Page 26 of Grump Hard
“Is this because of Dad?” Bran asks, startling Elliot as much as he has me, judging by the way El chokes on his beer.
We rarely talk about the problem of our father directly, preferring to skirt around him like a conversational sinkhole.
“Because yeah, he’s a shithead who can’t maintain an adult relationship,” Bran continues. “But you’re not him, Luke. You’re reserved, not cold. Careful, not controlling.”
“Well, maybe a tiny bit controlling,” Elliot interjects. “But in an understandable way. You had to take on a lot of responsibility when you were still very young.”
Bran shrugs. “Yeah. And you boss people around because you care. That’s nothing like Dad. He bosses because he wants to feel big and make other people feel small.”
Elliot nods, sobering as he says, “He’s right. When he’s wrong, he’s dead wrong. But when he’s right, he’s…really right.”
“I am,” Bran agrees. “You deserve a shot at something great with a woman as much as anyone else, Luke. So, stop overthinking it and ask her out already.”
I stare into my bourbon, processing. They make it sound so simple. Logical, even, but I know better.
Don’t I?
But I also know how good it felt to have Holly Jo Hadley’s hand cradled in mine. How right.
“Fine, I’ll ask her out Friday, after the gingerbread competition,” I mutter, cutting off their congratulations with a sharp, “But only if it still feels right. If it doesn’t, I won’t ask her anything, and I don’t want to hear a word from either of you about it.” I pluck my whiskey from the table, giving it a swirl as I rumble, “And I don’t want to talk about this anymore. Subject change. Now.”
Elliot lifts a hand in surrender. “Understood. So, what do you think of Bran’s chances of convincing the Powder Keg owners to sell?”
I blink. “What?”
“I’m thinking of acquiring this place,” Bran says. “It’s rough around the edges now, but with some work, I think it could be a fantastic addition to my portfolio of high-end ski resorts.”
I take a more critical look around, evaluating, before turning back to him with a nod. “I’d say your chances are good. But if you make a bid, make sure to have them throw in that sheep.” I motion toward the stuffed creation winking at us from the wall. “It’s growing on me.”
“Me, too,” Elliot says, laughing.
Talk turns to Bran’s potential plans for the resort, then Elliot’s concerns about rapidly rising property taxes that might affect the rebrand’s bottom line, but all I can think about is Holly.
And Friday.
And what might happen if I actually work up the nerve to ask her on a date.
What happens if she says…yes.
Eight
From the texts of Holly Jo Hadley
and Candace “Candy” Caroline Cane
HOLLY: Tell me it’s not crazy to wear my sexy blue sweater to a baking competition. All my team members are adults. Well, most of them, anyway, and I’m a veteran gingerbread decorator. I can get the job done without making a mess of myself. Right?
CANDY: And why are we wanting to wear our sexy blue sweater with the magical cleavage-enhancing powers to a cheesy competition in the stinky old community hall?
HOLLY: It’s not cheesy! The Gingerbread Jubilee is one of my favorite parts of the holiday season!
CANDY: Even though you lose every year and beat yourself up about it for days after?
HOLLY: I don’t beat myself up. I reflect on where I could have improved. And since last year, I have reflected so thoroughly, I’m totally ready to lead my team to victory. Therefore, I would like to look extra cute when they take my picture for the paper.
CANDY: Lies! You ice cookies on a bed of lies!!
HOLLY: FINE! I want to look sexy for Luke, so he’ll stop trying to resist my charms and lick icing off my lips behind the community center when we’re done cleaning up the mess. Is that what you want to hear?
