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“You need a cartoon musical building set?” She grabs the box from the table and shoves it into my chest. “Take it. Have fun playing with your toy.”
I grab the box before it falls when she lets go. I’m flustered, irritated, and borderline angry that she won’t hear me out. But I also don’t deserve her ire. We played the game fair and square. If miss bossy pants in seat four hadn’t been so rude, none of this would have been a big deal.
I slip past Ginger with the box in hand and exit the building, my heart heavy and my head pounding. I nearly run into a gentleman crossing the parking lot as I trudge to my car against the wind.
The entire night’s been a massive mistake. At least Christopher will get something out of it.
HEROES & ANTI-HEROES
CHAPTER 4
***
Ginger
I’d slam the door, but doing so won’t tame my temper or the blush of embarrassment still stinging my cheeks. This whole thing could have been avoided. If Killian kept his nose out of my business, I wouldn’t even be here tonight. I’d be in my jammies, tucked under a blanket watching sappy movies by myself. I’m better off alone.Aren’t I?
A familiar face emerges from the parking lot. A welcome face, in fact.
“Mr. Jack. Come in out of the cold.” I hold the door open wider and step into the night air. Connor’s tail lights flash red as he starts the engine. “What are you doing out so late on a night like tonight?”
“Miss Ginger.” Mr. Jack slips the cap from his balding head as he nods. He grips it tightly to his chest as he approaches the door. “I saw the lights on and everyone leavin’.” He glances over his shoulder as Connor backs out of the parking space. “I hope that fella ain’t givin’ you no fits.”
“Oh, no, Mr. Jack. I’m so sorry you had to hear that.” The cold whips around me, stifling the angry heat stirring inside me. I’m embarrassed anyone overheard our tiff, especially sweet Mr. Jack. I said things I shouldn’t have in the heat of the moment. “Would you like to come in while I finish cleaning up?”
An anchor of guilt weighs heavy in my gut. How could I let a silly war of words between two strangers rile me? But I know why. I got so caught up in the romantic version of holiday magic I thought there was some for me. All I know about Connor is he's quick to volunteer, mimes a terrific Santa Claus, and plays a mean game of Dirty Santa.
It doesn’t help that he’s also ho ho hot as Hades.
“I can help if you need a hand stackin’ chairs and cleanin’ up.” We step inside, and I close the door behind us. “Looks like a party. I thought you had another one of those play things goin’ on tonight.”
I wish. A play with my budding young stage performers would’ve been less drama than tonight.
“Nothing like that, I’m afraid. The holiday play isn’t scheduled for another couple of weeks.” I pick up scraps of wrapping paper and discarded tickets from the floor as Mr. Jack shuffles further inside.
“I’m good with a broom and mop.” He eyes me expectantly.
