22
LILY
Me
How’s planning going for Christmas dinner? Anything I can help with?
Mom
It’s going great! I made the grocery list, and your dad is getting everything tomorrow. Everyone is able to make it this year except for your sister. We’ll FaceTime her in for a moment!
Me
Any chance there’s room for one more person to join us?
It tookmy mom less than ten seconds to call me after I sent my last text. “Hey, Mom,” I answered with a laugh.
“You didn’t think I would let you off the hook without a call when you ask a question like that, did you?”
“No, I figured I’d have some explaining to do.”
My mom’s gentle laugh filled the line. “Is it the same person you were out having dinner with yesterday? And who’s helping you with your list?”
I hummed in confirmation. “That’s the one.”
“See, what did I tell you about giving him a chance? Of course, we have room for him to join. You’ll pass along the information to him?”
“Yeah, I will. I hope he’s looking forward to it.” I thought back to what Gabe had shared about his past Christmases and how this wasn’t his favorite time of the year. A part of me hoped this would be a holiday he’d want to remember. “Do you think Dad will be okay with it?” I thought back to what my dad had shared at the last family dinner about working with Ron.
“Of course, your dad will be okay with it. He might not be in touch with Ron anymore, but he’s been looking forward to connecting with Gabe while he’s in town.”
I smiled at my mom’s words, forever grateful that I would always have her in my corner. “I appreciate that, Mom. Thanks.”
“Any time, my dear. I’m excited to get to know Gabe more, and I’m glad you two are getting along. He’sveryeasy on the eyes, too.”
“Mom!” I laughed.
“What? Am I wrong?”
“Okay, that’s the sign we need to wrap up this conversation. I’ll see you later this week for the festival and dinner.” I paused, smiling again. “Goodnight, Mom. I love you.”
“Love you, too, sweetie. Can’t wait to see you soon.”
Once I hung up the call, a part of me felt relieved. This was good—Gabe was going to join us for Christmas dinner.
But then there was the part that made me realize I was possibly in over my head. I’d been so anxious at the start of our dinner, and while I’d been able to relax and have fun the rest of the night, this was going to be more time together. Plus, there was an item on the list that I couldn’t stop staring at. Literally. I had my winter wish list on the counter, and I was staring atromantic kiss under the mistletoe that takes my breath away.Why did I put this on my list?! I hadn’t kissed anyone in well over a year, and the kisses I had weren’t anything to write home about. Was it because I was a bad kisser?
And now I was looking for a kiss that would take my breath away! What was I thinking?! Gabe was likely agreatkisser. What if he kissed me, and it was the worst kiss of his life?
I knew I shouldn’t care, but I did. I hated being bad at something—and in this case, I had no idea if I was good or bad.
Oh, no. This was not good. With each passing second, I started to spiral further and further into my worries.
This called for emergency baking.
I walked over to the kitchen and opened the cabinet, my eyes scanning the ingredients to figure out what I could make. I was craving something extra sweet…and luckily, I had everything to make white chocolate peppermint brownies. I’d been wanting to offer this on the Purrfect Blend menu but had been meaning to test the recipe. Now was as good of a time as ever.
As I gathered the ingredients and started making the batter, my mind was still racing. Naturally, I texted the one person who would understand the situation I was in.
