Page 13 of Mr. Merry Ex-Mas
SADIE
Ifan myself with one of the itineraries I presented to the town board and walk to the side of the room to look out the window. I wish these would open from the inside. I could use a little air right now. Instead, I see my reflection, which looks like someone barely holding it together. Though when the volunteers come in, I hope they see it as moreof an overworked event plannerthana woman who just almost kissed her ex.
I check my lipstick in the glass—still intact. Barely.
Danny’s footsteps have hardly faded down the hall when the door swings open and Kylie walks back in, making a beeline for me. I turn and cross my arms, leaning against the windowsill. She stops in front of me and tilts her head.
“You still look flushed from your ‘nothing happened’that happened a few minutes ago.”’ I clear my throat and push off the window, but she steps in front of me. “Talk to me.”
“Just Danny being Danny.”
She looks around and whispers, “Where is he?”
I wave my hand about. “He said he was going to get coffee for everyone coming in to help.” I check my watch. “Which is in the next five minutes, so if we could do this later, that’d be great.
“Just tell me quickly. Somethingalmosthappened,” she says with a bit too much excitement. “I know an almost kiss when I see one.”
“He was just standing close.”
“Hmm. So close you didn’t hear the door open? Or me walking in? Until I announced myself.”
“Kylie, not now. I know you live for this type ofunplanned excitement, but I really need to focus on this gala. If you’re here to help, please, just help.”
“Hmm.” Kylie eyes me. “You always do this.”
I drop my arms in annoyance. “Do what?”
“Pretend you don’t care. When youso obviouslydo.”
I groan and drop into a folding chair, burying my face in my hands for a second before exhaling hard. “It’s not like Iwantto care.”
Kylie’s tone softens, her teasing fading into something gentler. “Then why do you?”
I look at her, the words catching in my throat before they finally come out. “Because even when he drives mecompletelyinsane, he still knows how to make my world fun, different. Quiet.”
That hangs there between us. I don’t hold anything back from my sister, but I try not to talk too much about how my mind spins out of control. It’s not something I want her to worry about, but we’re just so completely different that she doesn’t understand my need for order. Or the need for someone to calm it, even if I fight him on every turn.
Kylie nods slowly. “Then let him.”
The door creaks open again. Danny walks in with two bags hanging off his arm, two trays of coffee, and that smug grin like he doesn’t already know exactly what he interrupted.
“Did I miss something?”
Kylie and I speak at the same time.
“No.”
“Yes.”
He raises an eyebrow, and I smack my sister.
He places everything on the table and takes a coffee from the tray, handing it to me. “Extra whipped cream.” I take the coffee from him, and maybe I let my fingers brush his when I do.
Today was amazing.We got so much done with all the volunteers and the kids who also showed up. It makes me so happy to see them working so hard. Matt’s son, Liam, is going to be the star of the show, I just know it. He got onstage and belted out Christmas songs, which reminded me of Danny. He was just enjoying life and having fun.
When the mayor arrived, he was quite impressed with our design. He congratulated me on the work done well so far and said he couldn’t wait for the rest of the town to enjoy it.
I’m flying high off his praise and actually feeling like I’m finally living out my dream of being an event organizer. And I have Matt to thank for it. If he hadn’t brought me on to handle the National Wine Day Event, none of this would be happening.
