Page 75 of A Frosty Flirtation
Irene resembles a younger version of Nina, although her hair is a soft strawberry blonde.
“Hi, Ginger! I’ve heard a lot of great things about you. I look forward to visiting your coffee shop the next time I come to Havenport.”
Nina shifts the phone. “This is Willow.”
“Hey, Willow! I’ve also heard a lot about you.”
“Well, I love your sister, so I’m sure I’ll love you,” Willow says with a grin.
Nina turns the phone back so she can see Irene. “When are you visiting? Tell me you’re coming for Christmas.”
“I wish I could, but I promised Mom I’d stay in New York for it. But… I’m coming for New Year’s Eve.”
Nina squeals, bouncing in her seat. “That’s awesome! I can’t wait to see you.”
“Me too. I’ve missed you so much.”
“How long will you be able to stay?”
“As long as you can put up with me.”
Nina gasps. “Are you moving here?”
Irene laughs. “I could be. I don’t want to say yes until I see how I like spending more than a week there.”
“You could’ve been here since the end of the summer if you hadn’t gone home.”
“I know, but it was right after Richard and I broke up. I had to come back to the city and deal with all of that.”
“Well, the rest of this month can’t go by fast enough for me,” Nina says.
“Hey, not so fast. I’m not done with my Christmas shopping,” I say.
“Me either,” Willow adds. “I need to find something for my dad that isn’t another fishing vest.”
“I’ve gotta run out, but I’ll call you this weekend,” Irene says.
Nina blows her a kiss, then hangs up. She turns to us with a huge smile. “Okay, I’m officially counting down the days.”
“I can’t wait to meet her in person,” I say.
“She seems really sweet,” Willow says. “Maybe even more so than you.”
Nina tosses a balled up napkin at her. “How’s that for sweet?”
I laugh, sitting back in my chair as warmth spreads through me. For the first time in a long while, I feel content. Between my friends, the holidays, and my blooming relationship with Jordan, life is good. This Christmas may be one of the best yet.
“My sister’s call interrupted our conversation, and I want to get back to that,” Nina says, giving me a sly look.
“Excellent,” I droll.
“Have you seen Jordan since the party?” she asks.
I take a sip of wine, deliberately making her wait. “He’s been busy with work, but he’s stopped by the shop both days.”
“Uh-huh,” Willow says knowingly. “He stopped by the shop, or he stopped by to see you?”
“Maybe both,” I admit, smiling.
