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"Yeah, Jack's my best friend. I came here last Christmas because of some trouble they got into. Saw there was an opening at the police department and... well, here I am."
"Robin seems really nice."
"She is, and she and Jack are great together. His sister is married to Nick, the guy who runs the inn with his mom. Have you met all of them yet?"
Grace shook her head. "I've met Nick and little Noelle—who is adorable, by the way. And Joan, of course, but I haven't met Holly yet. I've heard she's famous around here, but she's either been working or with the baby every time I've been around."
"She was a movie star when she first came here. That’s how she met Nick."
Grace finished the bite of asparagus she'd just taken and gestured to the corner of the restaurant with her fork. "I had no idea when I first got here, but it's so interesting to see the cameras and gear set up in all these random places."
"I've heard you get used to it," Tommy looked over his shoulder at the area of the restaurant that was roped off to the public, with a table set for two with various pieces of lighting equipment and microphones. "The cast and crew used to only stay at the Snow Hill Inn, but in the last few years, they've started renting out some of the big AirBnBs so Mrs. P doesn't have to turn tourists away when they come."
Grace shook her head. "Lucky me. I would've been sad if the inn was booked and I couldn't come here."
"Me too," he said, and something in his eyes told Grace he meant it. "But anyway, some of the movie people love the inn, so don't be surprised if you bump into a star or two while you're staying there."
"I'll be sure to keep an eye out."
As the meal went on, their conversation flowed effortlessly, and Grace could feel their connection deepening with every shared laugh or lingering look. But there was also an unspoken understanding that, for now, this was a moment to be savored, not analyzed.
They talked about everything and nothing, from the quaint charm of Snow Hill to the latest book Grace had read on her flight to Philadelphia. Tommy was genuinely interested in her life, asking her about her travels and her blog.
But Grace, ever the skilled conversationalist, always steered the topics back to him, more intrigued by his stories than sharing her own.
"And then there's my Uncle Marco," Tommy continued over dessert, his hands animatedly gesturing as he spoke. "He's the king of debates. Politics, sports, the best Christmas movie—you name it, he has an opinion on it."
Grace took a bite of her peach cobbler, her gaze fixed on Tommy. "And what's your stance on the best Christmas movie?"
"Easy. 'A Christmas Story.' It's insanely quotable, and you better believe I've said 'you'll shoot your eye out' to rookie cops," he replied with a laugh.
She chuckled with him, shaking her head. "I'm more of a 'Home Alone' kind of girl, but I can respect your choice."
As their dinner drew to a close, Grace was grateful they still planned to stroll through the neighborhoods to look at Christmas lights. She wasn’t ready for their night to be over. There was something about Tommy—his humor, his stories, his easy charm. She couldn’t seem to get enough of it.
Not that it mattered, of course. She was leaving soon, so as much as she was enjoying her time with Tommy, Grace tucked those feelings away. It'd be a sweet memory to cherish as she continued her journey… but nothing more.
CHAPTER4
Tommy
As they strolledthrough the neighborhoods after dinner, Tommy pointed to a nearby house with an elaborate display of Christmas lights. "Check out that one. I’ve heard they go all out every year.”
“It's like Christmas threw up on it, but in the best possible way." Grace laughed, her eyes sparkling in the glow of the multicolored lights. "I love the dedication."
"Yeah, apparently they're pretty competitive about it."
"Competitive like the Griswold’s?"
“Ooh, so it’s not just ‘Home Alone,’ huh? You’re a ‘Christmas Vacation’ fan, too?”
Grace chuckled. "Yep. The antics of that family get me every time. But still, ‘Home Alone’ is my favorite."
"I always wanted to set up traps like Kevin when I was a kid. Thought it'd be a great way to keep my sisters out of my room."
"Oh, I can only imagine the mischief you got into," Grace said, her tone teasing.
"You have no idea." Tommy winked. "But hey, I turned out pretty okay, right?"
