Page 31 of A Very Merry Enemy
Who would sign me up for this? And why would they pair me with Lucas of all people?
I text Sammy.
Holiday
Did you sign me up for a cookie baking contest with that monster?
Sammy
Why would I do that?
Holiday
For a dumb joke?
I send him the screenshot.
Sammy
HOT DAMN! That wasn’t me. But you should do it. You’d win.
Holiday
I’m not doing it.
Sammy
Why not? Scared you can’t handle working with Lucas? You know he’ll be banking on you to quit. That’s exactly what he wants.
Holiday
I don’t care. I left all my fucks in Paris.
I’m not scared. I know that Lucas and I can’t be in the same room for five minutes without wanting to kill each other. But then again, for five thousand dollars, I can almost handle anything.
Maybe he’ll quit, then I can find another partner to stand in. I really want to figure out who did this and get both our names removed before this becomes an even bigger disaster.
I yank off my apron and storm outside.
The farm is already busy, and cars are stacked as far as I can see in the loading area. Music plays, and children are laughing in the distance. Normally, I’d appreciate the festive atmosphere. Today, it just pisses me off.
I spot Jake unloading trees from a flatbed trailer.
“Where’s Lucas?” My voice comes out harsher than I mean, and I feel bad. He’s the nicest guy.
Jake blinks up at me. “Uh, I think he’s helping a family with their first tree cut. Down that path.” He points. “Everything okay?”
“I’m sorry for being short with you,” I say, already walking away.
The path feels longer than it should, giving me too much time to think about Bella saying Lucas hasn’t dated anyone seriously since I got engaged. Too much time to wonder why that information won’t leave my head.
I find him crouched down, showing a little kid how to hold a handsaw safely. He’s patient, smiling, and his voice is warm as he explains. The kid’s dad laughs at something Lucas says. For a brief moment, I see the guy I was friends with.
But when our eyes meet across the clearing, his smile vanishes. His expression goes blank.
He says something to the family, hands over the saw, then walks toward me with an attitude.
I force myself to stand my ground even though every instinct screams to turn around.
