Page 90 of Holly versus Mr. Ivy
“Ice?” Holly asked, already standing.
I nodded and followed Holly to the kitchen. Looking over my shoulder, I made sure Deidre’s back still faced us. Satisfied she was engrossed in the movie, I snatched Holly’s arm, pulling her into my chest.
She yelped, but I glared at her to keep quiet. Checking again to make sure Deidre paid us no attention, I hugged Holly tighter. “We need to be quick,” I whispered, “but I’ve been dying to say hello properly.”
Holly settled her cheek on my chest. “I know, me too. I’m sorry we couldn’t go to your house.”
Worried we’d lingered too long already, I stepped away from Holly. “Another time?”
She nodded, then pointed to the cupboard where the glasses were. I grabbed one and filled it from the fridge.
“Tomorrow my mom is making gingerbread for houses. Do you want to decorate with us?”
I grinned. Spend more time with Holly doing Christmas activities? “Of course I do. Can I bring candy or something?” The last time I’d decorated a gingerbread house had been when I was thirteen. After that, I had beentoo coolto do it anymore. The kits Mom had bought also got boring. They were the same every year. With Dee making the dough and different candy, the opportunities for creativity were endless. Castle? Restaurant? Traditional house? Cabin?
Holly watched me swallow my water. “I have a bunch of stuff already. Just come.”
“With everything you’ve already provided, I’ll have lunch delivered while we decorate.”
“Seriously?” she deadpanned.
I folded my arms across my chest. “Yes. I’ll order Francesca’s—or anything else you want.” I wasn’t backing down. Holly had fed me way too much. I also wanted to give her a break from cooking. She did it all day, every day.
She waved around the kitchen. “I can make us sandwiches or something.”
“Not the point. And your hands are still healing.”
Her brows furrowed, making lines appear on her forehead. “Why waste money on something we can make at home?”
“Why not take the gift being offered to you?” I challenged. She infuriated me, but I also loved the challenge. Things were never dull with Holly.
“Fine.”
“Fine,” I echoed, secretly pleased she gave in so easily. I mean, I wasn’t backing down no matter what, but now we could get back to our movie faster. “What food do you want?”
“Indian from The Paneer Pot.”
Of course she had chosen an ethnic restaurant. “I sense a theme with your dining preferences.”
“What theme would that be?”
“Authentic food from other countries.”
She shrugged, looking down at her feet. “If you weren’t stuck with my idiosyncrasy about food, where would you want to go?”
“I’m easy. Pizza or a burger is always a safe bet with me.”
“I like pizza from Russo’s.”
The wood fire-oven place? “And what about something less gourmet, like the pizza joint down the street?”
She wrinkled her nose. “I’ll eat it if that’s what you want.”
I chuckled. “It’s fine. I’ll just always eat my fast food when you’re not with me.”
“That’s very sweet.” She smiled. “I think I’ll keep you.”
“You already said no takebacks. You’re stuck with me.” Hopefully for the rest of our lives.
