Page 74 of The Holiday Grump
“I kind of missed the parade yesterday. But I really want to see the sock running and some of the calendar reveals. There’s even a Pulla Appreciation Day! You know the Finnish sweet bread with cardamom my grandma used to bake?”
I mustered a smile. Was she expecting me to join her?
Events had never been my thing, not even when I was somewhat happily married. I only got involved when they needed help with something, like erecting yet another market stall or clearing snow from the podium. However, I preferred to help with tasks that were survival-related, such as splitting firewood.
The idea of showing up as a spectator made me a little ill. But as I looked into Noelle’s shining eyes, I couldn’t tell her that.
“There is a lot going on this time of year,” I conceded.
“One day, I want to get involved and not just show up as a tourist, you know?” She looked hopeful, yet uncertain. “On the cruise ship, every time we docked in a harbor, I’d see these amazing, close-knit communities. They waited for the cruise ship and served us to the best of their ability, but we were just passing through. We didn’t belong. And I always wondered what the place felt like after we left… what they talked about and how the vibe changed. I wished I could peek behind the curtain.”
“There’s chaos behind the curtain,” I confirmed. “Exhaustion and weird little cliques. Some people talk, others don’t. Felicity tends to fill me in, against my will.”
She sighed, a dreamy look in her eyes. “I bet it’s so different, being part of it. Being known.”
If she wanted to be known, I’d make sure everyone in Hideaway knew her. Even if I’d never understand the need to get that involved. You were dragged in against your will either way. I didn’t even want to think about what would happen if I were to volunteer.
“Is that why you joined the crochet club?” I asked.
She cocked her head, peering at me from under her lashes. “Kind of. I love that group! But I feel like I want to do more. Give back.”
“Be careful what you wish for,” I said, pulling her into a hug. “If they get their talons in you, they’ll never let go.”
Just like me. I’d never let her go.
Letting that thought enter my mind must have triggered the forces of evil. Because that was when the doorbell rang.
Then it rang again.
“It’s probably Jackson,” I said, moving toward the door.
She grabbed my hand. “Wait! Do we want people to know about us? I mean, maybe some people, but…” Her eyes widened with panic.
“What do you mean?”
“I’m not ready to face Spencer. I don’t want him to know where I am. And even Felicity knows who he is. That thing in the paper?—”
“She’d never tell him.”
“Of course not, but someone else might mention something to someone, and…” She wrung her hands.
I heard my front door open. “Yoohoo!”
“That’s my mom,” I hissed. “If you don’t want this to be public, hide. Now.”
Noelle nodded, frantically scanning the room. With no good hiding spots, she dove behind the kitchen island just as Mom appeared.
“Why don’t you answer the door?”
She was in full winter gear, with earmuffs over a wool hat and snow boots, her wool socks visible. Mom kept fit by walking everywhere, no matter the weather.
“I was just getting dressed.” I adjusted my waistband. “I was in the sauna.”
“In the morning?”
“It was a cold night.”
Her nose wrinkled. “You’re not heating well enough. The hallway is freezing.”
