Page 20 of A Holly Jolly Mix Up
“Who are your parents?”
“Harry and Greta Brooks,” I tell him.
“I know them both. She reads here sometimes, and I’ve run into Harry around town. Where did Pearson come from?”
“I wasn’t about to give a stranger my real name, so I used what was supposed to be my new last name.”
“I applaud you for that.” He pauses for a moment before continuing with a smile, “Wait, so your Nonna?” My heart skips a beat as he makes the connection. “Oh, she is exactly how you described her.”
“How is this possible?” I ask, bewildered.
He chuckles. “I don’t know. I mean, you said you haven’t been home much. It would make sense why we never ran into each other.”
“It must be the magic of Christmas.” I smile.
He chuckles, his eyes lighting up with amusement. “I suppose so. I had given up hope of ever seeing you again and now…”
“I’m sorry for leaving without saying goodbye. It was early, and I didn’t want to wake you and then I—”
“It’s okay,” he interrupts gently, his hand reaching out to touch my shoulder. “I found your notes. Well, Angus did. I understand. I don’t know what I would have said if I was in your position either.”
Relief floods through me as I exhale deeply. “Thank you. I’m really glad you’re here.” A thought occurs to me, and Ifrown slightly. “Wait, why are you here? Did Regina have a book for you or something?”
“No. Uh, actually, I’m on the case of the midnight robberies that have been happening around town. I was hoping she might have heard something since the last one happened to Mr. Bradford next door.”
“Yeah, I’ve heard the rumors. It’s all anyone can talk about. Oakridge Hollow is usually known for its peacefulness and tight-knit community, not crime,” I reply, my brow furrowed in concern. “Officer Anders stopped by this morning to question me about Mr. Bradford’s shop, but unfortunately, I had no information to offer.”
“It’s a terrible situation. The damages and missing items add up to tens of thousands of dollars already,” Andrew confesses with a heavy sigh. “My partner, Randy, and I have been assigned to this case full time. The shop owners are rightly scared, especially during such an important season for their business and our town. We’re doing everything we can to catch the culprit as soon as possible.”
“I’ll keep my ears open and let you know if I hear anything helpful…and I hope you have more reasons than just the robberies to come around here,” I say with a wry smile, feeling a flutter of excitement in my stomach.
“Oh, don’t worry. You won’t be getting rid of me that easily. Remember, this is like a Christmas miracle,” Andrew replies with a playful grin, his dimples making an appearance.
“Good.” I can’t help but smile back at him as I glance around and catch Nonna watching us.
She points two fingers to her eyes then gestures towards me. Andrew follows her gaze, and Nonna waves at him with a sweet smile.
“Um…Andrew, I hope this isn’t too forward but could I get your number?”
A smile tugs at the corners of his lips, and he replies, “I thought you’d never ask.” He reaches into his pocket and pulls out his phone, handing it to me.
My fingers hover over the screen as I enter my name and phone number, adding a snowflake emoji for good measure.
Andrew raises an eyebrow at the choice. “A snowflake emoji?”
“Just in case there’s another Jane in there…”
“I’ll reassure you right here and right now, you are the only Jane in this phone.” He tucks his phone back into his pocket, his eyes meeting mine.
Oh, be still my heart. I feel a warmth spread through me, from the tips of my toes to the top of my head. If Iweren’t in the middle of my workplace, I’d kiss him right here and right now to reassure him that I’m all in.
“Would you care for some coffee? I have an hour before closing, but I just made a fresh pot before the reading.”
“I would love to, but I need to stop by a few more shops before closing.” His torn expression mirrors exactly how I feel. “But how about the tree lighting ceremony tomorrow?”
“That’s perfect,” I agree eagerly.
“Great!” He grins. “I’ll come pick you up. I’ll see you tomorrow.” With slow steps, he backs away toward the door before turning and walking out of sight.
