Page 112 of Holiday Friend Zones
“Dangerous answer.”I tighten my hold.“Because I’m not letting go until you admit you’re in better spirits.”
“You could be here all day.”
“Joke’s on you.I’ve got vacation days saved up.”
Her shoulders shake.“You’re impossible.”
“And yet, strangely effective.”
“Fine.”She tips her head back, grinning at me.“I might be a teeny tiny bit better now.”
“Excellent.My work here is done.”She steps away, and the sudden void hits like a cold draft.“I should get back to the office.I’ll see you at home.”Shit.I called it home.Not my house.Lauren and home… the two have a nice ring together.
“Wait.What time is it?”she asks, voice tight.
“One o’clock.”
“Dammit.”She presses her palm to her forehead.“I was supposed to pick up the toy donation box from Finn at the hardware store, but I’ve been too distracted putting out the fire that is Mrs.Hayes.And now I have to meet with the parade committee.”
“I’ll get the toy bin from Finn.”
Her eyes flick to mine.“Are you sure?It’s on the opposite side of town.You’d have to backtrack.”
“No problem at all.I need to stop there anyway and pick up some light bulbs.”Mostly, I just don’t want her to worry about one more thing with that frantic edge in her eyes again.She’s been juggling so much between the festival and her duplex; this is something I can help her with.
“You can drop the toy bin off at Santa’s Workshop.Brie should be there.”She throws her arms around me.“You’re the best.”
* * *
The secondI step inside my cabin, my stomach growls as the savory aroma of beef stew hits me.And my living room?Santa clearly broke in while I was gone.The army of plastic totes that once covered every inch of the floor: vanished.In its place is a garland-wrapped mantle, twinkle lights zigzagging across the ceiling, and snowflake clings are plastered to every window.
“I see you’ve been busy,” I deadpan.
Lauren lifts her head, cheeks flushed.“I put away the totes, so they aren’t hogging your space.Also…” She lifts a ladle like it’s a trophy.“I made beef stew.”
My stomach applauds.“It smells amazing.”
“Thanks.Since I’m not at my house, no point letting all my groceries go bad.Your fridge is now fully stocked.Oh, and I filled in the menu board.You can go over it and see if you want to make any changes.But don’t change it too much because I already have all the ingredients.”
Menu planning.In my house.This is new but kind of… nice.I nod, then open the fridge, grab a Snack Pack, and peel back the lid.
“Hey!”she protests.“Dinner will be ready in five minutes.”
“This’ll tide me over until then.”I shovel a spoonful into my mouth like a guilty twelve-year-old.
She rolls her eyes.“Such a manchild.”
“Don’t come between a man and his pudding,” I say around another mouthful.
Her laugh slips out before she can stop it.Music to my ears.“Oh, and,” she adds, “I may have moved a few things to create better Christmas flow.Also, there’s now a tree.Surprise!”
I glance at the corner where a six-foot spruce glitters with perfectly spaced ornaments.“Looks great.Very festive.”I grin.“And now that I actually have a tree, I’ve got the perfect ornament for it.”
Her eyes narrow.“I have it decorated with symmetrical balance, but… sure.What is it?”
“Just wait.”I polish off the pudding, toss the cup, and disappear into my office.When I return, I’m holding my pride and joy.A homemade wooden moose ornament.
I hang it smack-dab in the prime spot near the top.“There.”
