“So what do we do now?” Becky asked as we worked our way to the front of the line.
“I think we should go down the rabbit hole, and teach our meddlesome traveler a lesson.”
“Oh, I like the way you think. Plus, it will be nice to have a little fun before I leave town tomorrow. Kind of like a last hurrah.”
“Leave town? Where are you headed?”
Becky’s eyes gleamed with excitement. “I was recently presented with an amazing opportunity. You know, Simon, Delia’s photographer?”
“Yeah, I’m familiar,” I said with a hint of loathing.
“Well, he not only freelances for the magazine, but he’s an experienced food photographer with a job on one of the most-watched live amateur bake-off competitions. He took one look at my creations and thought I’d be a perfect contestant. It’s already cast, but they fit me in. Filming starts in the city next week and they announce the winner on New Year’s Day. I’m going to get to spend Christmas in the city!”
“That’s incredible, Becky. Congratulations.”
“Thanks. I think this could be my big break. It’s what I’ve always wanted.” She nudged me in the rib cage. “And Simon’s kind of cute, don’t you think? I like a man in a suit. Who knows what will happen once we start filming.”
I laughed. “I thought you were supposed to be attracted to me?”
Becky lifted her shoulders and crunched on her candy cane. “I’ve always had a bit of a crush on you, ever since school. But we’re not a good match. Besides, I’m pretty sure you have your eye on someone else, and I wholly approve. Be happy, Jack. You deserve it.”
Strangely enough, maybe I did. I leaned against the drink counter and pulled out my wallet. “Two hot chocolates, please.”
The vendor handed us our drinks, glanced at our candy canes, and informed us to check under the cups when we were finished. I rolled my eyes. Would Delia’s schemes never cease? But maybe that’s what I loved about her. She was eternally hopeful.
As we stepped out of line, I tipped my cardboard cup into Becky’s. “To winning your first bake-off.”
Becky winked. “And to making Delia jealous.”
I slung my arm over Becky’s shoulder and wheeled her back into the crowd.Cheers to that…
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.”
