Page 10 of That Time We Kissed Under the Mistletoe
“NO KENNY!” Three barks. “BOOO!” Ford and I glance at each other, and my insides swirl like a washing machine on the agitation cycle. I never meant for any of this to happen, but it’s all my fault just the same. If only I hadn’t tried baking those brownies …
Stupid Betty Crocker.
Stupid kitschy reindeer.
My heart’s in my throat now, and I start gnawing at my bottom lip. When I convinced my parents to let me handle things in Abieville, I did everything I could to minimize the risk of bumping into Three. That’s why I stopped at a grocery store outside of town. It’s why I took the long way to the lake, circumventing Main Street. I told myself it was just until Christmas Eve. And by the time I got out the mixing bowl and set the oven to preheat, I was positive I could avoid Three Fuller the entire time I was here.
Instead, I clocked him with a fire extinguisher. Now I’m basically ruining a Christmas vacation for multiple members of his family.
Unless …
“I hate to push the issue,” Mary says gently, “but my shift is ending soon, and before the hospital can release Mr. Fuller, someone has to commit to his care. So, who’s taking him home, folks?”
“I’ll do it!” I choke.
Ford’s eyes pop wide. “You will?”
“Sure,” I manage to squeak.
After all, being stuck with Three for a few days can’t be worse than perimenopause.
Chapter Four
Three
Wait. What planet am I on?
Did Sara Hathaway seriously just offer to go home with me?
For the next three days?
A voice in my head puts up a silent protest as I squint up at Sara. “Nope thanksss. You … umm… not … you… … no. Nope thankssss.” Except I must be using my actual mouth and stammering out loud, because Ford just looked down at me.
“Nopethanks?” He bites back a laugh. “Did you just say ‘nope thanks?’”
“Yesss,” I slur. “That idea isss … not excellent.” That last word comes out more like egg-sssell-ent. And what I actually mean is that Sara Hathaway staying with me is a monumentallyterribleidea. When I try to scowl to emphasize the terribleness, fresh pain shoots through my skull. Then I see stars and grunt like a baby piglet.
Ugh.
Good thing I’m not trying to attract anyone right now.
Especially Sara Hathaway.
“Her offer is actually very nice,” Ford says, glancing at her. “Thanks, Sara.”
She shrugs. “No big deal.”
But it is a big deal. It’s the biggest deal. I can’t be around her. I’ll … I’ll … “Nooo,” I moan.
“Come on, Three.” Sara splays her hands. “You’re only in this situation because of me.” She takes a beat. “Well, me and Betty Crocker.”
I pull down my brow. Ouch. “I have no idea what that meansss.”
“It means I’m the only viable option you’ve got for this job.”
“Hey,Ihave a job.” I puff out a laugh. “A good job. Animportantjob.” This fact is completely unrelated to the situation, but for some reason, I feel like I need to tell Sara I’m gainfully employed. Maybe that’s because the Hathaways never thought I’d amount to anything.
Maybe I didn’t think I would either.
