Page 48 of The Grumpiest Elf

“Oh, um.” I pull out my phone to check my schedule, my shoulders slumping as I see that I’m working that afternoon until close. “Yeah. I’m on until eight.”

“Well,” Mom says lightly, “you could come afterward if you want. Or …” She darts a sly look in my direction. “You could have the condo to yourself for a few hours if you prefer.”

My cheeks heat at what I know she’s implying, but the fizzing anticipation in my gut wins out.We can have the place to ourselves. Dylan and I. We were just agonizing over this very scenario last night, and here, a solution has fallen into my lap. Clearing my throat, I do my best to match Mom’s light tone of voice. “We’ll see how I feel. I might be tired from work.”

“Oh, of course,” Mom says. “Try to decide by Monday, though, so I can let Stephanie know whether or not to expect you.”

“I will,” I assure her, already knowing what my answer will be.

More people join us, also headed toward the Daniels’ house, which is covered with Christmas lights, a light up Santa and sleigh on the roof, plus assorted animatronic reindeer dotting the snow-covered yard. The main front door is open, though there’s a glass storm door closed, warm light spilling out, giving everyone a glimpse of the merriment already well underway inside.

“Are we late?” asks Mom.

I shake my head. “It’s an open house. There is no ‘late’ or ‘early.’ Apparently they do this every year, so even though the official start time was five minutes ago, I bet people who are close to them feel free to show up even earlier. Maybe they come and help set things up and that’s how the party gets started.”

Soon we’re swallowed up inside the Daniels’ home. Nora greets us, giving me a hug and taking our coats as I make polite introductions.

“It’s so nice to meet you,” Nora gushes to my mom. “Lydia talks about you all the time. And don’t worry, it’s all positive.”

I blush and Mom grins, giving me a side hug. “That’s good to know.” To me she says, “Don’t feel like you need to stick to my side all night. I’ve started making friends here too. I’ll be alright.”

I give her a kiss on her cheek. “Okay. But come find me whenever you’re ready to leave.”

“Will do.” She gives me one last squeeze and we separate, her to say hello to someone she knows, and me to find Dylan.

He’s in the kitchen, his back to me as he pours something into the sink. “Merry Christmas,” I tell him, and he looks over his shoulder, his face lighting up at the sight of me.

“Hey! Give me a sec.” I step closer as he finishes pouring what I now see is ginger ale into a bowl in the sink with something pink floating in it. “We’re late getting the punch out,” he says as he gives it a quick stir. “Ty and Olivia got in this morning, then Sarah, Shane, and Sophie came over, and while we got most things set up, reunions are distracting.” Turning, he wraps his arms around me and pulls me close. “But everyone’s waited this long. They can wait a minute more,” he says in a low voice right before he kisses me.

A wolf whistle sounds from behind me, and I jump. Dylan seems reluctant to let me go as he lifts his head. I turn to see a guy and a girl I haven’t met who bear a more than passing resemblance to Dylan and Nora. I’ve seen the girl around, but not the guy.

“Sothisis what’s taking you so long,” the girl says, stepping forward, looking me up and down. “Hi,” she says to me, sticking out her hand. “I’m Sarah. The big sister.”

Before I can shake her hand, the guy comes in and puts her in a headlock that has her arms flailing. “I’m Ty,” he says. “The oldest.”

“Though you wouldn’t know it from the way they’re acting,” Dylan murmurs against my head, which has me trying to bite back a smile.

“It’s my job to keep these guys in line,” Ty finishes. He looks me over with interest, though not in a creepy way. Just like I’m someone new, and he’s sizing me up. “And who might you be?”

“This is Lydia,” Dylan answers before I can say anything. He holds up a finger and points it between his two older siblings. “You two aren’t going to cause problems for her. Got it?”

Ty holds up his hands like he’s been caught in the middle of a bank heist, releasing Sarah. She glares at her older brother and backhands him lightly in the chest. “You’re lucky you tucked your shirt in,” she grumbles.

He shoots her an unrepentant grin. “Is it luck or is it planning?”

She lets out a frustrated, “ugh!” as she straightens her hair and turns to me, a warm smile overtaking the disgusted look she’d given her brother. “Hi, Lydia. It’s so nice to meet you at last. I’ve heard so much about you, and it seems unbelievable that our paths haven’t crossed before now.” She proffers her hand for me to shake, but Dylan doesn’t seem to want to let me go.

“It’s alright,” I murmur to him, patting him softly on the chest. “I have a big sister, too. I can handle myself.”

He gives me a squeeze and then grudgingly lets me go so I can shake Sarah’s hand. For her part, she looks ready to burst with giddy laughter, but she’s managing to hold it in.

“Shut it,” he growls at her. “Not a word.”

She gives him an exasperated look. “How am I supposed to get to know Lydia if I’m not allowed to speak?” Releasing my hand, she waves it at him dismissively, then turns so she’s standing next to me and hooks her arm through mine. “Come on. Mom’s been hard at work all day. Let’s get some food and let the boys finish with the punch.”

I cast a glance over my shoulder at Dylan, who’s glaring at the back of Sarah’s head, and I fight back my giggle until we’re out of the kitchen, when I let it loose.

“Oh good,” Sarah says, sounding genuinely relieved. “You have a sense of humor. I’m afraid you wouldn’t survive long around here if you didn’t.” A thoughtful look comes over her face as she gets us in line at the food laid out buffet style on a big table in the space between the living room and what looks like a formal dining room. The living room furniture has been pushed off to the side, with folding chairs set up as well, and a large trash can sits next to the door that leads to the kitchen. “Although Ty’s last girlfriend stuck around a surprisingly long time for someone who doesn’t have a playful bone in her body.”

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