Page 104 of A Very Merry Enemy
I take the long way through the residential neighborhoods, starting with Candy Cane Lane. Some houses have simple white lights strung along the roofline. Others look like Christmas threw up on them with every color imaginable and enough wattage to power a small city. But every home is decorated.
We turn onto South Pole Street, and when we reach the end, Holiday gasps. The mayor’s house is covered in lights with a motion-sensor twerking Santa, reindeer, snowmen, penguins, and what appears to be a disco ball, spinning along with a stripper pole in the front yard.
I reach forward and turn the stereo to the AM station listed on the sign. We watch the lights dance and Santa pop his ass to Cardi B’s “WAP.”
Her mouth falls open, but she’s giggling. “I cannot believe the mayor did this. I love it.”
“Thought you would.”
She’s entranced by the light show, but I can’t stop watching her and how the colorful lights splash across her face. The song ends, and cars pull up behind us, so we drive away.
“Thank you for this.” Her fingers brush my forearm, leaving heat in their wake.
“We’re just getting started,” I say.
We drive past our old elementary school, where candy canes line the fence. Even the little white church has lights on the steeple.
Five minutes later, I’m taking the highway that leads to the overlook on the edge of Merryville. It’s just a small parking area where people go to fool around. It’s on a hill above the town, where all of Merryville can be seen spread out down below, twinkling and glowing.
We sit in comfortable silence, taking in the view, as the radio plays in the background.
“Some things don’t change,” I say. I’ve come up here every year since I could drive.
She looks at me, and there’s something dancing in her gaze. “Some things do.”
The moment sits between us, full of memory and meaning.
I suck in a deep breath, knowing I need to say what’s been on my mind all day. Because it’s the right thing to do.
“Holiday, I know you’re not going to like this, but I think we should take some space away from one another this week.”
She turns to look at me, eyebrows raised. “Why?”
I keep my voice soft. “Tomorrow and Wednesday, I’ll be with my dad, delivering trees until eight. Thanksgiving will be hectic with family, then getting ready for Black Friday and the chaos that comes with that. Not to mention, Jake and Claire’s wedding is Saturday.”
“So, you’re saying we’re too busy to see each other?” There’s an edge in her voice.
“There’s no rush.” I shift to face her better. “Three weeks ago, I wanted to keep my distance from you. Now we’re here.”
She studies me, then a cute smirk tugs at her lips. “Scared you’re falling for me, Jolly?”
The question catches me off guard. She’s not backing down. She’s calling me out.
“Excuse the fuck outta me, but I’m beingsmartabout this.”
“That’s not an answer.” Her smile grows.
“Holiday—”
“What about our baking sessions?” She tilts her head, all innocent. “The contest is in two and a half weeks.”
I can’t help it, but I sarcastically laugh. “Come on. You could bake those cookies in your sleep at this point. With your skills, we could compete tomorrow and win. The joy of having a perfectionist as a partner. I just need to show up.”
Her face flushes. “Ugh.”
I lick my lips. “You’re just looking for excuses to see me.”
“Maybe I want to make up for lost time.” She’s not embarrassed about it. “Is that so bad?”
