Page 119 of Hold Me Instead
“I’m ready for some cookies. What do you say, Harris?” he asked.
“I want cookies!” Vivi cried out.
“Me, me, me!” Alex chimed in.
“You already had cookies,” Sandra said. “But we still have one more stop to make.”
“Hot chocolate!” Vivi called out, arms in the air as she zipped around the sidewalk, weaving between pedestrians.
“Sure that’s a good idea?” Zachary asked.
“They’ll get about two sips in before we get to the car and zonk out. Works out perfectly. They’ll finish it tomorrow.”
Charlie laughed. “Sounds very sneaky.”
“Have to be, with these two little monsters. Crap, I’ve gotta catch up to Viv before she convinces someone else to buy her drink. Come on, Alex. Mom, I’ll meet you there. See you later!” Sandra and Alex hurried off.
Zachary placed his hand on Charlie’s arm, the contact light through the weight of her coat, but sending electricity through her body. Headded in a small nod across the street, and she stepped closer, calling over her shoulder to Magnolia.
“I’ll call you later, Mags. Good luck today!”
Magnolia waved, but Jeanie turned abruptly.
“Charlie, you’re still having the employee holiday party on Thursday?” she asked. Charlie nodded. “Daniel and I want to come by.”
“Oh, that’d be wonderful.”
“And you should join us at the house on Christmas Eve.”
Magnolia’s eyes widened behind Jeanie, though she scooted items around on the table. Charlie had to give her credit because it was subtler than Zachary’s stiffening frame beside her, once again, and calmer than her own racing heart.
“Mom…” Zachary said.
Jeanie continued. “It’ll just be us, nothing fancy, of course. We’re all so grateful to you, for guiding the practice the way you have. For keeping this one in line.” She gestured to her son. “A little chance to say thanks without more people around, you know?”
“Thanks, Jeanie, I appreciate it.”
“Your mother’s welcome to join if she’d like.”
“Uh.” Charlie looked at Zachary, then back to Jeanie. “That’s sweet, but she’s working.”
“Well, all the more reason for you to join us! The offer is there. You just let me know. We’ll see you on Thursday.” Jeanie waved them off, said her goodbyes to Magnolia, and headed down the street toward the coffee shop.
“You two go get some cookies. You look a little peaked,” Magnolia said.
Charlie gave a faint wave and followed Zachary across the street, his steps quick. He held the door open for her, bypassing the holiday table out front and going straight for the indoor line.
She shivered, standing next to him in silence. He remained a picture of discomfort.
“I don’t have to stop by on Christmas Eve,” she said.
He glanced at her, then at the counter. “Mom wants you there, you should come.”
She scrunched her face. “Yeah, see, that’s the problem. Ifyoudon’t want me there, Ishouldn’tcome.”
He scratched his head, taking an extra beat before he said, “No, Charlie, it’d be nice to have you there.”
She nodded slowly. “If this makes you uncomfortable, I shouldn’t go.”
