Page 91 of Holly versus Mr. Ivy
She sighed. “I guess if I have to saddle myself to someone, you’re a decent choice.”
“Decent?” I said, mockingly offended. “Decent?”
She blinked at me. “What word would you have me use instead?”
“Excellent. Phenomenal. Outstanding.” I threw my arms out to the side. “Take your pick.”
“Hmm.” Her lips puckered to the side. “I’ll think about it and let you know.”
I narrowed my eyes at her.
She blew me a kiss, complete with a wink.
I caught her kiss and acted like it was a dagger to my heart. I couldn’t wait for the real thing, and the longer we stood here, the harder it was not to touch her. “Ready to go back?” I jerked my head toward the living room.
“Yeah.” Holly took my glass from me, placing it on the counter.
Thirty more minutes, then fingers crossed, Deidre would retire to her room. Holly and I settled back into the seats we’d previously occupied. I imagined Holly was tucked in next to me, her hand on my chest, my fingers playing with her hair.
An eternity later, the moviefinallyended. I lovedElf—it was the best holiday movie out there, full of laughter and Christmas cheer. But I couldn’t be happier it was over.
Holly stood, stretching her arms and yawning. “Man, I’m tired. Are you tired, Mom?”
Way to be subtle, Holly. I bit my lips, holding back a smile, and stood as well.
“I’m actually feeling pretty good,” Deidre said. “I’m ready for another movie or lunch.”
My stomach sank. Really? Of all the times for her to stick around, it had to be now?
“Oh.” Holly deflated. “Okay. What do you want first?”
Deidre burst out in laughter. She placed a hand on her stomach as her laugh went on and on and on.
Holly and I exchanged confused looks.
“What’s so funny?” Holly asked.
She pointed between the two of us. “Your faces.” She laughed again. “You want time alone. All you had to do was say as much, Holly. I appreciate you thinking of me and wanting to stick around, but seriously, you can go on dates without me.”
“We’re not dating,” Holly rushed out. Her cheeks turned pink.
Yeah, that’s also not obvious, Holly.Man, that woman needed a lesson in subtlety.
“We’re just friends, but I’m glad you think I’m good enough that Holly would want to date me,” I said, trying to back up Holly’s lie.
Deidre shot us both a dry look. “I’m sick, not blind. I’m going to head to my room for an hour. Then I’ll be ready for lunch. If you two want to hang out or watch another movie, I’ll promise to announce my presence and give you a few seconds before barging in.”
“Mom!” Holly protested. Her ears went crimson. “What do you think we’re going to be doing out here while you’re in your room? Right. There.” She gestured in the direction of Deidre’s bedroom.
“Well, sweetie, usually when a man and woman like each other very much, they—“
Holly slapped her forearms over her ears. “Stop! That is NOT happening. Please, just go before you say anything else embarrassing.”
Deidre rolled her eyes. “Honestly, Holly, we’re all adults here. I’m very well aware of what two young, attractive people might get up to. But I do hope you’ll remember Icanhear you.”
I tried to hold it in, I honestly did, but a laugh bellowed out of me. “You know what, Dee? Thank you. We’ll be sure to keep that in mind.”
“Rhett!” Holly chastised. “Don’t egg her on.”
