Page 11 of Mistletoe Mischief

When she’d first brainstormed Excursions, it was a way to run from the fact that she didn’t have anything to stay in LA for. After losing her parents and moving from Boise to LA, she’d poured her love into her cousin, but her aunt and uncle’s mansion was never a home. Although they’d been good to her and she’d never wanted for anything but their time, Ryler wanted somewhere to belong. Her parents’ life insurance had come to her in a trust on her eighteenth birthday, a substantial amount that paid for her college, her condo in El Dorado Hills, and had bankrolled the first few years on the road. With what her sponsors and advertising brought in now, she was able to leave her inheritance alone.

Still, Ryler kept searching for that sense of belonging and home she was missing.

Too wired to sleep, she logged on to the airline’s Wi-Fi and tapped on Instagram. She hadn’t responded to Pike’s last message, unsure how to reply. It took her a bit to realize that Pike probably thought she was a guy and that winky face was a come-on. If that was the case, at least Ryler could say Pike had handled it with semi-professionalism.

Ryler clicked on @PikenAround’s Instagram and read his bio again.

Pike Sutton.

Life is an adventure. Enjoy the ride.

Co-Owner of adventuresinmistletoe.com

Scrolling through his pictures, her thumb hovered over several, tempted to like the gorgeous landscapes, but Ryler didn’t engage with her listeners like that, mostly because they would get the wrong idea about Alia being interested in them. Although Alia was the face of @ExcursionsPC, Ryler was the only one who could access it. While she loved Alia, her writing consisted of shorthand text styles—not exactly the branding Ryler was going for. However, there were numerous comments daily about Alia’s face and body, which is another reason why she never engaged.

Ryler studied the beautiful pictures of mountains and trees, but it was the people that caught her attention.

The first post was obviously Pike’s friend group, dressed up in Halloween costumes and sitting around a table. Pike was a pirate, sitting between Indiana Jones and Frankenstein. Ryler zoomed in on the pic, noting the dark eyeliner and charms in his beard, immediately appreciating his commitment. Ryler loved going all out for Halloween, too.

There were more posts of the same friend group, although she paused on a black-and-white photo of the man who’d been dressed as Frankenstein, now decked out in a tux and dancing with a beautiful woman in a simple white dress. Pike stood behind them, cheering, and Ryler read the caption.

When Noel asked me to be her bro of honor, I knew that this wedding was going to be epic. How could it not be, watching two of my best friends walk down the aisle and pledge to love each other until they kick the bucket? It was a day we weren’t sure would ever happen, but I fully admit, seeing two people I love so damn happy made me weep like a fucking baby. Congrats, @NoelWins365 and @NickW2345! I am over the moon for you both!

Ryler laughed softly. Although not exactly eloquent, it was sweet and obviously heartfelt.

She scrolled again, lingering on a photo of an older woman with red hair cut short, wearing a pink birthday crown. A man with silver hair sat next to her, while Pike and a younger woman with strawberry blond hair stood behind them, all smiling. The caption was short and sweet.

Happy Birthday to the woman who ruined her body to give me life! Love you, Mom!

“What a trip,” Ryler said aloud, grinning.

Neil turned her way and removed one side of his headphones. “Did you say something?”

Ryler’s face warmed. She didn’t want Neil to find out she was Insta-stalking their guide. “No, I was just talking to myself.”

Neil gave her a funny look. “Is that a new thing? Should I be concerned?”

“Funny guy. Maybe you should quit being a producer and start a stand-up career.”

“Don’t think I haven’t thought about it. I would kill it on the circuit.”

“You mean bore your audiences to death?” Ryler said, smirking. “I agree.”

“Damn, Salty Sally, you came locked and loaded.”

“Don’t dish it out if you can’t take it.”

Neil turned toward her, a wicked grin on his face. “Oh, I can take it—”

“Will you two shut up,” Alia snapped, lifting her eye mask to scowl at them. “Some of us are trying to sleep!”

Neil leaned across Ryler and shot back, “Maybe don’t stay out all night getting wasted with a Ken doll, and you won’t be so cranky, Medusa.”

Alia cocked her head, mouth hanging open. “Ken doll? What are you—” Her eyes flared wide. “Seriously? The guy bought me one shot and I do not turn down free top shelf.”

“Whatever you say, princess.”

Ryler arched a brow. If she didn’t know better, she’d say Neil sounded jealous.