Page 8 of How to Lose an Omega in Twelve Days
“Off to the Christmas Market?” I guessed. That seemed to be where pretty much everyone on the bus was going.
“No,” he said flatly. I kept smiling at him expectantly until he sighed and elaborated. “I was in a rush when I packed and forgot a few things.”
Annoying. That would make it a little harder to figure out his angle.
“I’m off to the market,” I said. “Know of any stalls I should hit?”
He shrugged. “Depends on what you’re looking for.”
“I could use a new sweater or two.” Not untrue. You could never have too many festive sweaters, especially in the North Pole.
“There’s usually a whole row of knit goods. Every vendor is great, you can’t go wrong. There are usually a couple from Frostbourg though, if you’re after that look.”
“Oh, thank you. I do love the Frostbourg knits. Have you been?”
“To Frostbourg?” Shaun asked. “No…” He studied me for a moment and I swear he looked irritated again. “No.”
“I have. It’s a great place. If you like the holidays, that is.”
He grunted in response, then turned and looked out the window.
“Going to the ball tonight?” I asked, trying a different tactic.
“I’ll be working.”
“That late?” I asked. “You can’t take an hour or two?”
“I mean, there. I uh… work at the lodge.”
“I see. What a great place to work!”
Shaun nodded slowly. “Yeah, it’s… it’s great. I do love this resort.”
At last, something he had expressed interest in. “What do you there?”
“This and that. Little bit of everything.”
“Ah, jack of all trades.”
“Something like that,” he said with an almost awkward chuckle.
“Maybe I’ll see you tonight, then?” I offered.
“Maybe,” he laughed. Then he shot me the first real grin I had seen from him. “If you recognize me.”
“Why wouldn’t I?”
Shaun arched a surprised eyebrow at me. “It’s a masquerade.”
“Oh no! Really?” Ah, crumbled cookies. That sounded really fun, but I didn’t have a mask. I told Shaun as much.
“I’m sure they sell them at the market somewhere.”
“I hope so…” I frowned in thought. “I’m not even sure what a masquerade mask is supposed to look like.”
“I can…” Shaun hesitated. “I can, probably help you find one. Quickly. Before I do my own shopping.”
“That would be so kind! Thank you!”
