Page 38 of Jingle Bell Jilt
I glance up at her and can tell she’s barely containing her laughter.
I look back at the sweater. Does she really expect me to wear this monstrosity? Hers might be tacky, but it isn’t completely inappropriate.
She laughs. “It’s the worst, isn’t it?” She claps her hands. “You have to admit, I won pretty handily.”
I don’t even know what to say. This is literally the worst.
“Put it on. I want to see how well it fits you.” Her eyes are alight with excitement. Or maybe it’s just the thrill of victory. She leans forward and whispers in my ear. “By the way, I prefer brownies, but I can do chocolate chip cookies if they’re warm.” She winks at me and something flutters inside me. “I’ll even share my ice cream with you.”
I swallow. Okay. I have two choices here. I can look like a complete jerk and refuse to wear this thing. Or I can be a good sport and pretend like it doesn’t bother me—even though it does. A lot. But it’s not like we’re leaving the house today, so I guess it’s not that big of a deal.
I pull the sweater over my head and shove my arms in, pulling it down over my chest. It’s a little snug, but unfortunately, it fits well in the arms and torso. “I think you undersold your abilities at this game.”
She gives me a little shoulder shrug. “I told you my family does this every year.”
My mouth drops open. “What? You made it sound like they just made up random competitions. Not that you did this particular one every year. That’s not fair. You’re a ringer.”
She grins so big her eyes close slightly and little creases form at the side. “We didn’t make it up. Ugly sweater contests have been around for years.”
I sulk. “I still think you should have told me you had so much experience.”
“I promise to tell you that the next time.” Her head tilts and she pushes out her lips like she’s talking to an insolent child. Which she kind of is. But then her words hit me. Does she want there to be a next time or is she just saying that?
“Okay, but I’m going to hold you to it.” I narrow my eyes at her in fake anger. “And don’t think I’m not going to be researching the most terrible sweaters I can for next time.”
She cocks a brow. “I would expect nothing less.” She hands me my next present, the one wrapped in elf paper. “Here. Hopefully, this will make up for the sweater.”
I unwrap the gift that’s smaller than a bread box but bigger than a ring box. This time I don’t go as slowly. I’m curious to see what she bought for me after knowing me for such a short time.
I pull off the lid and see the angel tree topper staring back at me. The one we had seen in that little Christmas store yesterday. The one that looks exactly like the one my mom used every year on the top of our tree. The one I had not seen since she died.
A lump forms in my throat and I feel tears welling up in my eyes. I swat them away. I shouldn’t cry in front of her. We don’t know each other that well. I stare through blurry eyes at the box in my hands. Or maybe we do.
Shay puts her hand on top of mine.
I glance up at her.
“I think you should at least have something from your mother.”
I nod but can’t speak because of the tightness gripping my throat. I also can’t stop staring at the angel. I run a finger lightly over the delicate dress and face. “Thank you,” I mumble.
I glance up as she gives a little head bob. “You’re very welcome, Evan. And thank you.”
I jerk my gaze up. “Uh, comparatively speaking, my gift is completely lame.”
She shakes her head and I see tears forming in her eyes. Man, we’re a duo, aren’t we? “Thanks for turning this Christmas into a good memory.”
I shrug. “Back at you.”
CHAPTERFIFTEEN
EVAN
Islip my sweater on and look down at the front. I will never look at nutcrackers the same way again.
I pull the sweater down subconsciously, but then realize that only makes it easier to read, so I scrunch it back up slightly. I can’t believe I’ve actually bloused an article of clothing. It’s a new low for me.
I walk out of my room and head down the stairs, the smell of something cooking making my stomach growl. I have no idea what it is, but it smells delicious.
