Page 43 of Wintertime Love (Holiday 2)

I put on my jacket and shake my head, kissing them both on the cheek. “It is. Now, I’m off. I might be late tonight. I have to get started on the Christmas decorations today.”

I leave, exasperated with the two women but also smiling. Despite the frigid breeze, it feels like it’s going to be a good day today. The smile doesn’t leave my lips throughout as I serve customers, my bright mood making tongues wag till I glare them into submission.

“Is it true?” Lucia demands as she takes a seat at the counter sometime after twelve. “Did you and the hot foreigner finally make progress?”

“Progress?” I echo, pretending to sound confused, as I put a slice of lasagna in front of her. “What do you mean?”

Lucia scowls at me. “You know. Did you tw

o do the dance?”

I continue to look mystified. “I haven’t gone dancing with Finn as far as I remember.”

“You’re a terrible friend,” she complains.

“And you’re too nosy for you own good,” I inform her.

I come back to her after serving a few other customers.

She is playing with her food as she asks, “Do you still need my help after work to help you set up?”

“Yeah. I found the boxes but it’s a two person job and Stacy has to study for her exams after Christmas.”

Lucia smiles, slyly. “I bet Finn would help you if you asked him, nicely.”

“Yes, well…” I clear my throat, trying to hide how flustered I get at his mention. “I asked you, you lazy bum.”

“Why didn’t you ask Finn?” She prods.

“Why didn’t she ask me what?”

A familiar, heavily accented voice reaches my ears and I jump.

Finn slides into the seat next to Lucia.

“Nothing,” I immediately say.

Finn turns to Lucia, putting on his most charming smile. “Maybe you can tell me. My little Darlin’ is just so shy.”

Lucia nearly spits out the coffee she’s drinking on hearing me being described as shy.

Finn has to thump her on the back a few times to get her to start breathing normally.

“There’s nothing shy about Clara,” Lucia manages, laughing loudly. “There’s nothing meek or ladylike about her either.”

“Hey!” I say, hotly, not knowing why I’m offended. “I can be like ladylike when I want to be.”

Lucia snorts. “Sure.”

Finn reaches pout and snags one of my loose curls, grinning. “I like you just as you are. Unladylike and all.”

I don’t try to snatch my hair away from him but I don’t look entirely convinced either. “Nice try.”

Lucia turns to him. “She needs help in setting up the Christmas decorations in the diner. Why don’t you help her out?”

Finn tugs at my curl. “Why didn’t you ask me?”

I glare at Lucia as i answer, “Because she already promised she would.”

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