Page 12 of Mr. Merry Ex-Mas
Sadie doesn’t look at me; instead, she rolls the ribbon back on the holder like her life depends on it. “I’m not sure of anything right now.”
I nod, even though she isn't looking at me. “Same,” is all I can get out as I walk to the back of the auditorium. “I’m going to grab some coffee for everyone. They’ll be here any minute.”
I walk out the back door, leaving her with her ribbon and her “nothing happened,” pulling my phone out along the way.
Matt answers on the first ring.
“Let me guess. Sadie. Mistletoe and an empty auditorium.”
I bark a laugh, wishing I had grabbed my coat as the chill hits me. “Damn, I almost forgot how fast the gossip train moves around here.”
He chuckles, and I hear bottles clinking in the background. “I’m on speed dial for all the latest news. Now, tell me.”
“There were balls. And leaning involved.”
He gasps. “Balls and leaning! That’s halfway to a lifetime commitment in this town.”
I groan at his sarcasm. “Can you listen for one damn minute!” I scrub my face and balance the phone between my shoulder and ear while getting my keys from my pocket.
“You started it. And what's there to listen to? I’m sure you were picking a fight, and she responded. Am I right?”
I open the door, climb in, and sit, letting the moment of what just happened wash over me. “I mean, yes and no. I took your advice and went early to–”
“You actually went early?” He whistles. “You were definitely trying to stir some shit.”
“It was your idea!”
“I didn’t think you’d listen!”
I let out an exasperated sigh. “Anyway,I went earlybecause I genuinely wanted to help. I do want this gala to go well for thetown. But then she walked in, and I just couldn’t help myself. It’s fun to tease her, and it’s fun to get her to yell at me.”
He laughs at me. “You’re whining.”
“I know, but it felt good. We were talking, then she was looking at me like?—
“Like she used to?”
“Yeah.”
“Like she still does?”
I close my eyes and say, “Yeah.”
“And then what?”
“Then your girl walked in and killed the mood.”
He laughs. “That's my girl. Mood-killer.”
I laugh. “You're a damn liar, and if she hears you say that, she'll cut your dick off. Hang on. I’m starting my truck, and Bluetooth will pick it up.” I start the engine, buckle my seatbelt, and pull out, heading toward the bakery. “You there?”
“Yeah. You still in love with her or what?”
“Jesus,” I say, exasperated, and he just chuckles. I’m silent for a moment, my mind spinning with all kinds of answers, and I blurt the first one to come to mind. “I don’t think I ever stopped.”
“Then, don’t waste this second shot. Because if she looked at you like you say she didandleaned in?” He whistles and says, “Shedidn’t stop either.”
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