Page 10 of The Holiday Hate-Off
Her lips pinch together. “You know, the Sip may only be hosting the second day of the Advent calendar, but it’s going to be the one everyone talks about. You’re not going to get much of a crowd tonight.”
There’s a smug look on her face, like she knows something I don’t.
“Are you talking about Santa Speed Dating?” I ask archly, laughter bubbling up. “You thinkthat’sgoing to blow a classy cocktail party out of the water?”
I’ve seen the flyers, along with everyone else in town. They must have ordered them by the truckload, because they’re everywhere I look. It feels like the shirtless Santa on them is stalking me. I stopped by Hard to Find Bookstore yesterday because Will wanted to know if they had his book in stock, and there was a thick stack of them by the cash register.
On the poster, Santa’svelvet coat is open to show his abs, and beneath his dancing feet it reads:
Santa Speed Dating, December 2 at 7 p.m.
Dress festive!
Santa found Mrs. Claus, and you could find your soulmate too!
(beards, hats, and coats available)
I shook my head in amusement, because the scheme hadEileen all over it. Although I hadn’t spent much time in Hideaway since she lost her husband, Murray, I heard all about her matchmaking schemes from my grandmother and my two single brothers. Especially after Lars got with Charlie.
Devil Woman is still looking at me with victory all over her face, so I say, “I saw those ridiculous flyers.”
She stiffens, and laughter bursts out of me before I can stop it. It’s the complete affront in her expression.
“You made them, didn’t you?” I ask. “Who posed for you?”
“It’s a stock image,” she snaps. “Eileen and I designed it together.”
“Are you going?” I ask. “Or is there a Mr. Claus at home who didn’t make the cut to be a model?”
“I’m going.You’redefinitely not.”
“You’ve got that right. You couldn’t pay me to go,” I retort. “And I’m sure most of the guys around town would say the same.”
She gives an aggrieved sniff, looking down at the gently flowing water beneath us. “Shows how much you know. We sold out within hours of distributing the flyers. We’re thinking about doing a second round so we don’t leave anyone disappointed.”
“You’ll leave people disappointed, all right. You ever been speed dating?”
“Have you?” she asks pointedly, her eyes full of fire when they meet mine again. A breeze brushes one of those impossible curls across her face, and I have the unhinged urge to brush it behind her ear.
“No,” I have to admit. “But I can’t imagine you get past useless pleasantries if you only have five minutes.”
“Sounds like it would be your ideal form of dating.”
I laugh, because damn, I obviously got off on the wrong foot with her. And then I stepped that wrong foot straight into a pile of shit.
“I’m sure it’ll be great,” I say. “Really…festive.”
Her scowl deepens. “You say that like it’s a dirty word.”
I shrug. “You know this town loves their celebrations. Anything to please the tourists.”
“The tourists are why we get to have all of this.” She throws one arm wide, almost like she’s going to burst into song. “A little place like this wouldn’t have this much entertainment without them. Or so many great restaurants and bars.”
“Yeah, lucky us,” I say wryly. “Some of them might even choose to stay forever, like you. The newest residents always shout the loudest about what a great place this is. But they don’t have much to say about the cold winters or the gossips. Not a word about the pageantry and showboating.”
She stares at me mutinously, her lips parting. No doubt preparing some really pointed barbs.
I hold up a hand to ward off her inevitable outrage. “Listen. Your enthusiasm is admirable. It’s just a little misplaced.”
