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I squeeze her fingers gently and force myself to let go. “Are you always in charge of the Christmas décor?”
“Not just decor.” She beams. “I mean, yes, I oversee all the town decorations and coordinate with the businesses and homeowners to sort of advance a cohesive theme for the season, but I like to think my main job is to ensure that everyonefeelsthe spirit of Christmas. Décor is one way to do that, and acts of service are another. That’s why we raise money for various good causes like snacks for hospital staff and patients, food and litter for the animal shelter, and lots of other things. We don’t just want to look like we love Christmas. We want to show everyone that holiday magic exists in their own lives.”
I raise a brow. “None of that was in the brochure when I moved here.”
“Do you think it should be?” She smiles.
“I think if the brochure had you in it, this place would be bursting at the seams with new residents.”
Her cheeks turn a bright pink that has nothing to do with the chilly winter wind. “That’s very kind of you to say.”
“Not kind at all. Just the truth.”
“Liza, are you going to introduce us?” A woman–one I recognize as the mayor’s assistant—hooks her arm through Liza’s.
“As if you don’t already know. Eve, this is Crane. Crane, meet Eve, my pushy, nosy, bossy best friend.”
“Guilty as charged.” She shakes hands with me.
I notice Liza staring hard at where we touch, then seeming to loosen up a little when we let go quickly. Interesting.
“Don’t get too friendly with Liza, buddy. I need her to be mysterious and unobtainable. That way she’ll fetch more money at the bachelorette auction.”
“Oh my God,Eve.” Liza gives her a deadly glare.
“What?” Eve shrugs. “You know what I’m saying, right, Crane?”
“I understand. But don’t worry, I already find her plenty mysterious and unobtainable.” That’s not a lie. What drives her to invest so much in this Christmas thing? I’m curious about her. And the unobtainable part–well, I’m not here to seduce her. I’m here to get dirt on her. All the same, seducing her has already jumped all my other priorities and landed at the top of the list. It doesn’t make sense, and I don’t pretend to understand it, but just being near her makes my blood heat in a way I’ve never felt before. I want to keep talking with her, to have her share her passions with me. But that’s not my job. It’s not why I’m here. I need to keep my eye on the ball.Easy money.
“Good.” Eve nods. “The feminine mystique is still intact.” She pulls on Liza’s arm. “Let’s go. I’m freezing, and I’m certain Krampus is wondering why you aren’t home yet.”
“My cat,” Liza says when I look at her questioningly. “He’s a sassy little guy.” She lets Eve pull her away. “It was nice to meet you, Crane.”
“Nice to meet you, Liza.” I watch her walk away, her hips swaying under her coat as she and Eve hurry to her car.
I watch until they’re gone, their taillights disappearing onto Main Street.
The good news is–I’ve managed to fool these people so well that they think I’m one of them. The bad news is–I want to know more about Liza, and it hasnothingto do with professional curiosity.
6
LIZA
“Why are your lips so shiny?” I put another bottle of glue onto one of the tables I’ve set up for decorations. I’m not surprised Anna is the first to arrive. Nor am I surprised she noticed the slight change in my appearance. She’s very observant.
“Lip gloss.” I push my glasses up my nose.
“You look different.” Anna tilts her head to the side to further examine me. Kids can be brutally honest.
“Is that bad?” I hope not. I might have put in a bit more effort when I got ready for work this morning. I also may have popped into the bathroom a few minutes ago to freshen up. You know, just in case a certain handsome somebody decides to show up for craft time.
“No.” She shrugs. “Just different.” She wiggles out of her jacket, letting it fall to the floor.
“On the rack.” I point before she can try to hop into one of the chairs. She lets out a small huff but grabs it and runs over to hang it up. I almost tell her not to run, but it’s too late. She is almost back already.
“I have to get a good spot.” She circles a few of the tables, inspecting the bottles. “I’m just gonna—”she picks up a bottle of blue glitter and swaps it for the gold glitter that's at another table“—switch these.” She eyes a few more tables before she plants herself into one of the chairs. “Perfect,” I hear her say under her breath.
I wonder if I had a little girl one day if she’d be as excited for Christmas as I am. She could favor Halloween instead. I wouldn’t be mad about it. I already decorate a bit for Halloween, but it’s nothing compared to my Christmas decorations.
