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He looked up from his steak. “Yeah? What is it? I like your ideas.”
“I understand your reluctance to open your own gallery. That is a huge step, so why not start small?”
“I’m listening.”
“Melanie was able to work her magic downtown with the city leaders to turn the Caroling Kickoff into a town event—a Christmas festival in the park. It will be much bigger than it usually is, and with the town helping with advertising, it will hopefully draw a lot more visitors to downtown and away from the Riverwalk.”
“And my mom’s tree trimming event.”
Her mouth twisted. “Yeah, I’m sorry about that.”
He smiled. “Don’t be. My mom felt really bad once she heard about the Caroling Kickoff, but she’d already paid for and distributed all the flyers.”
“We understand. Really.” She smiled and was surprised that her words rang true. She really did understand. They were all doing the best they could to keep their businesses running.
Their steaks arrived, and they smelled heavenly. “You have all done a great job turning this situation around. You girls really know how to throw a party,” he said as he cut into it and took a bite.
She smiled wide. “We aren’t called the queens of Christmas for nothing.”
He laughed, his head shaking back and forth. “Not long ago that statement alone would have sent me running for the hills.”
“What about now?” She studied his face.
“Now, because of you, I’m actually finding Christmas in Pineville charming.”
“Good, because I think you should set up a booth to sell your work at the Christmas festival. This will be a huge opportunity to get your art in front of more people.”
His eyes widened.
“Of course, I know how much you hate loud and bright Christmas displays, so I’m sure it will be pure torture to sit in a booth at a Christmas festival all night. Listening to Christmas carolers, drinking hot chocolate, and eating sugary Christmas cookies.”
“For real? I’m not sure I’ll be able to stand it. My brain may slip a gear, and you’ll have to take me to the hospital,” he said, grinning.
Her enthusiasm grew. “But if you do decide you can handle it, I, for one, would be happy to decorate your booth with the biggest, brightest Christmas lights I can find.”
He laughed. “You wouldn’t.”
She grinned, shaking her head. “Oh, I absolutely would.”
He leaned back in his chair, his hand going up to try and cover the huge smile on his face, making him look even more adorable. “Well, that cinches it. I will definitely be there.”
“Really?” Hope filled her chest.
“Yeah.”
“Wonderful. You can put your booth right next to mine. Maybe if you can sell enough of your work right here in Pineville…”
“Maybe I can stay?” He finished the words for her.
“Who knows what doors will open for you.”
“I like that. What are you selling in your booth?” he asked.
“My peppermint lattes, of course.”
He smiled, looking so handsome. “Of course.”
“Wait until you see my decorations. It’s going to be an explosion of peppermint,” she said, widening her fingers like exploding fireworks.
