His smile is wide with victory, and I want to take it back. But Nick and the other Santas come to mind. This isn’t about Carter and me, it’s about my business.
“Just tell me what you need me to do.” He releases his grip on the carton first. One small win at least.
“I have a chest freezer in the laundry room where everything from the freezer can go.”
“Why don’t you show me where it is, and I’ll take care of that so you can get started making dinner for your guests?”
How does he expect me to stay irritated with him when he’s making it so difficult? I show him where the freezer is, and he works on moving everything over while I try to figure out dinnernow that stew is no longer an option. The stew meat in the fridge might be okay, but I’m not taking my chances on anyone getting sick and the health department coming knocking.
I decide to go with chili instead. I had planned that for tomorrow night, so thankfully, the frozen beef is now thawing and only partially frozen. After I put the meat in a pot to start cooking, I grab the green peppers and onions to chop.
Usually, I don’t offer dinner for my guests, but during my first year hosting the Santas for Santa Fest, a bunch of them complained about how long it took to get into the restaurants in our small downtown. There’s such an influx of people this time of year that our restaurants aren’t equipped to handle the increased demand. So, I made it an option to add dinner, which makes me more money, and they don’t have to worry about where to eat every night. It’s a win-win.
Carter doesn’t return to the kitchen. Pretty soon we have to talk about that night six months ago, and he probably doesn’t want to do it while I’m holding a chef’s knife. Can’t say I blame him.
By the time the chili is almost ready, he still hasn’t reappeared, but since I figure I should at least offer him dinner for helping me, I go to find him. I wasn’t lying when I said I didn’t have an extra room for him tonight, but I can’t exactly kick him out either, so I’m not sure what I’m going to do. He won’t be staying in my room, though, that’s for sure.
Before I reach the great room to ask if anyone’s seen him, I slip my phone from my back pocket and check again to see if Steph has texted me.
Nothing.
I fire off another quick text, asking if everything is okay and telling her to call me right away.
As I’m about to turn the corner, a roar of laughter rings out over George Michael singing “Last Christmas.” I peek aroundthe corner to find Carter standing in front of the fireplace, telling the Santas a story about an ice sculpting competition he participated in with his family last Christmas.
I clear my throat, and the laughter dies, everyone turning in my direction. “Dinner’s ready. Carter, you’re welcome to join us.”
The Santas head around me toward the dining room, Carter following.
“Appreciate it. Have you heard from Doug or Steph yet?” The concern in his voice makes me feel more anxious.
“Nothing yet. You?”
He shakes his head. “No.”
“I’m sure we’ll hear something soon.” I give him a reassuring smile, trying to hide the fact that I’m worried too.
We’ve just sat down at the dining room table when my phone rings. Relief loosens the tension in my shoulders when I see my sister’s name on the screen.
Standing from the table, I step out of the room to take the call. “Steph… hey. Where are you? Are you okay?”
“I’m fine. I’m so sorry I didn’t call sooner.” I assume she’s at the airport from the sounds and voices in the background.
“That’s all right. Did your flight get delayed or something?”
“Is that your sister?” Carter says behind me. Very, very close to me. So close, I smell his crisp cologne.
“Is that Carter?” my sister asks, sounding surprised.
“Yeah.”
“Oh, good. That saves Doug a call. Doug?” she says into the phone without moving it away from her mouth. “Any chance you guys have time to FaceTime?”
Unease creeps into my stomach. Something is definitely wrong. “Sure… just give me a few minutes, then I’ll call you.”
“Great.” She hangs up without even a goodbye.
I meet Carter’s gaze. “They want to FaceTime with us.”
