Page 54 of Hostile for the Holidays

I’m assuming it’s one of her friends, but then she appears in the doorway, and I do a double-take when I see my best friend, Liam, following closely behind her.

“Bro, why didn’t you tell me you were coming?” I ask, standing to greet him with warm hug.

“Wasn’t sure of my plans until this morning when I got on the plane. I hope the invitation still stands or it’s going to get a bit uncomfortable.”

“Of course it stands. I’m just surprised you showed.”

“You said tonight was going to be a rager and you know I can’t resist a good party.”

“It’s got nothing on Elton’s party,” I tease, knowing full well Liam has invitations to many celebrity parties in London this week, “but we’ll try to show you a good time.

“You remember my sister, Juniper.” I motion to where she’s leaning against the doorway watching us.

Liam gives her a quick nod and a smile. “Of course, I remember June Bug.”

Behind him, her face scrunches at the nickname that I’ve affectionately used for years, but she recently told me to stop.

“She’s opening a bookstore soon.”

“A romance bookstore,” Juniper speaks up. “I just signed the lease for the space last week.”

Liam nods at Juni. “Congratulations. It must be in the Jensen blood to be an entrepreneur.”

I chuckle. “Yeah, but I told her I’m shit with the business side of things, and she should talk to you.”

“It’s fine.” Juniper throws out a dismissive wave. “I’m sure you’ve got a million other things to do.”

“Never too busy for Jas’s little sis. Let’s find some time to chat tonight.”

My mom walks into the living room and gasps with excitement at Liam’s appearance. “Oh, wow. You flew all the way from London for our Christmas Eve party? We’re so honored.”

“I didn’t make it home to London. I was in Vancouver visiting another friend, then thought I’d stop here.”

“We’re very excited to have you.” My mom hugs Liam. “We’ll put you in the basement guest room.”

“I got a room at the Snowshoe Inn. I didn’t want to impose.”

“Nonsense. You’ll stay with us.”

My mom takes his coat and moves toward the closet, when the doorbell rings again.

“Oh, that must be Stella,” she says, hanging up Liam’s coat.

I check my phone for the time and to see if I have any missed texts from Stella. “I didn’t know she was coming over now,” I say, following my mom to the front door.

“She’s coming over to help me wrap a few gifts.” My mom turns to Liam. “Stella is an excellent gift wrapper. She used to volunteer at the outlet mall every holiday season for their free gift wrap program.”

Liam nods in understanding.

I smile at the memory. I used to take gifts to Stella to wrap. Mainly so I had a reason to talk to her but also to challenge her superb wrapping skills with oddly-shaped boxes. Some of the items weren’t even presents, but stuff we had around the house.

“Merry Christmas Eve.” My mom greets Stella with a warm embrace.

“Merry Christmas Eve!” Stella greets her with equal enthusiasm.

Stella’s wearing black leggings with an oversized cream sweater with a red scarf wrapped around her neck. My mom takes Stella’s coat and I hover nearby while Stella removes her lace-up snow boots with faux fur trim.

“Hi.” A grin springs across her face.

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