The sisters exchange a look, one of those wordless twin conversations that always ends in someone else’s discomfort.
“Yeah, Sno-Globes gave my single mom a job when other places wouldn’t.”
No one comments on that.
Dinner is ready, a long table heavy with prime rib, lobster and sides that look too perfect to eat.And a small country ham made just for me.Blake’s mom thinks since I don’t come from money, that’s what I must like.Or maybe it’s because I told her I was allergic to shellfish.
Staring at my hands, I realize I’m being too harsh.It’s super sweet Blake’s mother cares about me, makes something special for me.I’m just being a grump.
It’s like Humbug rubbed off on me.Hell, the biker rubbed all over me and inside of me.I fight a blush rushing up to my cheeks just thinking of it.
The men talk about markets and mergers.The women talk about wedding venues and how hard it is to find reliable nannies these days.I keep my hands folded in my lap, nodding in all the right places.
One of the fiancés, a guy named Grant who sells real estate, leans back in his chair.“So, Carol, you really work in that little Christmas town?Must be a cute gig.”
“Cute’s one word for it,” I say, smiling politely.
“Oh, come on,” Blair says, swirling her wine.“People actually go there year round?I heard they have, like, a reindeer parade and fake snow cannons.”
“It’s real snow,” I say.“And folks love it.Makes them happy.”
“Adorable,” Brittany adds, voice dripping honey.“But don’t you ever want… more?”
I feel Blake’s hand find mine under the table, squeezing just enough to sayplease don’t start.
“More than being happy?”I ask.“More than Christmas every single day?”
Blair’s fiancé chuckles.“She’s got you there.”
Brittany isn’t finished.“I’m just saying.Evervale’s a destination.All the jobs are menial.Don’t you want to retire someday?”
“I could die tomorrow,” I say.“Why not celebrate the best day of the year every day?”
They stare like I’m a broken record.
But Grant leans in, shooting a look to Blake as if he’s doing him a favor.“If you ever decide to move to Pine City, I just sold a bakery to an elderly couple, investors.They're hoping to find someone to run it.I could put in a good word since you have experience.”
“Not in bakeries.”
“They’re looking for a people person which you definitely are to handle all those tourists.”
“Thank you,” I say, smiling at Grant, and I raise my chin a bit higher.
The conversation quickly shifts back to wedding planning, to champagne colors, extravagant menus and honeymoons in Europe.Blake smiles like he belongs in this room.I don’t.I never did.
Halfway through dessert, I excuse myself.The bathroom mirror catches me under bright light, my lipstick faded, eyes shadowed.I look like a woman who doesn’t know which life she’s living anymore.
Blake knocks softly.“You okay?”
“Fine,” I say automatically.
He leans in the doorway, sleeves rolled, tie loosened.“They like you, you know.”
I huff out a laugh.“Sure, they do.”
He regards me for a long moment.“You seem different.”
“Do I?”
