Page 2 of A Mistletoe Mix Up
He’s got a point. There’s no use in overanalyzing; it won’t change anything. But that doesn’t make it any easier.
“Thanks, Gramps.” I take a deep breath and softly smile.
My gaze flickers to the clock on the stove. I stuff the last bite into my mouth and rise from the table. I place a couple pancakes in a container, throw some fresh fruit on it, and pop the lid on.
“Gotta run; I’ll see you tonight.” I pat Grandpa’s back as I pass him, heading for the door.
“Tell her I said hi.” Gramps waves his spatula toward me. “And she’s due for another Sanders dinner!”
I roll my eyes as I grab my gear from the hook. “I’ll let her know you say so.”
I zip up my jacket and stride toward my navy-blue truck parked in the driveway. The early morning chill bites at my neck. The leaves have all fallen from the trees, and soon, it’ll probably be a snowy wonderland.
As I drive down Main Street, I spot the bookstore. The lights are already on inside, and through the glass, I can see my redheaded best friend behind the counter. She’s in her element, probably humming some indie song that I don’t know. A small smile creeps onto my face.
I get out of my truck with the pancakes under my arm and walk into the corner store next door.
“Good morning, Mr. Bradford.” I tip my head toward the owner.
“Ah, Grayson, my first customer of the day. The usual?”
“Yes, sir.” I pull out my wallet.
“Not today, son. It’s on the house. Thank you for your service to our town.”
“Well, I couldn’t make it through the holidays without your peppermint hot cocoa. So, thank you.” I stuff some cash into the tip jar on the counter.
Cradling the warm cups in my hands, I thank Mr. Bradford and head over to the bookstore. The familiar scent of old paper and coffee greets me as I walk in.
“Welcome to Timeless Tales!” Tandy, who is now arranging books on the shelf, muffles through the pencil in her mouth. She looks over her shoulder and tucks the pencil behind her ear, a bright smile lighting her face. “Well, well, well, look what the cat dragged in,” she teases, a playful glint in her eye.
“I guess I’ll have these all to myself then.” I flash her a grin as I raise the two cups.
Her eyes widen, and she rushes over to me, leaving the books behind. She snatches one from my hand and takes a quick sip, inhaling the minty chocolate with a contented sigh.
“Delicious. Thank you.” She smiles sweetly. “I have to help Jane with a new shipment that came in last night. Plus, we’re prepping for our first Cookies and Holiday Tales event this week. So, it’s bound to be a long day.”
“Well, you’re in luck because I also brought you Gramps’s cinnamon pancakes.” I set the container down. “Fresh fruit, too. I figured you didn’t eat this morning, per usual Tandy fashion.”
Her hazel eyes sparkle with surprise. “You spoil me, Gray.” She chuckles. “You’re the bestest friend a girl could ask for.”
“I aim to please,” I reply as Tandy takes too big of a bite.
She sighs and mumbles what I think is, “This is so good.”
I chuckle. “As much as I’d love to watch you stuff your face, I have to get to work.”
She swallows quickly. “That’s right. Review week?”
“Review week.”
“Gray,” she sets both her hands on my shoulders and looks at me head-on, “you’re a great officer. You have nothing to worry about.”
She squeezes my shoulders, the warmth radiating down my arms, as she looks at me with unwavering belief. Her confidence in me strikes something in my stomach. It’s an odd sensation, one I brush off as just prereview nerves.
“Thanks, Bookworm.”
“Now, go show them what you’re made of and save the town from rogue squirrels or something.” She pushes me toward the door.
