“Sorry, Mom. With Finley’s busy schedule, we don’t get a lot of time together, so it hasn’t come up.”
She sighs. “I work parttime as an archivist for the museum. Though, I don’t know how much longer I’ll have my job with all the government budget cuts.” She pushes her door open before anyone can respond.
The air in the car dips. It’s clearly a touchy subject, and guilt knots in my stomach.
“Mom’s position has been paid for by grants,” Mallory says softly. “She loves her job, so it’s been hard for her to process.”
I can’t imagine her losing a job she loves right before Christmas. “I’m so sorry I brought it up,” I whisper, sinking lower in my seat.
“Alex would know,” Mallory snaps, “if he called her more than a few times a year. Texting doesn’t count, Alex.” With that, she gets out too.
The car is suddenly too quiet. Alex and I are still in the back. He reaches for his door handle, but I grab his arm. “Alex.”
He stops, eyes on me, waiting.
“I feel terrible. If I’d known about her job, I never would have mentioned it.”
His jaw tightens. “A fact I would have known if I’d called her. I know. No need to rub it in.”
I hadn’t meant to hurt him, but maybe if he had called her, he would’ve known and warned me.
He starts to pull away, but I hold tight. “I didn’t mean it like that. I promise. Despite what happened earlier between us, I intend to make this as believable as possible.” When he doesn’t say anything, I add softly. “I just wanted you to know I’m sorry.”
His expression softens. “It’s not your fault, and it wasn’t fair of me to take it out on you. You’re doing great, Finley. Trust me.” A faint grin curves his mouth. “Let’s not let it spoil caroling.” Then he opens the door and slides out. Great. Now he’s being nice again, which means I’ll spend the rest of the night overanalyzing every word.
I’ll make it easy for you, Finley: pretend.
Sighing, I climb out, I give Valerie an apologetic smile. “I’m so sorry if I upset you. I didn’t mean to stir anything up.”
Surprise flashes in her eyes. “Oh, my goodness, stop. I’m fine. You had no way of knowing. We’re not going to let this bring us down. We’ve got some caroling to do!”
The parking lot sits beside the historical society building at the edge of the square. I want to take it all in, but Valerie’s already gone inside, and I feel like I’ve caused enough trouble for one night. I’ll see it all soon enough.
The cold air nips at my cheeks as I cross the short distance to the door, the faint hum of voices drifting from inside. Warm light spills through the frosted windows, and I draw in a steadying breath before following her in.
Inside the historical society foyer, about ten people are gathered. One of the men perks up when he sees Alex. “Oh, you brought another male voice, Valerie! Tenor or bass?”
“Tenor,” she says with a teasing look.
An older woman with snow-white hair scowls. “And you brought a few more people. I didn’t bring enough hot chocolate for three more people.”
“You don’t have to worry about me,” Alex says. “I’ll skip the hot chocolate.”
“Not me,” Mallory says. “Is it homemade or the packets with the rock-hard marshmallows, Anita?”
“As though I’d use those abominations,” Anita says in disgust.
Mallory smirks. “Yep, I’m not giving up my hot chocolate. Sorry.”
“Anita, don’t worry,” Valerie says. “We Kings can wait until we get home.”
“Even better,” Mallory whispers in my ear. “Mom’s is the best.”
Now I’m excited about post-caroling cocoa.
Another woman circulates with pamphlets. “You all know the drill. We walk around the town square, sing in front of the hotels, then back here for hot chocolate. Any questions for the newcomers?” She grins at Alex and offers him a pamphlet. “Or the old-comers who haven’t joined us in nearly twenty years?”
“None,” Alex grumps, shoving his hands deeper in his pockets. “I don’t need a song book. I’ll share with my girlfriend.”
