Page 18 of The Holiday Grump
I should have said something. I should have flirted back or embarrassed myself to even the score, or whatever normal,funpeople did. Instead, I looked like a fucking fish.
“What did you study?” I finally asked. “Before you dropped out.”
“Fashion design.”
“So you know your way around elbow patches?”
I wanted to bite my tongue. Looking like a fish was better than fishing for compliments. But Noelle didn’t seem bothered.
“Yes! I love upcycling and vintage clothing, but the fashion industry is so competitive, and I realized I could never afford to do unpaid internships. And that’s how I ended up working at The Gap instead.”
“And… then on a cruise ship?”
She did an exaggerated eye roll. “The navy-blue uniforms were so cute I couldn’t resist.”
We crossed Main Street and joined the line. The chalkboard sign advertised a three-for-one deal. No wonder there was a crowd. After a moment, we made it to the door, and an older couple exited. I recognized the woman. She was friends with my mom and greeted me excitedly, her eyes lingering on Noelle as her husband held the door for us to enter. Noelle skipped inside, but I held back, inhaling the thick scent of butter, sugar, and spice. I could feel the eyes of the whole town waiting for me inside. Was I ready for this?
CHAPTER 8
Noelle
Spence had been right about me. I was not fit to be in public. I asked questions like a three-year-old who could get away with it by being cute and clueless. And I wasn’t that clueless. I had to learn to edit myself, especially when it came to my feelings about elbow patches or the men wearing them.
Fredrik hung on to the door for a long beat before following me inside. What was the big deal about going to a bakery? He must have been a regular here. These people saw him every day.
But as I felt the questioning gazes burning holes through my winter clothes, it hit me. They’d never seen him with someone like me. I stuck out like a clown at a funeral in my pink beret, fluffy peach coat, and olive-green overalls. Even my boots were purple.
I couldn’t resist color. Sometimes the combinations worked. Other times, it was too much. Either way, colors made me happy. After a year on the ocean, stuck in a boring navy-blue uniform, I was desperate to be me. Maybe I needed something more understated this Christmas. I was here to hide, not draw attention to myself.
Making Whoopie wasn’t understated, though. I’d already fallen for the deep red facade and bright blue door. Inside, the checkered floor tiles and cheerful blue counter made me inexplicably happy.
The young woman behind the counter smiled as the line moved along. She had a topknot with wild flyaway hairs, flour on her cheek, and fantastically expressive eyes. Her gaze flicked between Fredrik and me as she worked to keep the line moving.
I read the specials on the board:
A Fireside Threesome:S’mores-inspired graham, triple fudge, and toasted marshmallow cakes with hot cocoa ganache and cinnamon spark.
“Oh my God. Sold!”I nudged Fredrik’s arm. “Can you share that with me? I want to try everything!”
“Teddy!”
I didn’t see the huge guy in a biker jacket before he crashed into Fredrik, giving him a bear hug that nearly knocked him over.
Fredrik regained his balance, surprisingly unbothered. “Are you drunk? It’s not even noon.”
The guy ran a hand through his dirty-blond hair and grinned. “No! I’m just expressive with my love.”
“Did he just call you Teddy?” I asked. “I thought you didn’t do nicknames?”
Fredrik sighed. “Some people choose to ignore my preferences. One of them is Jackson.” He turned to his friend. “Meet Noelle. She’s running a new Christmas shop on Hideaway Ave.”
There was affection in his voice beneath the scorn. Jackson had earned his nicknaming rights.
“Lovely to meet you, Jackson.” I offered my hand, but he spread his arms wide. I gave a startled shrug, which he took as consent, squeezing me so tight my boots lifted off the floor.
“So good to meet you, Noelle,” he whispered into my ear.
I laughed breathlessly, grabbing the glass cabinet of pies to stay upright.
