Page 2 of Mistletoe Meet Cute
“Umm... You do realize my degree is in early childhood development, right?” I ignore her hands and carefully rest the drink trays on the floor. “Knowing what their dads look like isn’t exactly a prereq.”
“Speaking of...” Hadley twists her hair up on top of her head and steals my red-and-white candy-cane scrunchie from my purse. “Any bites on your resume yet?”
My heart sinks, and I close my eyes before turning to face her. “Not a single one. But it’s only been a few weeks since my internship ended.”
“Look at it this way. At least Dad’s not making you dress up as Mrs. Claus.” Hadley and I are Irish twins. She’s ten months younger than me, and lucky for me, she drew the short straw this year. None of us ever want to be Mrs. Claus. Our Santa may be jolly and bright, but he’s also a teensy tiny bit handsy with my sisters and me every now and then. But oh my garland, does he look great in pictures.
Cherry Creek Vineyards is 127 acres of rolling hills covered with lush landscaping and so many grapes I can’t even begin to guess the number. Our family’s wine has been a top-selling brand in the area for generations, but the winery itself has only just started to expand into other things over the past few decades. First, Dad added Petal & Vine, a small bed and breakfast my sister Rainey runs. The tasting room began offering food, as well, a few years later, but he hasn’t grown it into a full-blown restaurant yet. Then when my sister Ryleigh joined the team after getting a degree in hospitality management, they started discussing weddings. The Barn at Cherry Creek had its soft opening a few weeks ago, and this spring will be the first full wedding season the ultra-chic venue is available, and we’re already booked for half the season.
Ryleigh and Rainey love working here.
Hadley and me—not so much.
And don’t even get me started on our brothers.
Luke was the smart one. He went away to school, and when he was drafted to the Philadelphia Kings football team a few years ago, he didn’t even think about moving home. So smart.
Briggs is the baby of the family, and we all swear he’s never leaving home. I feel bad for whoever he marries. He’s got the right idea and is taking classes over winter break and won’t be back from college until a few days before Christmas.
Ryleigh and Rainey have a separate wing of the B&B, where they both live with Rainey’s kids, but Hadley and I still live at home with Dad in the original farmhouse my great grandparents built.
I love my family, I do... but if I don’t get a job and move the hell out soon, I may not make it through Christmas with my sanity intact.
As Hadley and I walk into the conference room, where Dad and the girls are already sitting at the table, waiting for us, I internally groan. Weekends in December are insane at the vineyard, and this weekend will be the first after Thanksgiving—a.k.a. theChristmas in Kroydon Hills Kickoff.
Mom always planned all year for the next four weeks, and after we lost her, we all pitched in to continue the tradition. It’s kind of fantastic and equally exhausting. And it requires all the caffeine for everyone who’s not me. I pass out the coffees and snag my peppermint hot chocolate and drop down into my seat, readying forthe list.
The one Dad gives out every week.
The one that tells us where everyone is needed and exactly what’s expected.
And I settle in for what’s going to be a long day.
“Holly...” Luke calls out to me as I step out of the conference room, hoping not to bring too much attention to the fact I don’t have to work with Santa or check on the reindeer at all this weekend. Score for me. I love Christmas. My sweater at the moment hasVixenembroidered on it in pink and white with a pretty feminine reindeer standing with her hands... or I guess more accurately, hoofs on her hips, and I rock it on the regular. Pretty sure she’s my spirit animal. But seriously... not having to get my ass grabbed or my fingers nibbled is my idea of winning.
“Holly—” Luke tugs my hand, and I smack him away and cover his mouth before I manage to drag him into the kitchen and lean against the door. No way Hadley is letting me get away with this while she’s stuck dressing in Mrs. Claus’s fake furs and a white wig.
“Keep your voice down,” I growl. Maybe now wasn’t a good time to give up caffeine. It sounded like a good idea in theory, but maybe not. “Dad gave me the easy jobs, and I don’t want to be around when he realizes it.”
My big brother’s chest shakes with quiet laughter. “You’ve got to get the hell out of here, Holls, or they’re going to suck you in.”
“I’m trying,” I hiss and duck down so Rainey doesn’t see me as she walks outside past the window.
“Try harder,” he lectures and hands me a folded piece of paper. “This is the number for the Dean of Students at Kroydon Hills Prep. A little birdie told me they’re looking for a coordinator for their preschool program. I think you should call them. It could be great for you.”
“Seriously? Do you have an in there I’m unaware of?” I look at the paper in my hand, then back up at Luke. “I sent them my resume two weeks ago.”
“Not an in. Just a friend who may have mentioned it,” he grins, and I may throw up in my mouth a little bit.
Fun fact—peppermint doesn’t taste as good coming back up.
“Dude, kinda strange to be talking about your sister with a hookup.” I cock my head, waiting for a response that doesn’t come. “That’s what I thought.”
“Call the damn number, Holls. You don’t want to work at the winery forever.” He adjusts the black Philly Kings hat, pulling it lower on his head, and smirks. “Or maybe you do. Your call.”
Luke leans in and presses a kiss to my cheek. “I’ve got to get to the stadium. Love you.”
“Love you too,” I call after him as he walks through the kitchen door, and I stare at the phone number.
