Page 52 of Sweet Silver Bells
He wasn’t lying. The first few times he had heard Olivia sing had so drastically altered his mind that he could not be responsible for his actions, for his memory. People stayed home these days with common colds, and this seemed much worse than that.
“Well, I just came to check on you.” Sadie cleared her throat. “Don’t invite me in or anything—it's freezing outside.”
“I’m afraid to invite you in to be honest,” Hunter admitted. “There’s potting soil everywhere. Turns out I can’t pour dirt out of a bag without bits spraying all over the room.”
Sadie laughed. “Is this another one of your vinegar experiments?”
You really have to stop telling people about your hobbies.
“I can still smell it, by the way. But at least it’s not knocking me out this time. I approve.” She held out an off-white, sparkly envelope. “Your big prize from the raffle. Tickets to the Christmas Eve ball. I’m sure you’re just dying to waltz back into your old wedding venue. What could possibly go wrong?”
Hunter took them as the phone in his pocket vibrated a few times. Sadie mirrored him, pulling out her own. Chimes rang over and over and over again between the two devices.
“Group chat.” Hunter shook his head. “I said no more group chats.”
As if a group of coworkers would listen to him.
Celia 2:53 pm:
Winter break biatches. Reminder that we are doing a meetup at the downtown holiday market tomorrow, 6pm sharp.
Nina 2:53 pm:
Does anyone remember if it's cash only?
Darius 2:54 pm:
Who’s going to be my ride buddy?
Elaine 2:55pm:
There are like two rides and they are for children.
Nina 2:55 pm:
Woah, woah, children don’t get dibs on everything fun.
Darius 2:55 pm:
As long as there's a good pilsner, I’ll be there.
Sadie's fingers began typing, a playful smile sneaking onto her face.
Sadie 2:55 pm:
Can we bring a plus one?
Elaine 2:56 pm:
“Sadie, who are you bringing?”
Sadie 2:56 pm:
“I’m not asking for me.”
Her chin was raised towards Olivia as she said to Hunter, “I’m talking about your charming new friend here. Lovely conversationalist, she is.”
Hunter shook his head.
