Page 53 of Booked for the Holidays
“Yeah. I think it’s time I accept the fact I can’t hide her forever. I need to get over myself and let her live her life how she wants. When I told her where I was going tonight, she practically begged me to come. I apologize in advance if she talks your ear off.”
I chuckle, easing my grip on the tree. It stays steady, no wobble bowing the trunk. “You don’t need to apologize. I’m excited to see her again.”
“Good. She really likes you, Bridget.” Taking a glance around, Theo’s eyebrows raise. “Shit, this place looks incredible.”
I turn my chin, wondering how the space appears through his eyes. There are lights everywhere. A machine we hooked up that creates fake snow whenever someone opens the door sits in the corner by the entrance. Small gingerbread villages take up half the card table near the coffee counter. The first of Lucas’s creations, a wooden Christmas tree coming up to my shoulder, is propped against the door to the back hallway, waiting for its first coat of paint.
“Do you think so? Or are you just trying to not hurt my feelings?”
Theo scoffs. “I’m being honest. I’m seriously impressed.”
“It’s going to look even better with all the other real trees. We’ll have a whole forest!”
“Speaking of, do you mind if I bring the rest by tomorrow? I want to shower before the movie, and I also need to grab Mac from my parents’ house.”
“Of course. I really appreciate all your help. This wouldn’t be possible without you.”
I extend my arm toward him. He smiles wryly as his rough fingers wrap around mine, accepting the offering. I lean back and pull, bringing him back to his feet. When he’s upright, taller than me and tilting his chin so I’m in his line of sight, his hand pulses in mine. We savor the touch for another beat before he lets go, our palms falling to our sides and away from each other’s grip.
“Happy to do it. I’ll see you tonight.”
“Looking forward to it. I’ll save you a seat.”
TWENTY-ONE
BRIDGET
The smell of fresh,buttery popcorn wafts through the air. The city set up a machine for moviegoers to munch on during the film, alongside a hot chocolate station. I fill up a bag of kernels and trek across the park, waving to Chandler.
“Hey.” I take the spot next to her. She’s arranged a large purple blanket across the grass. A handful of pillows are tossed on the polyester. “Are the girls on their way?”
“Yeah, they’re parking.” She rubs behind Ziggy’s ears and his tail wags. “Did you bring any treats?”
“Of course I did.” I rifle through my satchel, finding the plate of pastries I made in preparation for tonight. “I have to keep the people happy. Cheesecake bars and shortbread cookies. Oh, and blueberry muffins.”
“You’re the reason why I gain ten pounds every holiday season,” Chandler says. She doesn’t wait for me to set the plate down, unwrapping the aluminum foil while it’s still in my hands. “I love your cheesecake bars.”
“From the woman who ate the eleven-layer carrot cake at Ocean Prime—the best dessert I’ve ever had in my life—and called itokay, hearing your love for the cheesecake bars is great for my self-esteem.”
“That’s why you keep me around. It’s why I keep you around, too. For the damn cheesecake bars.”
“A mutually beneficial relationship.”
Chandler licks cream cheese frosting off her fingers and narrows her eyes in concentration. “Is that Theo over there? Who’s he with? His sister?”
I turn and find him standing on the far side of the lawn. He’s cleaned up, wearing a fresh pair jeans, a blue flannel, and those paint drip boots. His hand rakes through his hair and his eyes dart through the crowd. When he spots me, his lips raise and he offers me a sheepish wave. Mac’s next to him, talking animatedly and gesturing to a group of people.
Through a flurry of uncoordinated hand movements, I ask if I can come over. With a jerk of his head, he agrees.
“It is,” I say. “I’ll be back.”
I make my way over to them, covering the distance quickly.
“Hey BB,” Mac calls out.
“Mac and Cheese! I’m so glad you’re here.”
“I only had to ask Dad fifteen times before he finally gave in.”
