Chapter 13
Delia
Where were they? I stood on my tiptoes peering over the crowd, but I still didn’t see Jack and Becky. They should have been here by now. It had been at least an hour since the little girl handed off the candy. Jack should have found his gift, and then off to the hot chocolate stand. That’s where my little romantic treasure hunt started, all leading to the mistletoe arch we built next to the Spells and Brews booth.
The arch had been getting business all morning, bringing in the couples and hopefuls alike. It was beautiful with garlands and ribbon winding down the sides, and a single ball of mistletoe hanging from the center. Simon had been assigned to take couples’ photos, and he’d grumbled about it, but it gave him a chance to use his new camera. All that was missing was our blasted twosome.
A sick feeling churned my stomach. Had they wandered off to be alone? Maybe the arch wasn’t even necessary, and it was just a fun torture device for me to stand next to all day. The last thing I wanted was to witness Jack and Becky kiss. It was going to devastate me. But it was part of the job, and I refused to fail. The promotion didn’t even matter anymore, I just wanted Jack to be happy. I wanted him to have a magical Christmas. If I got fired, so be it.
“Are you okay, dear? You look a little green.” Grandma Jean set down her jingle bell bracelet and pressed the back of her hand against my forehead.
“I’m fine!” My high-pitched assurance said otherwise. “I’m just excited that today is finally here.”
Grandma Jean frowned. “I know you’re confident dear, but I don’t think this plan is going to work. Mind you, this isn’t a slight on your skills. I’ve been impressed with your dedication, but you must realize what’s going on here. All the changes in Jack over the last few weeks have not been because of Becky. They’re because of you.”
Her words made tears pool under my eyes, and I wiped furiously at my lashes. “I don’t know what else to do, Grandma Jean. This is why I’m here. I can’t even remember an instance where the agency got the information in the file wrong. What if I follow my heart and make things so much worse? Simon said there are always consequences.”
“Oh, forget what some foolish case file says! Life is never that black and white. Rules were made to be broken. Follow whatever phrase you like and just cancel this whole thing. I’ll even rescind my letter to the agency. Case closed.”
Could it be that simple? If I just ignored my job and went after what I wanted, would everything work out in the end? The crowd parted slightly, and I finally caught sight of Becky and Jack. My heart squeezed like a fist. Jack had his arm wrapped around Becky, holding her close, and they were laughing together, their heads bent like two conspirators.
Grandma Jean spotted them too, and her sharp inhale confirmed my fears. Somehow, I’d actually done it. Which should have been cause for a career pat on the back, but instead, it broke my heart.
“I sense black magic,” Grandma Jean spat. “This festival is cursed. Where’s my sage stick?”
I choked back a sob mixed with a laugh and forced a smile on my face. “It’s not a curse. I’m just wicked good at my job. Maybe too good,” I mumbled. “They should promote me to CEO.”
“You’re notthatgood.” Grandma Jean stalked toward the booth, snatching up her jingle bells with a curse.
Clearly, I was. Jack leaned down to whisper something in Becky’s ear, and she lifted her hand to touch his cheek.
She. Touched. His. Cheek.
The move made me want to snap a candy cane and file it into a shiv. But that wasn’t very professional. I should just use a regular stick. Nothing holiday-related. They’d never tie the crime back to me.
The pair moved closer to the mistletoe arch which was empty and calling to the new couple like a siren on a rock.Why did I make it so beautiful?I was standing right next to the arch. Garland was literally in my face. Could they not see me or were they so blinded by attraction that I might as well have been a fire hydrant? Simon waved them under the arch with fake enthusiasm and lifted his camera.
My head exploded.
I’m not watching this.I whirled and dove for a secluded spot. Anywhere I didn’t have to see the effects of mistletoe or hear the crowd cheer from another kiss.
A hand grabbed me around the wrist before I’d made it a few feet.
“Going somewhere, Delia?”
I froze, my feet stumbling to a halt.These boots really do have great traction.I closed my eyes and prepared myself for an uncomfortable confrontation. The pep talk in my head went something like this:
All you wanted for Christmas was Jack’s happiness. Put down the metaphorically razor-edged candy cane.
My teeth ached from the sweetest in my voice. “Jack, you came to the festival. I’m so pleased. Did you find my gift?”
“I did. I’ll treasure it always.”
“Ha. In a box collecting dust with the rest of the ornaments?” I asked dryly, twisting my arm out of his hold and brushing past him, searching for the quickest way out.
“Oh no. I’m planning on having someone over for Christmas. I’ll need to decorate. Wouldn’t want them to think I’m a monster.”
“Well, good for you. I’m sure you and Becky will have a memorable time. Don’t worry about me, I’ll check out early and leave you a stellar review.”
