I drained the last of my coffee; the warmth lingering on my tongue, and stood up.The duffel bag felt heavier than it should as I slung it over my shoulder.Time to find this Holly Ridge Inn.
As I moved towards the door, it swung open, and a girl—no more than seven—rushed inside.She wore a bright red coat, her blonde curls bouncing with each step.Her face lit up as she dashed behind the counter, wrapping her small arms around Emma’s waist.
“Mom!”the girl squealed, her voice full of joy.
Emma laughed, crouching down to return the hug.“Hey there, kiddo!How was school?”
A man stood just inside the door, his lips curved into a frown.He looked out of place amidst the bakery’s festive cheer, his eyes following the girl with an intensity that made me uneasy.
Emma seemed oblivious to his presence, focused entirely on the child in her arms.The girl babbled excitedly about her day, and Emma listened with genuine interest.
I wondered if this was some kind of drop-off or kid exchange.Maybe the man was her father or some other relative.Honestly, it wasn't my business.I had my own concerns.
“Excuse me,” I murmured, stepping around the man and out into the chilly evening air.
The cold bit at my face, but the coffee had done its job; warmth radiated through me as I walked towards the Holly Ridge Inn.Snow crunched under my boots with each step.
Lights twinkled from every window as I passed through the streets.Holly Ridge felt like a different world compared to where I'd been—a world that seemed to welcome strangers with open arms and warm smiles.
I reached the inn, its façade adorned with more wreaths and garlands.The sign above read "Holly Ridge Inn," illuminated softly against the gathering dusk.
Pushing open the door, I stepped inside, eager to find a place to rest and maybe even a bit of peace in this unexpectedly charming town.
The inn’s lobby greeted me with an overwhelming sense of warmth and festivity.Holly Ridge Inn wasn't just decorated for Christmas; it was consumed by it.The walls were lined with garlands interwoven with twinkling fairy lights, casting a soft, golden glow that bathed everything in warmth.It felt like stepping into a holiday card.
A towering Christmas tree stood in the corner, its branches heavy with ornaments of every kind—glass baubles, candy canes, little wooden soldiers, and a glittering star perched on top.The scent of pine mixed with the faint aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg from somewhere deeper within the inn.
I walked over to the front desk, which was draped in a red velvet cloth trimmed with gold.Little figurines of reindeer and Santa Claus dotted the surface.A woman with graying hair and a kind face stood behind the desk, her eyes lighting up as she saw me approach.
“Welcome to Holly Ridge Inn!I’m Betty Bennett,” she said, her voice warm and inviting.
“Christian Cross,” I replied, setting my duffel bag down at my feet.“I’m looking for a room.”
“Well, you’ve come to the right place,” she said with a smile that seemed to reach her eyes.“We’ve got just the thing to make you feel right at home.”
She handed me a brass key attached to a red ribbon.“Room 12, up the stairs and to your left.”
"Actually, I was looking for something more permanent," I said, my voice steady."A woman named Emma mentioned there was a room for rent."
Betty's warm expression faltered for a moment."I'll have to speak to my granddaughter," she replied, her brow furrowing slightly."She runs the inn, you know.Now, give me a moment."
She moved with surprising grace for her age, disappearing into the back room.Left alone in the lobby, I took the chance to look around.The decorations were over-the-top festive—garlands and fairy lights everywhere.The Christmas tree seemed to glow from within, casting soft shadows that danced across the walls.
It all felt...too much.Too bright.Too cheerful.
The hum of conversation from a nearby sitting area reached my ears—guests chatting animatedly about their holiday plans, their laughter mingling with the faint strains of Christmas carols playing softly in the background.
I shifted uncomfortably, the cheeriness grating against my nerves like sandpaper.It was hard to reconcile this warmth and joy.
A framed photograph on the wall caught my eye—Betty and what looked like her family gathered around a festive dinner table, all smiles and holiday cheer.The image felt like it belonged in a different world altogether.
Betty returned after a few minutes, her expression more serious now.
"My granddaughter will be down shortly," she said."Claire's just finishing up with some paperwork."
I nodded, trying to keep my unease from showing."Thanks."
Betty gave me a sympathetic look as if she sensed my discomfort but didn't press further.Instead, she busied herself with some papers on the desk, giving me space.
