Page 86 of About Last Christmas
“You’re right.” I’ve thought the same before, but the hurt would often blur my logic. “I’m planning on talking to her after work tomorrow. I need to make up for emotionally unloading on her, then running off to Sugarvale.”
“Another suggestion? Since I’m on a roll here. You might want to book a chat with Kennedy.”
I nod. “Good idea.” Kennedy Graham is a family counselor who attends our church. She wears Louis Vuitton and has the uncanny ability to peer into your soul. Mom and I should consider making an appointment with her.
I look at my best friend, grateful she’s here. “Thank you, Tilly.”
She smiles. “We’ve had each other’s back since first grade.”
Yeah, we have. Which is why I need to explain one more thing. “I’ve been keeping another secret.”
Her eyes widen. “Yes?”
“You know how we thought the Silver Creek Secret Santa is Fletcher Thomas?”
“It’s Leo, isn’t it?!” She swipes the calendar from the coffee table and raises it high, as if I need a visual. But really, it’s distracting because … wow. Leo holding a puppy is the dopamine shot my weary system craves but can’t get. Because, like the picture, the man himself seems out of reach. “Tell me it’s Leo!”
“Uh, no.” I force my gaze off Mr. February and onto Tilly. “It was Gran. And now it’s me.”
Her mouth drops. “What? How?”
“Let me explain.”
When I finish detailing everything, she lets out a whistle. “Girl, you’ve had a wild month.”
“I still don’t have a candidate yet.” I retrieve the folder from the desk drawer I shoved it in earlier and hand it to Tilly. “Here are the letters. The top one is Leo’s pick. A woman submitted on behalf of her neighbor. She’s brief and to the point. I’m leaning toward it, but I want to know your thoughts.”
As she reads the letter, her head tilts, then she gasps. “I know this lady. It’s Elana Keller.” She shakes the paper. “She comes to the café every Thursday morning around nine.”
“What’s she like?” I reclaim my seat. “Is she one to spin stories?”
“No, not at all. Elana’s the blunt, honest type.” The CRM goes to commercial, and Tilly grabs the remote. “Ugh, I hate these.” It’s a pharmaceutical ad that offers a product with a gazillion side effects. “Your eyes might bleed, but at least your armpits won’t itch. Mute!” And she does. “Now, back to Elana and the letter.”
“She doesn’t mention the neighbor’s name.” I scan the page again as if it will magically appear. “Do you know who she’s talking about?”
“I don’t.” She crimps her mouth together with a shake of her head. “Maybe you should do some Secret Santa stalking. I’ll text you when she comes to the café.”
“Hmm. I can’t leave the store unattended.”
“Oh.” Tilly clasps her hands together, her eyes brightening. “I’ll tell my manager I need to take my break early, then I’ll come cover for you. You only need a few minutes, right?”
“Probably. But wouldn’t that be really early for a break?” Tilly would only have been at the café for two hours.
“Yes.” She pats my hand. “But it’s time you let other people help you.”
I won the best friend lotto. “Are you mad at me for not telling you about the Secret Santa stuff?”
“What, you think I’d get upset over you telling Leo before the girl who’s been like a sister to you for twenty years?” She folds her arms in an exaggerated huff, then cracks a smile. “No, I’m not mad. I just wish you had said so sooner because I could’ve helped you.”
“Leo said the same thing.”
“Ah, wise dude.” Her gaze turns empathetic. “Maybe this is your hint to let others carry the load with you. Maybe evenfor you sometimes. Not because we have to, but because we want to.”
The next evening, I turn on M*A*S*H in the living room for Pap, who’s cradling Oggy on his lap in the recliner, then join Mom in the kitchen. It’s been a long day. Still no word from Leo, and I’mtrying not to freak out about it. He probably needs some space, but how much is too much? I sigh and take a seat at the table, eyeing the plate of cookies before me.
Mom claims the chair beside mine and gestures toward the desserts. “Not a raisin in sight.”
“My stomach thanks you.” I grab a chocolate chip cookie and take a full bite before launching into my apology. “Sorry about the other day. I shouldn’t have lost it like I did.”
