Page 67 of The Holiday Hate-Off
“Iaman arrogant jerk. But let’s set that aside for now. I’d like to give you a personal tour of Hidden Italy and answer any questions you might have. Can we have a temporary truce, for the sake of Hideaway Harbor?”
I hope I look as unimpressed as I am. “You’ve made it very clear how you feel about Hideaway Harbor.”
“Nevertheless, my brothers and my grandmother live here, and my sister will come back someday. I care about Hidden Italy and Hideaway for their sake.” He taps his forehead. “Something tells me this app of yours will be more than just a class assignment someday, and I want our deli to be part of it.” A grin stretches across his face. “If they ever fix the problem with the internet.”
It feels like a moment of truth.
If I walk away, maybe he’ll leave me alone.
If I go with him, then…
I have no idea what will happen, and there’s something thrilling about the not knowing.
Maybe that’s why I roll my eyes but find myself nodding at the same time. “Okay. But I’m only doing it for Hideaway.”
“Of course.”
CHAPTER 15
ENZO
Ihadn’t known what to expect tonight, but Lucy got me good. If she’d seemed genuinely interested in Hudson, I would have left. But she spent more time looking at me than him.
And now…
Honestly, I don’t know what I’m doing, but I’m not ready to stop.
“I can’t walk there with you,” Lucy hisses, her tone scandalized as we step out of the restaurant. “What if people see us together?”
The wind is bitter tonight, and she’s not wearing a scarf. I’m tempted to unwind mine and tie it around her neck, but I know better. She’d never allow me that victory.
“You don’t want anyone to know we’re talking?” I ask, feigning innocence. “I was going to offer to carry your food for you too.”
“No. I am very capable of carrying a plastic bag, thank you very much. And we arenottalking. I’m interviewing you for the app. The same way I’ve interviewed everyone else.”
“Exactly,” I say. “Wouldn’t it look more suspicious if we’re seen sneaking in separately through the back door?”
“I’m beginning to think you just enjoy arguing for the sake of argument.”
“Then you’re beginning to know me, Lucia. Let’s go.”
She definitely wants to argue more, but a brisk wind comes in off the water, prompting her to start walking briskly in the direction of the town square, rubbing her gloved hands together.
She walks with purpose, but she’s distractible, too, her attention drifting to the window displays and the holiday wreaths lining the streets. We pass tourists, some of them holding stuffed shopping bags from earlier purchases, as well as Hidies. Several people are clutching cups of hot chocolate that are probably already chilly enough to be a disgrace to the drink’s name.
Lucy told me she loved this place, and it’s evident on her face. Her green eyes are full of appreciation, with a hint of excitement. I’m surprised by how much I savor her joy. I wouldn’t say it helps me see Hideaway through new eyes, but it strips away some of my resentment.
When we cross the town square, there are people clustered around the tree. A group of drunk-looking people dressed up like Santa’s reindeer are playing some kind of game.
Lucy’s gaze lingers on the drunken group of reindeer.
“You think Charlie would want to paint them?” I ask.
The smile I was hoping for flits across her face before vanishing. “Yeah, maybe.”
“This class you’re making the app for. It’s a programming class?”
“Yeah,” she says as we stroll toward the shop front, the giant Christmas tree looming to our left. “I’m taking some classes to gain skills for an app I want to make.”
