Page 175 of The Holiday Fakers
“Sure you can, sweetie.” She gives Martha a bag. “But before you open them, I’ve got a small announcement.”
I sit up straighter, conscious that I’ve still got my own announcement to make.
“I’m going to open my perfume shop next year!” she says, an excited grin splitting her face. “I signed the lease yesterday.”
“Oh honey, that’s wonderful news!” Mom exclaims, leaping up to hug her.
Then we’re all on our feet, showering her with congratulations. It’s what she’s always wanted, and I’m thrilled her dream is becoming a reality.
“I’m in the unit next to Lola,” Harper tells us. “And we’re going to work together to bring more love into people’s lives!”
“I can’t wait to tell everyone!” Mom exclaims. “They’re going to be so excited, especially Eileen!”
“I made you all a scent to celebrate,” Harper continues.
“Have you made one for me?” Martha asks.
“Sure have. It’s got top notes of unicorns and candy canes.”
Martha dives into the bag Harper gave her, rooting through it until she finds the one with her name on it. Then she hands the bag off to Dad, saying, “You can do the rest, Santa.”
Dad gives us our gifts, and I unwrap the tissue paper around mine to reveal a beautiful glass bottle with my name written in calligraphy on the side. Popping the stopper, I smell cinnamon, coffee, and vanilla. My clever sister has created a scent that will always make me feel happy and remind me of home.
“Some of them have your name on them,” Harper says. “Others have a word that I thought would be a good representation of you.”
“Power,” Marv reads on the side of his bottle. “Thank you, Harper! This is neat. I’m gonna wear it to all my meetings.”
“Fire,” Hudson reads. “Love it.” He looks at Mia. “What did you get?”
She shows him. “Light. Thank you, Harper!”
Brody takes the stopper out of his bottle and hands it to me to smell.
“Oh, my,” I murmur as the scent travels through me like olfactory Viagra. “I thought you smelled divine already, but with this …”
He raises an eyebrow, then sprays a puff of the scent above our heads, the fine droplets floating down like mist.
Suddenly, I’m in a sex forest at dawn, and I’m here for wood. My lips meet Brody’s, and my body lights up. Desire scorches through me like wildfire. I can’t get enough. I need?—
“Is your perfume called ‘Snuggle Time,’ Aunt Piper?” Martha asks loudly.
Brody and I break apart as everyone laughs.
I glance at Harper. She’s got the smuggest expression on her face. She’s a genius and she knows it.
Fanning my face, I take a bag from beside my feet. “Okay, I’m going next, but first I’ve also got an announcement.”
“Oh my Lord, you’re pregnant!” Mom shrieks.
I blink at her.
“Erica …” Dad says.
Mom’s cheeks turn bright red. “I mean … er …”
“I’m not pregnant,” I say. “That’s not … we haven’t …” I glance at Brody.
“It’s not something we’ve discussed yet,” he says smoothly.
