Page 3 of Never Sleigh Never
He shrugs. “I thought Mount Holly could use some extra holiday cheer this year, so I’m organizing a carnival.”
A Christmas carnival? Not in my town. “We have enough cheer, thank you very much. It’s called the Holly Jolly Festival. And I am this year’s event coordinator.” I point to the field. “Whatever you think is happening here is not approved. I suggest you shut it down.”
“Just because you asked doesn’t mean you always get what you want.”
“The festival is important to me.”
“And my carnival is important to me. What’s your point?” He lifts a perfectly sculpted light brown brow. “I’m not shutting it down because you said so. Besides, I didn’t know an event coordinator held such weight in this town.”
My nostrils flare. He has a point, but I don’t like it. “Well, I’ll find out, and I’ll get back to you.”
He flashes me a dimpled smile. “You do that then.”
I rub the center of my forehead. “This is just like high school all over again. You come in and ruin everything. Because you have to be number one. Logan Crawford, best at everything.”
“You said it. Not me. Also, tell your parents I say hi. Actually, I need to stop by the hardware store. Your parents still own it?” Before I can tell him to get lost, he finishes, “Never mind, I’ll tell them myself.”
I huff, pivot, and stomp away.
“Hey Brie!”
I freeze.
“Watch out for speeding trucks. I’d hate to rescue you twice.” I whip my head around and glare at him. He winks. “I’ll do you a favor and move this truck so you can leave.”
“Don’t do me any favors. Moving the truck is common curtesy. Not a favor.”
“Just say thank you.”
“To you, never.”
“You’re welcome.” He climbs into the truck, turns the engine over, and pulls forward, giving me just enough room to squeeze out.
Not wanting to waste another second, I jump into my SUV and step on the gas, driving in the opposite direction of town, but I don’t care. I’ll take the scenic route back. I just need to get away from Logan. My hands tremble as I grip the steering wheel. This isn’t how the kickoff to the holiday season was supposed to go down. It was to be joyous and exhilarating, not like I want to commit murder. I whip the steering wheel right, brake hard, and skid to the shoulder. Park. Inhale. Hold. And exhale a primal scream that probably startles a crow three counties over. Sadly, it still doesn’t make me feel better. My phone chimes with a message. Glancing down, a smidge of comfort washes over me. My other best friend will help me wallow in this catastrophe.
Willa
Checking in to make sure you didn’t get kidnapped by the Grinch in a white windowless van claiming to sell Christmas decorations.
Brie
No van. But worse.
Willa
Ooo. What can be worse than a kidnapping?
Brie
Logan fucking Crawford.
Willa
Yikes. I bet you wish it was the van.
Brie
Yep.
