Page 49 of Holiday at Home
Like candlelight catching on glass ornaments, turning every surface to gold.
Like a woman so happy and lovestruck that she zones out, coming up with cringey analogies trying to explain how she feels while her employee waits for her to unlock the bakery door.
Elizabeth pushes off the wall. “Honestly, I’m surprised you didn’t call to inform me I was still under the weather and needed to stay home again.”
“Honestly?” I say, slipping my key into the lock. “Same.”
We laugh as we step inside, and I flick on the lights, turning on the Christmas music to keep us company as we prep and shape dough. We hum and joke and laugh. About halfway through the morning, a text comes in from Simon.
Simon
Good morning, beautiful. Should I bring you coffee or are you gonna kill your taste buds with that awful drip machine/cheap bean combo of yours
I roll my eyes, grinning so wide Elizabeth notices.
Very funny
My coffee wins on hometown charm
Your coffee doesn’t come with my smile, though
True…
Your smile is pretty fantastic
But if you showed up, I might not let you leave
You say that like it’s a threat
Elizabeth chuckles and shakes her head, muttering, “New love,” under her breath.
Except it’s not new love. It’s old love. It’s good love. It’s remembering who I really am, and where I should be, and what life is supposed to feel like. It’s falling into old patterns with better habits. It’s?—
Hold on now.
Love?
That isnotwhat I signed up for.
That sounds serious and dangerous, like I’m setting myself up for a giant heartbreak at the end of this holiday season.
This, this… whatever it is between me and Simon? It’s nothing more than two people having a good time on a deadline. Simon leaves January first. There’s no room for feelings.
Getting emotionally involved will only end in heartbreak.
Keep it light.
Another buzz.
Simon
I had a great time last night
In case you didn’t already figure that out
I’m hoping you’ll still be there when I get home
I’d like to have a great time tonight as well
