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A smile spreads across her face, and she places a knobby hand on my cheek. “It’s not a bad life at all, dear. I just want to make sure it’s the life youchoose, not the life you’re stuck with.”
I bite my lip to hide my smirk. “So, you’re saying… you feel stuck with me?”
Rose blows out an exasperated sigh and takes a step back. “I can never have a serious conversation with this girl!”
“Oh, I’m sorry, Rose. I’m just teasing.” I giggle, placing a hand on her shoulder. “But Iamhappy.” I let her see the sincerity in my eyes. “Moving down here, working in this house, and spending time with you have been some of the happiest times of my life.” Her eyes get misty, and I interject because I can’t have her crying on my shoulder for the rest of the morning. “Well, would you look at the time? I’ll have to head out to the store now if I want to have those cookies done when my guest arrives.”
“Yeah, yeah. Alright.” She walks toward the door, still favoring her right hip. “You don’t have to tell me twice, Teddie. I’ll see you tomorrow. And I’m expecting some of those cookies.” With a final wave, she heads across the yard and back home.
I exhale, relieved, and my shoulders slump.
I love Rose. I do. But I don’t love constantly having to defend my life choices. I know she means well, but it gets a little tiring after a while.
She’s not the only one, though. Several friends and family members thought I was crazy when I announced I was moving to Candy Cane Key. They didn’t understand that I needed a change. Stuck in a rut, I wanted a new adventure. And fortunately, this adventure brought me closer to my late grandmother. I feel her here when I’m baking or sprucing up the flowers or decorating the tree. Sometimes, a gust of warm air brushes my shoulders, and I swear it’s as if her arms are embracing me.
I blink back tears, swiping at my eyes to clear up my vision. This is no time for crying. A guest is arriving soon, and I still have loads to do. “Right,” I affirm aloud as I twist my long, red hair into a high ponytail. “Time to get to work.”
3
Nate
This place sucks.
My first impression of Florida could be better. I’ve only been outside for a few minutes, and I’m already sweating my balls off. My shirt sticks to my chest like a second skin, and my palms are damp. The sun is too bright and hurts my eyes, and the air smells like salt and fish.
I’m gonna kill Peter as soon as I get home.
When my Uber finally pulls up to the curb, I send a small thanks to whatever merciful god is listening to my prayers. Well... he couldn’t have been listening too hard because the car that arrives is a large black SUV with fucking reindeer antlers attached to the sides and a rednoseon the front grill.
The window rolls down, and an older gentleman with a full white beard smiles joyfully at me. “Pick up for Nate?”
Any hope I had that this disgustingly festive vehicle was not for me vanishes completely, and I sigh. “That’s me.”
The driver opens the trunk and helps me plop my suitcases into the back. I internally groan when I see he’s wearing a red shirt covered in candy canes. I guess the locals really lean into the whole Christmas theme, but I hope the rest of the town isn’t like this. If I’m surrounded by tinsel and ornaments 24/7 for the next month, I think I’ll have an aneurysm.
“The address you supplied is still good?” he questions once we get into the car. I confirm with a sharp nod. “Wonderful! Looks like you’ll be in the middle of the island. It’s pretty nice out there, and the drive shouldn’t be too bad. We’ll be there in a jiffy!” I can tell the driver wants to talk more, but he closes his mouth once my phone goes off.
I huff and roll my eyes but still reach for the device in my pocket.The Imperial MarchfromStar Warstells me a certain jackass is calling. Pressing the phone to my ear, I bark, “What?”
“Well, good afternoon to you too, dear brother!” Peter’s jovial voice crackles through the speaker. I grunt in response, making him chuckle. “Oh, come on. It can’t be that bad. You’ve only been there for half an hour!”
“That’s half an hour too long,” I insist, and he laughs again. “You’re an asshole, you know that? I know you’re doing this on purpose.”
“What am I doing on purpose?”
“Don’t bother trying to play innocent, Peter. You sent me to my own personal hell… in an Uber disguised as a damn reindeer.” When the driver sends me an offended look, guilt flashes through me. “No offense, man.”
“Did you seriously say thatin frontof the guy?” Peter stifles another laugh. “You probably shouldn’t piss off the entire town on your first day. I mean, you’re gonna be there for a month. You should space out how many enemies you make.” I barely contain my growl. “Wait. Is your driver dressed like a reindeer? That’s fucking hilarious!”
“The car, Peter. The car has antlers.” I pinch the bridge of my nose, feeling my patience for my brother wearing dangerously thin. “It’s got a red nose and everything. I’m half-shocked it’s not covered in fucking flocking.” The driver scowls, clearly not happy I’m mocking his decorations. I hunch down in my seat and lower my voice. “I suppose some of your advice isn’t total garbage. Ishouldpace myself with how many people I piss off. That shouldn’t be too hard. In fact, it’ll be a breeze if I stay in my room the entire time, assuming you actually booked me a room and not some couch with a view.”
“Of course, it’s a room!” Peter scoffs as ifI’mthe one being ridiculous. “Why wouldn’t it be?” I can hear the gears in his head turning. “Is that a thing? ‘Cause if it is, I’m gonna add that to the list for your next trip.”
“There isn’t going tobea next trip,” I snap. “There’s barely athistrip. You know I have my routines and need to stick to them.”
He clicks his tongue. “Right, those oh-so-important routines that currentlyaren’thelping you write? You mean those?”
His sarcasm raises my hackles more than I care to admit. “You’re the one who blindsided me, you dick. You’re lucky I’m desperate enough to roll with it. As it is, I can’t imagine what a month-long trip set you back.”
