.”

“Never,” I confirm.Not in a million years.Thomas has the brawn to pull off my glistening winter wonderland straight out of a made-for-TV-holiday-romcom vision, that’s all. Plus, working with someone I’m not remotely interested in is the perfect way to prove I’m serious about my man-free holiday.

“And he won’t tempt you to break your vow.”

“He’s…practical,” I offer, going for a trait no one would find attractive. At least, not me.

“And you’re a glitter-loving, holiday-obsessed fashionista,” she says with a grin.

I swat at her with a flier, but I can’t help laughing. “I prefer ‘holiday enthusiast,’ thank you very much.”

Gabby’s expression softens. She reaches out, gently squeezing my good hand. “Well, I think this is a brilliant plan. Teamingup with someone completely different from your usual type is exactly what you need right now. No risk of falling for him, no messy emotions.”

“I’m glad you think so, because our first committee meeting starts in just a couple of hours.”

“I thought you said no one else was available to help organize the event.”

“No one else is available. We’re a small but mighty committee of two.”

She eyes me suspiciously. “Does Thomas know he’s the only other person on thiscommittee?”

I wrinkle my nose. “He will soon enough.”

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