Page 47 of My Secret Snowflake
More people have arrived, gathering in the living room, chatting and catching up.
We put our tray of cookies in the oven and return to roll out another batch.
“Hi, I thought I’d join you guys.” Ernest faces me and puts out his hand to shake. “Thanks again for inviting me.”
Excellent. Ernest is the type of guy I should be going for—even if it feels like a chaperone just crashed our tête-à-tête.
Sebastian has made it clear he’s not in the market for a relationship. It’s time to focus on Ernest.
Chapter ten
Sebastian
Ernest.
Perfect, right?
Lily sent Ernest over, as requested, and I should retreat. Especially because I can’t seem to resist flirting with Iris—despite all my very noble intentions to normalize last night’s encounter and bring us back to friends and colleagues. I was doing okay initially, but then I sabotaged it.
Iris laughs and holds out her flour-covered hands. “I’m not sure you want to shake my hand. I’m so glad you could make it.”
Ernest says, “I’m so glad you invited me.”
I know I told Lily to send Ernest over, but…
“I thought you like cookies with chocolate,” I say grumpily. “Maddie over there is making chocolate chip cookies, and she doesn’t have a partner.”
“Yes, Lily suggested I join Maddie, but I explained that you had both invited me and it would be rude not to join you,” Ernest says.
Ah, so Lily definitely didn’t listen to me.
“We can probably borrow some chocolate chips and use them as buttons for the gingerbread men,” Iris says.
No. Does she really want Ernest here?
“You don’t like chocolate chips with your gingerbread?” Iris asks me. “You just frowned.”
“I like a lot of chocolate chips in my chocolate chip cookies,” I say. “We shouldn’t take any away.”
“I’m happy to stay here,” Ernest says. He washes his hands and sits on the stool next to Iris.
“Do you want to roll out some dough?” Iris asks. “Did you bring your own apron? Do you need an apron?”
Well done.
“No, I’m content to watch you guys. I’m not much of a cook,” he says. “Mother does the cooking at home.”
I swear I can see Iris crossing aprons and cooking utensils off any Secret Snowflake gift list. But maybe she should by buying gifts forMothertoo.
“You can still make cookies with us.” Iris gestures to the selection.
“I’ll happily pick out cookie cutters.” Ernest also picks up a heart.
Really?
“So, no cooking. What do you like to do in your spare time?” Iris asks.
“What spare time?” Ernest asks. “Just kidding…but work has been crazy lately, especially with all the concern about cost-cutting and competing with Albuquerque. It’s insane. It’s not like I can conjure up cheaper office space.”
