Page 26 of The Christmas Keepsake
Hollis pushed down a twinge of disappointment. “Of course not,” he replied, keeping his tone light. “We’re friends.” Wouldn’t want tomess that up, like he tended to do with any romantic relationships. Heading back around to the driver’s side of his truck, he slid behind the steering wheel and breathed in.
Big mistake. The air smelled like the garden in Eleanor’s backyard. Floral and heavenly. He should stop breathing. He held his breath as his mind whirred.
“Earth to Hollis.” Mallory poked his shoulder. “Are you going to drive?”
Hollis released a breath and looked over. “Drive. Right.” He chuckled and got another whiff of her perfume. He put his truck into drive and remembered to breathe, even though he just wanted to lean closer to Mallory.
“I can’t believe we’re going to a dance at a dementia care facility,” she said on a small nervous-sounding laugh as he drove. “It feels like we’re in middle school, heading to a dance.”
Hollis glanced over. He’d had that very same thought earlier tonight. “I never went to one of those.”
“What?” She smacked the side of his arm playfully. “You never went to a school dance?”
“I’ll make up for it tonight. I can’t promise I’m a great dancer though. I hope I don’t embarrass you.” He stole a glance in her direction.
“We’ll see.”
As they parked, entered Memory Oaks, and headed into the community room, Hollis felt a surge of pride at the sight of the large Christmas tree that he and Mallory had trimmed and decorated last week. The facility was beautifully decorated with twinkling lights and festive garlands adorning every surface. The lighting was dim but not too dark, accommodating the needs of the older residents.
“Hey, you two,” Nancy said, stepping over to them. “Welcome to our dance!”
Hollis and Mallory glanced around the room. It was festive and merry, but the dance floor was empty. Most of the residents were seated around the edges of the room, looking bored.
Nancy’s smile wobbled as she seemed to read their minds. “Maybe we should have stuck to bingo. I’m not sure most of these folks want to throw their hips out shaking a leg tonight.”
“Nonsense,” Hollis said with a grin. Then he looked at Mallory. “Let’s show ’em how it’s done.”
Mallory offered a suspicious look. “I thought you said you weren’t sure you could dance.”
He shrugged. “I have faith you’ll make me look good out there. Be right back.” He winked as he headed toward the corner where a DJ was set up behind a table with a black cloth draped over it.
“Hey, man,” Hollis said, getting the DJ’s attention. “You taking requests?”
The DJ was younger than Hollis, with his hat flipped backward on his head. “Of course. What do you want?”
Hollis thought for a moment. The first song that came to mind felt appropriate. “Do you have ‘I’ll Be Home for Christmas’?”
“A slow dance.” The DJ nodded. “Sure. Let’s do it.”
Hollis made his way to Mallory as the opening notes of “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” filled the air. He extended his hand in her direction. “Dance with me?”
Mallory hesitated. Then she placed her hand in his and allowed him to lead her onto the center of the community room’s dance floor.
“Not a date,” he whispered under his breath.
“I’m sorry?” she asked, looking at him intently.
“Sorry. Just talking to myself,” he said with a slow grin. He had promised Nan he’d take care of Mal. But holding her close, breathing in the soft scent of her perfume, it was hard to remember why this couldn’t be more than fulfilling that request.
At first, Mallory was rigid in his arms, but as the song progressed,Hollis felt her relax and lean into him. He thought he even heard her sigh softly as they swayed.
“Nancy is dancing with Mr. Alps,” Mallory said, tipping her face up to look at Hollis.
Her lips were dangerously close to his in the moment, and his focus was there to read what they were saying over the music. He looked over her shoulder. “Ms. Lester is dancing with Charlie.”
“Charlie?” Mallory asked. “My grandpa Charlie?”
Hollis nodded. “I invited him and Eleanor when they were at the tree farm the other day.”
