Page 24 of Sebastian

“Did you want a hot drink first?”

“I’m good for now.”

She's keeping to herself but doesn't mind me holding her, likely because my warmth counters her chill. It's a positive sign that she hasn't left. All I need to do is ensure this moment sticks so she'll feel like sticking around. When we reach the backyard, she lets out a low whistle.

“I still can’t believe you did all this.”

She breaks from my side to walk ahead. Her gaze roams around the remnants of the event I rented until after Christmas. Even though it’s a lonely holiday for me, it’s still my favorite, and the decorations are happy to look at.

“Yeah, it was fun, right?”

She turns and smiles, bright and forgiving, and my ego surges at the sight of it.

“It was. But why is this stuff still here? Shouldn’t there be people here picking it up?”

She resumes strolling across the terrace to the village entrance, where the carnival games and candy shop are located. The little shops are pretty and nostalgic for me, even if their vacancy seems a little eerie compared to last night’s lively event.

“They aren’t coming until after Christmas. Possibly after New Year’s Eve if I want.” Her nose is turning a light shade of pink from the cold. “Do you want a hat or gloves or another coat? You look cold.”

As if on cue, she shivers but shakes her head, wandering into the candy shop with whatever remains from last night still trapped in the glass jars and candy bags.

“That’s over two weeks away.”

The astonishment in her voice matches her face when she opens a lid to scoop out a handful of sour candy, holding some out to me and popping the rest in her mouth.

“It reminds me of the North Pole or what I think Santa Claus’ village looks like. It’s cool, right?” I ask, declining her offer of that sugary treat.

“Very cool but expensive.” She stops at various jars, reading the labels in search of some particular kind. “So, it’s just going to sit empty like this?”

I join her, scanning the shelves lined with candy.

“I can afford it, and it’s a way for me to enjoy Christmas.”

“You have staff, right?”

“Of course,” I scoff, and she rolls her eyes. I know not everyone lives like me, but this estate is too much for me to handle on my own. And Jiles and Ms. Martha are my family now.

“Why don’t you allow them to use it? Have a family day for them.”

Her eyes light up when she spots a jar of pixie sticks, grabbing a handful before downing the rest of her sourballs.

“You already had the charity and your friends’ holiday party. Have one for your employees. I’m sure they put in a lot of extra time to help you do all this.”

“They are well compensated with generous holiday bonuses.”

“Maybe that’s not enough to put up with you all year long.”

She elbows me and wanders out of the candy shop, leaving me bewildered by her idea. Jiles and Martha don’t have families, but the cleaners, drivers, gardeners, security, my office assistant, and the company employees probably do.

I catch up with her, my mind whirling a mile a minute as we cross the arched bridge to the rink’s entrance. The blow-in snow is still hard and compact from the low overnight temperatures, but the unforgiving sun is starting to melt it.

“That’s not a bad idea.” Why didn’t I think of it? She sports a smug grin and bumps her shoulder into my body.

“I know. It’s why I told you.

Her gaze dances around the expansive rink, and then she points to the telltale signs of melting ice at the rink’s edge.

“We’ll have to be quick about this. Now, where do we get the skates at?”

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