Page 8 of A Mistletoe Mix Up
Grayson chuckles, his eyes briefly meeting mine before he focuses back on the road. “I’m no Grinch. I love Christmas.”
“Ah, but there’s a difference between loving Christmas and living it,” I reply, placing my hands in front of the vents, feeling the warmth of the heater.
He raises an eyebrow.
“Embrace the whole season, Gray!”
“Excessive decorations, gingerbread houses, and penguin sweaters?” He mocks a shudder. “Not my thing.”
“Well, there’s your problem, Gray. You need more penguin sweaters in your life,” I respond, matter-of-factly.
“Tandy, you’re something else.” He shakes his head.
Moments like these seem to catch me off guard. The life I’ve built in Oakridge Hollow is still foreign when I stop and think about it, which I’ve been doing more lately. I’m used to being on the road, meeting new people, and never staying in one place for longer than a few weeks, maybe a month or two.
I’ve thought about leaving before. Just packing up and jumping in the Wanderer again, but I haven’t been able to do it. I haven’t figured out why, though. I know I’d find a new job and make new friends.
But you’ll never find another Grayson.
My subconscious is right. I wouldn’t. I’m surprised I found him in the first place.
We reach the base of the hiking trail, and Grayson parks.
“Couldn’t we just stay in here? The nice, warm truck?”
He smirks at me and gets out of the car.
I’ll take that as a no.
He opens my door. “Come on. The view will be worth it.” Gray beckons me with an outstretched hand.
“Do we have to do this now? Can’t we wait until, I dunno, spring?” I ask, but there’s a playful lilt in my voice.
“Where’s your sense of adventure, Wanderer?” Grayson’s eyes twinkle with mischief.
“Back under my covers where it’s warm.” I sigh and take his hand.
He pulls me out of the truck, and I’m immediately hit by the chill of the cool evening air.
“Fine. But if I turn into a Tandy-sicle, you’re the one who’s going to have to explain it to Jane.”
He opens the back door to grab something then closes it. He wraps a large winter coat around my shoulders. “I wouldn’t dream of letting anything happen to you.”
“You owe me a hot chocolate after this.”
Grayson laughs heartily, his breath faintly appearing in the cold. “Deal.”
“And thank you.” I slip my arms through the jacket and wrap them tightly around my torso. An unexpected scent fills my nose, pine with a hint of something else. It’s very earthly and matches Grayson perfectly.
I’m normally up for anything, and the view from this hike is beautiful. It’s one we’ve done countless times, but one thing I can’t stand is the cold. Why willingly go out and freeze when you can sit by the fire with a cup of hot cocoa? Yeah, I don’t know either.
But I agreed because of Grayson. He’s different. He’s one of the few people who could convince me to do something I didn’t want to do in the first place.
I assume it’s what you do for friends, right? I’ve never had a close friend like this, but I suppose it’s what you do. You try the hobbies they enjoy, and even if at first you don’t like it, it’s enjoyable because it’s with that friend. In a way, I would do the same for Jane. Or my mom. At least I think I would.
Our boots crunch through remnants of fallen leaves as we make our way up the trail. The setting sun paints the sky inhues of orange and purple. Grayson leads the way up the path. He glances over his shoulder every once in a while, ensuring I’m keeping up, and gives me a warm smile each time our eyes meet.
I make a funny face, sticking my tongue out or crossing my eyes. He chuckles each time, but doesn’t slow his pace. I should really start regularly exercising. Maybe I’ll take up Gray on his (many) offers to go running.
