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“Well, well, well. I wonder what you’re doing here,” she sing-songs to me, an even bigger shit-eating grin spreading across her face.
“What? Can’t a loving brother come support his sister?”
“Pa-lease. If you really wanted to support me, you could volunteer to help at my class’s holiday concert, not come here. Don’t feed me that crap. We both know why you’re really here.”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about. And you know kindergarteners scare me. They always have sticky fingers. Why? How does that happen?”
“Okay, bud, I’ll play along,” she placates, rolling her eyes at me as she turns away.
Leaning against the tiny bar that is set up on one side, I look around. “This is cute. How’s the crowd been tonight?”
“Good,” she replies, handing me a steaming cup of hot chocolate. “Things are starting to slow down in this area since the shows will be starting soon in the park. Which I’m happy about, honestly. It’s cold as balls out here.”
I hum, acknowledging her words but entirely focused on my drink. Dear God, that’s good. Smooth and rich. The perfect drink. My hips dance back and forth in glee, and all feels right in the world.
At least for that first sip. “Christ, that’s good.”
“Were you expecting anything less?”
I fight an eyeroll at her tart words. Before I can reassure her, Gigi continues. “I know my brews are the best, but I swear,” she sighs as she lets her gaze take in our surroundings, “there’s something magical about this place that just enhances everything.”
I’m not one to believe in the supernatural or fanciful, but she’s not wrong. There is something about this place that makes everything…better. When you look at the twinkle lights strung up in the trees and across all the vendor stands, the night doesn’t seem so dark. Watching people slowly mingle, their faint laughter floating on the crisp air, makes you feel a little less alone. And if you’re lucky enough to have someone’s hand lovingly clasped in yours as you take in all the sights, well, the frigid air doesn’t stand a chance against that warmth.
“If you want a good spot to stalk her, you might want to head to the main field.”
“I repeat, I have no idea what you’re talking about.” I wink at her. “But I think I will continue my walkabout.”
“Good luck, brother. Maybe this is the year you’ll grow a pair.”
“Stop, or you’ll make me cry at all the affection you’re showing me.”
“Head towards the bandstand gazebo, idiot.” With that, Gigi turns around and disappears in the back of the booth.
Looking down at my cup, I hang around the booth for a minute more. Not wanting to give Gigi the satisfaction of watching me dash away if she’s spying on me. With one last swig of my hot chocolate, I dispose of the paper cup and start following the crowd to the main area of the park.
Watching my steps on the snow-covered path, I cross the small bridge that leads to the main section of the park. My eyes widen when I see that they’ve converted the round-about path that circles the park and bandstand gazebo into a skating rink. Off to the side there are even sleigh rides, circling the little island they’ve created.
I’m amazed yet slightly concerned. The sleigh ride seems a little too close to the rink for comfort, in my opinion. The rink isn’t heavily occupied, but I can only imagine the crowd this drew during the day with kids and families.
“Let it go,” I whisper to myself. City Hall probably worried and solved all the safety issues of creating a rink like this. I don’t need to overanalyze. I need to chill out and enjoy the shows that are about to start.
Once I reach the other side of the bridge, my steps pick up. Dodging bodies, I politely, yet with a purpose, make my way to the front side of the gazebo. The perfect view.
Because right in front of me, there she is.
Penny.
My breath shutters in my chest at my first look at her in months. She looks just as lovely as ever, cheeks flush and nose red from the cold. She’s decked out in what should be a ridiculous-looking Christmas sweater but on her looks stunning. Her long brown hair is braided on both sides under a dark green hat that I know, even from this distance, is making her already green eyes glow with light.
I didn’t realize how much I missed her until this moment.
Even during the months I’m back in Vancouver or traveling with the team, I keep tabs on her. Not in a creepy way. We text every now and then, her helping keep my ego in check. Noah and my family also take pleasure in giving me snippets from their day-to-day interactions with her. Just to really drive home what an idiot I am for not making a move and having to rely on them to learn what she’s up to.
To some it may sound like I’m a stalker who’s tracking her every move—and I get that viewpoint—but I think of it more as a concerned friend.
Her parents head to Florida for the winter months, and Penny can’t always join them for the holidays because of her job. Noah stays in town, but he has a family of his own now to worry about. I like knowing that she’s being included in my family as an honorary member.
One day, I hope to make it official, though.
