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“She truly is,” Chris gushed proudly. “She thinks the world of you.”
“What? She literally just met me …” Annie stuttered uncomfortably.
“Annie, look at you,” Chris said, stopping mid-step to stare at her. Annie was sure she was blushing now. “You’re extraordinary.” Chris said it so earnestly, so easily, and Annie had the weirdest sensation that she was going to burst into tears. The force of a simple, genuine compliment like this, so foreign to her, especially from a person who had never before offered more than a fleeting spot in his bed.
“Thank you. That’s very sweet,” Annie told Chris, her voice guttural, trying to fight the emotion of the moment. She felt pathetic, allowing a basic acclamation to take her breath away. “And you seem like a wonderful dad,” Annie added after clearing her throat. Whoa, this was a lot. Chris had always made Annie feel like she was asking for more than he was willing to give; he had never once presented as the “fatherly type.” In fact, he had vehemently rejected that idea. And yet here he was, modeling it like it had been his life’s calling.
“That’s the best compliment there is,” Chris smiled before taking on an emotive, faraway look. Annie had only ever seen Chris this emotional after making her listen to forty-five minutes of a bootleg Phish concert on one of the first nights she had gone home with him.
“So, what are we in for tonight with this snowman contest?” Annie asked, trying to lighten the mood as they approached what looked to be a gazebo set in the middle of a squared-in, snowy park. Small groups of people cluttered the decorated perimeters, their winter gear blending in with the red banners and small white lights, preparing for what appeared to be a well-populated event.
“You’re in for ‘snow’ much fun!” Grant chirped, suddenly popping up from a crowd like he was about to deliver his showstopping musical solo. Annie let out an involuntary gasp of surprise. “How are your trivia skills?” Grant grinned.
“Ugh,” Annie uttered before clearing her throat and trying to speak. “I’d say I’m an expert in all things Bravo.”
“Bravo?” Chris asked curiously, trying the word out in his mouth like it was an unknown bite of food.
“I mean, pop culture?” Annie pivoted, unsure how her already limited trivia knowledge would translate in this weird world.
“Hmm, pop culture.” Chris murmured, his forehead wrinkling in deep thought.
“I’ll be the master of ceremonies tonight, and I have a list of Christmas-inspired trivia questions,” Grant interjected.
“And what’s more popular in our culture than Christmas? Annie, you’ll be an asset!” Chris cheered in relief.
“I thought this was a snowman decorating contest,” Annie said, narrowing her eyes at Grant in question. “Why are we overcomplicating that with trivia?”
“Well, once the competition officially begins, I’ll be ringing the trivia bell announcing a new question. If your team answers correctly, you’ll win another prop to use in your design,” Grant beamed.
“Oh, what fun,” Annie said flatly.
“—it is to ride in a one-horse open sleigh, hey!” Chris sang out loudly, drawing smiles from onlookers ready to sing along with him.
“Looks like someone is ready for the Christmas music round,” Grant winked at Annie as he turned to welcome another group of participants.
“So every single question is going to be Christmas-themed?” Annie asked, grimacing at Nick.
“Annie, you’re so funny. Of course, it’s Christmas-themed,” Bailey giggled, abruptly popping back into their small group. “Too bad we can’t all be on a team together,” Bailey sighed, gazing at Nick. “I’ll be competing with my family, of course, in honor of Great-Grandpa Wally and the bakery. But win or lose, drinks on me! Can I grab anyone a beverage?”
“Wait, did you say something about drinks?” Annie asked Bailey hopefully.
“It’s going to be hot chocolate again, Annie,” Nick said so quietly that only Annie could hear it.
“I can whip us up a fresh batch of cocoa,” Bailey chirped.
“Bailey,” Annie said urgently, “I have to ask. Is there, um, anything stronger you can add to my hot chocolate?”
“Stronger?” Bailey asked, her eyes growing again to that glassy doll stare.
“Yeah,” Annie nodded. “To boost it up a bit?”
“More than marshmallows?” Bailey asked.
“More than marshmallows,” Annie confirmed. Bailey’s face crinkled in deep concentration for a few moments.
“Well, I have heard of a recipe, but, no, that’s simply too crazy …” Bailey wondered aloud, nibbling on the corner of her pink heart lips.
“What’s too crazy?” Annie inquired back. “I would really, really love to know what you think is too crazy, Bailey.” Annie could feel the tension radiating from Nick and knew she was pushing some delicate boundaries with her inquisition.
