Page 24 of The Twelve Dates of Christmas

He simply nods with a gentle smile on his face. Just as I turn to start my walk back to Paperwhite, he says behind me, “Evie.”

When I look back, he’s still in the same spot. “Hm?”

“For tomorrow, how about another date with good food?”

“You have my attention.”

“But this time, more sitting?”

“Mr Frost, I might swoon.” I lay my hand across my chest like I’m clutching pearls. “It’s a date.”

* * *

I’m exhausted and craving sleep, but I promised I’d call Maddie.

As soon as she appears on the screen, she says, “Claudia says you’re welcome.”

“Uh … what am I thanking Claudia for?”

“She’s why I’m not there. If I was there, you wouldn’t be starting a whirlwind holiday romance with the hottest man I’ve seen since Will Poulter and his perfect blond quiff made a surprise appearance as a pastry chef on The Bear.”

“Using the word ‘quiff’ in normal conversation is inexcusable.”

“Hm.” Maddie grimaces. “Too queef-adjacent?”

“Yes.”

“Fine. Strike it from the record.”

“And Jake looks nothing like Will Poulter.”

“His hair does. A bit.”

“Also, there is no whirlwind holiday romance, Mads. This isn’t reality. Men like this don’t actually exist.”

Some of Maddie’s own cynicism comes through in her sour chuckle. “That’s a men problem, not a reality problem.”

“Why let myself be disappointed if I can avoid it though?”

“Well, that’s the beautiful thing about leaving at the end of the month, yeah? Let this man crack your hips, put you through his mattress, and make you a nice English breakfast after. Then, come home before he has a chance to disappoint you.”

I make a face at Maddie through the screen, but in this moment, I can’t think of a reason to not indulge in the fling she’s been on about since I arrived. I genuinely like spending time with Jake, but surely knowing there’s a built-in end date can keep my heart from throwing anchors and tying strings.

Maddie squints at me through my phone when I don’t respond right away. “I’m taking that as a yes,” she says. “Keep me updated, OK? I’ve gotta run.”

Before I have a chance to set my phone down, a text arrives from Jake.

Jake:Is it tomorrow yet?

Evie:No, but I know how to make it arrive faster.

Jake:Teach me your ways.

Evie:Just go to sleep. It’s free time travel.

Jake:I’ll never think of sleep the same again.

Evie:Like and subscribe for more life hacks.