Page 8 of A Holly Brown Christmas
“I will keep calling and I promise we will get everything we need and it will be exactly the same. And if I can’t get the people your mother worked with, I’ll find ones who are just as good, if not better!”
He knew when to wave the white flag, and this time it was in her favor.
“Fine, we can…”
“Oh, yay!” She jumped up and down, happily clapping her hands. “This is going to be great! When can I come to the house? I’d love to do it sooner rather than later. Are you busy tonight? I need to run home and feed my dog, but then I can pick up some takeout and come over. What do you say? Will that work?”
“I guess…?”
“Perfect! What should I pick up for us to eat? Burgers? Pizza? Sandwiches?”
“Why don’t I just take care of that so you’ll have one less thing to do. It sounds like you already have enough on your plate, so…I’ll take care of it. Just text me when you’re on your way over.”
Pausing, she blushed. “I don’t have your number.”
He pulled out his phone and handed it to her. “Put your number in and then I’ll text you so you have it.” Then he watched as she did it and gave him the phone back.
“I shouldn’t be too long. Shmoop is a fast eater and we’ll go for a quick walk and then I’ll be on my way.”
“I’m sorry, but…did you say Shmoop?”
She nodded. “Yup. He’s a miniature sheepadoodle—a mix between a miniature poodle and an Old English sheepdog. He looks just like Snoopy—you know, the cartoon dog? Anyway, giving him the same name was too obvious, so I put my own spin on it. So he’s Shmoop.”
“And he’s home alone all day and then you’re going to leave him alone while you come over?” Lucas had always wanted a dog, but with his long work hours, it didn’t seem fair to get one and then leave him alone all day.
“Oh, my parents live right around the corner and my mother goes over multiple times a day and takes him on walks. She’s trying to be more active and she says the walks are really for both of them. They’re kind of adorable together.” She nibbled her lip for a moment. “Hmm…would you mind if I brought him with me? He’s really good, no trouble at all. You won’t even know he’s there! We can let him play in the yard. And don’t worry, he’s not a digger, so he won’t destroy anything outside either.”
“That’s fine. If you’re sure he’ll be okay, then sure. Why not?”
“If you’re not really okay with it, I’m sure I can ask my mom to go over again. I think it’s her line dancing class night, but maybe she can go before and after. Hmm…”
“Holly, it’s fine. Really. Go home and do what you have to do and just text me when you’re on your way.”
She didn’t look fully convinced.
“Is pizza okay with you for dinner?” he asked instead of continuing with the dog conversation.
Smiling, she nodded. “I love it! Pepperoni and extra cheese please!”
Her enthusiasm was contagious, and he felt himself smiling broadly. “You got it. Now go and do all the things and I’ll see you and…” He paused and mentally rolled his eyes. “…Shmoop in a little while.”
“Thanks again, Lucas! We’re going to make this the best holiday party yet! You won’t regret this! I promise!”
He watched her walk out of his office and, for some reason, he felt marginally optimistic.
Which was an entirely new feeling for him.
Three
Every time she pulled up to the Brooks estate, she felt like someone should pinch her. It was massive and like something out of a movie.
Holly remembered the first party she attended when she asked Mrs. Brooks about the house and not only got a longer than expected description, but also a personal tour. Every room was impeccably decorated and there were several times she had to fight the urge to pull out her phone to take pictures of it because it was all so beautiful.
“We built the house back in 2010,” Mrs. Brooks began. “I had a vision and we searched until we found the perfect architect and designers to bring it to life.”
She had been staring at the massive chandelier in the entryway, but that was after being positively dazzled by the gated entrance to the property and the long, perfectly manicured driveway. She’d never seen anything like it in real life, and she feared she was gawking. Luckily, Mrs. Brooks didn’t seem to mind.
“I was born and raised in Georgia and always loved the architecture, so it was important to me for this house to resemble a Georgian estate. We lucked out with the property—we’re on five acres in a cul-de-sac, plus we have lake access. The view off the higher decks is breathtaking.”
