Page 36 of Promise Yule Be Mine
Was he a tourist? I didn't recognize him.
"Sorry to bother you," he said. "I work at the local library. My name is Karim."
Nova was the first to shake Karim's hand and I followed suit, introducing both of us.
"How can we help you Karim?" I asked.
"We had a burst pipe at the library," he said. "It destroyed most of our children's section and it's screwed up all the planned activities for Christmas so I'm going around town trying to see if people have any spare children's books they'd like to donate to the library."
"Oh no!" Nova brought his hand to his chest. "I'm so sorry. That's awful."
“God. The weather is wreaking havoc already. The animal shelter had a burst pipe the other day too.”
"Really? I hope the animals are okay," Karim said.
"Me too,” Nova said. “I’m so sorry, Karim, I'm not from here, so I don't have anything to donate, unfortunately.” He turned to me with big sad eyes that made a frog form in my throat. "Do you?"
I bit my lip and forced myself to look away from Nova and address Karim. "Sure. I can have a look when I'm at home."
Karim put both hands to his heart and tipped his head at us. "Thank you so much. I'd really appreciate it if you spread the word, but no pressure."
Nova beamed. "We'll do our best."
After having seen what kind of miracles Nova could work, I believed him. Heart, body and soul.
12
NOVA
Two days later, there was still no word from Jenna and I had postponed my flight so much the admin fees for the changes could have bought me a brand-new flight.
But my work in Christmas Falls wasn't done. Not until I was sure everything was in order, especially with Kody's and Jenna's unique magical ability to spring new challenges on me.
Besides, I'd made a promise to Karim and I wasn't going to rest until it was fulfilled. I'd spent the next day and a half spreading the word about the library, though to my surprise, most people seemed to know about it, which begged the question how on Earth the library didn't have any donations yet.
When I woke up on Friday morning it was to a text message from Kody and I couldn't help but smile.
Kody: Hey. I've got some time before work. Do you want to come help me go through the attic and find books for the library?
I replied with a resounding yes before I jumped into the shower and made my way to Jolly Java, which had become a tradition at this point.
"Nova! If it isn't my favorite customer. What flavor do you want today?" Rocco, the new owner asked me.
I one-potatoe-two-potatoed between all the different syrup and topping flavors before I turned to Rocco.
"I think I'll have chocolate mint with extra cream today," I said. "To go."
Rocco started to smile but it turned into a pout.
"Oh no. You're abandoning me? And I was looking forward to watching you work this morning."
I narrowed my eyes, and with a smirk I said, "Are you outing yourself as a creep, Rocco? And here I thought you were one of the good ones."
Rocco laughed. "Guilty as charged. But you can't blame me. You're one of my favorite customers, seeing as everyone else hates me."
I rolled my eyes. "They don't hate you. Trust me. Unless you creep up on them in which case…" I let my sentence hang in the air and Rocco laughed again.
"Right. Let me get your order, you traitor."
