Page 64 of The Summer of Christmas

“Even the Poison Ivy wine?”

Ivy laughed. “Even that.”

“So you’re not mad about me calling the wine after you?”

“Truth? I’m honored.”

Nick leaned closer. Ivy found herself learning toward him.

She looked up at him, and their faces almost touched. Ivy wondered if they were going to kiss.

“Cut!” Vera called out. Ivy and Nick turned to see Vera. They hadn’t realized that Vera had tiptoed into the gym and had witnessed most of their dialogue. Ivy and Nick instinctively dropped their arms awkwardly.

Vera walked over to them. “The characters can’t kiss until the end of the movie. Just before Rick dies. But I like some of the new dialogue. Especially the part about the dad being proud of him. I want you to put it in the script, Ivy.”

Ivy looked at Vera, dumbfounded. Was Vera that obtuse about what was really happening in the gym at that moment?

“That’s it. I was just checking out the winter ball decorations. Looks great. The toy drive is cute too. And I’m happy that you’ve taken this time to rework that scene. I knew it was a good idea to have you on set. I was right.” With that flourish, Vera swirled out of the gym.

Ivy and Nick pulled away from each other, both realizing it was a mistake.

“I should get back to the set,” Ivy said.

“I need to get back to the winery. It was nice catching up with you, Ivy,” Nick said and returned the black velvet jacket to the rack before walking out the door.

Ivy walked over to the disco ball and turned it off, then switched the lights back on. Suddenly the winter ball no longer looked so magical. Ivy realized that the moment had been fake after all. Not real. The magic of the movies could quickly fade away.

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