Page 4 of Jingl
“That look you’re making.” Wendy wiggles her finger in front of my face. “Says you’re in full denial of how you feel about Shae.”
“Not full denial,” I mumble. Justmostlydenial.
“Trace.” Wendy sets the last plate in the box before moving it out of her way. “What are you afraid of?” She takes my hand and guides us to the couch.
“Nothing. There’s nothing to be afraid of. I just miss Frostdale. Remember how much it snowed? We haven’t had snow the entire time we’ve been in Florida. I miss ice skating and the hot chocolate you can only get—”
“Trace. You miss playing in the snow with Shae. Skating with Shae. Hot chocolatewith Shae.”
“No. We did all that as a family…” And Shae was always there like another part of us. Him and his mom. Our families were inseparable until we moved away. We’ve all kept in touch over the years, but mostly it’s been me and Shae. “I’m not in love with Shae.” I push to my feet and stomp back to the kitchen to tape up the boxes.
“Okay, I won’t push.” Wendy walks up behind me and I mentally throw daggers. Daggers of love. But still….
She sighs as she watches me. “I do ask that you think about your actions when you’re with Shae. If you have no intentions of being romantically involved with him, just keep things friendly. Don’t confuse him.”
“Newsflash, I know how to be friends with men.” Even I can tell how much of a childish ass I’m being. What the hell?
“You don’t need to be so damned defensive. I love you both and don’t want to see either of you get hurt by the other.”
“I won’t hurt him.” My shoulders sag. But what if I do? What if Wendy’s right? What if moving is a mistake? Shit. What have I done?
“Well, crap. I didn’t mean to freak you out. I’m sure everything will be fine.”
I stand there, my mind a whirlwind of emotions and doubts. Wendy’s words struck a chord, and now I find myself questioning my decision to move back to Frostdale.
Wendy walks over and gives me a comforting hug. “I didn’t mean to upset you, Trace. I just want what’s best for both of you.”
I sigh and return the hug, feeling a mix of gratitude and uncertainty. “I know you do. It’s just... I’ve known Shae for so long, and he’s my best friend. I can’t imagine my life without him in it.”
Wendy pulls back, holding my shoulders and looking into my eyes with a reassuring smile. “Just be honest with yourself and with Shae. Whatever happens, you’ll both figure it out together.”
I nod, a sense of resolve growing within me. I may not have all the answers, but I’m determined to face this new chapter in my life with openness and honesty. “Thanks, I appreciate your support.”
With a final, reassuring pat on my shoulder, Wendy goes back to packing boxes. I join her, the uncertainty still lingering but now tempered with a glimmer of hope. As we continue packing, I wonder what the future holds for me and Shae or if I’m making a huge mistake.
Chapter 3
Shae
The old theater smells a little musty. Like someone attempted to clean it before holding the auditions here. The stage floor creaks with every movement and we all hold our breath each time the sound rings out. There’s a tinge of floral room spray that irritates my nose as I wait in the audience for the last audition to finish.
Twelve is the most ever to audition for lead piano in the Christmas concert and it’s a tough competition. We’re all so talented, I can’t imagine being the judge this year. I’m one of the younger ones, but someone in high school auditioned, too. Most are mid-forties to in their seventies. I hope to still be as passionate when I’m that age.
Once the last to audition finishes and bows, we all clap. It was a brilliant performance, if a little safe.
“Thanks everyone!” Emily, this year’s Christmas concert director, bounces to their feet. “You all did a fabulous job. We’ll email the results tonight. Go forth and enjoy your day.” Their cheery attitude melts into me, and I match their energy. I bounce to my feet, grab my bags, and wave goodbye. Emily waves back.
I have more pep in my step, which brings more jingling from my shoes. Time to get Santa’s Village set up. Something I look forward to every year.
There’s still time before I have to be at Frostdale Mall. I draw in a deep breath and give myself a smile in the rearview mirror.
A text from Trace pops up on my phone when I turn it back on.
Tracy: How’d the audition go?
Shae: Nailed it. But it’ll be tough for the judge.
The little dots bounce when he types. He sends me a picture of him sitting among a hoard of boxes.
