Page 17 of Snowflakes and Ice Skates

I wanted to make a sarcastic comment about him just realizing men and women were equal, but I got what he was trying to say. We were finally on the same playing field. I wasn’t a little girl anymore.

“Thank you. I’ll try to let go of the years of resentment.”

He sighed. “I’d appreciate that.”

We continued walking and I wondered if this was our new normal. Light teasing, but real conversations. I wouldn’t mind.

“Does that mean you won’t butt in the next time a guy hits on me?” I watched him as his jaw clenched.

“Not necessarily.”

I let it go as I rang the doorbell for the next house. Things went fairly smooth at each house. If no one answered, we left their plate by the door and moved on. When we got to the end of the street, Mrs. Davis opened her door and smiled.

I handed her the plate. “Merry Christmas, Mrs. Davis.”

“Well, thank you. I look forward to these every year.” She lifted it and sniffed. “Mmm I smell your mom’s gingerbread.”

I nodded. “Yup. There’s a good assortment this year.”

“Thank you, guys. I sure am happy to finally see you two together.”

What? I kept smiling but didn’t say anything. She winked at me.

“I’ve seen you two tip toe around each other for years. I’m so happy to see you’ve finally come to your senses.”

“Thanks. We’ll see you later.” Vince was tugging my arm, trying to get me to leave. I wanted to ask her what she meant.

We crossed the street and Vince walked beside me in silence. I couldn’t take it anymore. “What do you think she meant?”

He shrugged. “Who knows?”

“You don’t think she really thinks there’s something between us now? Right?”

His eyes flickered to mine. “Probably not.”

I shook my head. “One walk together and everyone’s assuming we’re. . .” What were they assuming? Mrs. Baker thought we were getting along, but Mrs. Davis made it seem like she thought we were together, like a couple.

“Don’t worry about it, Harlow. They’re just nosy neighbors.”

I nodded and didn’t bring it up again as we finished. They couldn’t think we were together. No way.

Seven

“Stop tugging on the dress, Harlow.”

I rolled my eyes behind Mom. How she knew what I was doing was a mystery. The whole ‘I have eyes on the back of my head’ thing was real with her.

“It’s too short.” I pulled at the hem in vain. It was made of an elastic material that bounced right back to mid-thigh every time I tried to lower it.

“It’s not too short. You’re wearing tights. Calm down and smile.”

Only my mother would tell her daughter the short dress was fine. It was a sparkly silver bandage dress she had picked out. I had wanted to wear pants.

I was overruled.

Guests were streaming in and it was my job to smile and welcome them. At least I wasn’t on coat duty tonight. Mom hired someone for that.

“Why isn’t Steven here?” I forced a smile and greeted some friends of my parents.