PROLOGUE - KEATON
Seven years ago, two days before Christmas
“Stop being such a goddamn grouch, Keaton.”
“I’m not being a goddamn grouch, I’m being a goddamn Grinch.” I shade my eyes against the bright light Rhys has turned on overhead.
“Grouch, Grinch,whatever. Or maybe you’re more of a Scrooge? C’mon, it’ll be fun.” He sweeps a pile of my freshly washed clothes from the bed and sits down. I close my eyes for a second. All the work I’ve done today has given me a headache. I rub the bridge of my nose. Maybe Rhys is right. He starts singingJingle Bell Rockin a weird, high-pitched voice.
I shake my head, hoping he’ll stop singing. “I can’t believe you know all the words.”
He grins. “Mom loves that one. She reminds you that you’re invited to eat with us this year on Christmas Day. You can even stay over on Christmas Eve if you like. I’ll warn you that Grandpa snores and he’ll be in the next room. Dad recorded it once and it was like ninety decibels or something. Same as a lawnmower.”
“I’ll be fine. I just pretend it isn’t Christmas. I’ll work, order takeout and if I’m desperate maybe watchDie Hard. That’s as close to Christmas as I get.”
He raises his eyebrows. “Die Hardis not a Christmas movie. WatchThe Muppet Christmas CarolorScrooged. Now those are Christmas movies.”
I open my mouth to disagree but he starts singing again, louder this time. I throw my empty water bottle at him and he ducks.
“Okay, I’ll come. Just stop singing!’ I stand up and stretch, then grab my coat from the back of the chair. One benefit to living in this tiny studio apartment is that everything’s in close reach.
Rhys hums under his breath as we walk through the streets of Snowflake Falls towards the town hall. Snow is piling up in big drifts alongside the swept pavements, and twinkle lights are festooned everywhere. My hometown is famous for how picturesque it is during the holidays. Even if all the glitter and nodding Santas everywhere get on my nerves, I can still appreciate the crisp, cold air and the snow-capped mountains in the distance.
Light spills out from the town hall, along with what has to be the school band murdering a version ofStep Into Christmas. A huge banner flaps in the wind outside, spelling out the words ‘Christmas Eve Eve Party’ in big red and green letters.
Inside, we’re accosted by Magnus Huckle. He’s an older, white-bearded guy who’s always involved with projects to spruce up the town. He is in awesome shape despite being in his late sixties and even won a big horse racing event organized by one of the local billionaires last year.
“Five dollars, boys. Each.” He shakes a snowman-shaped tin.
“Oh, shoot. Do you have any cash, Keat? I just have my card.” Rhys rummages through his pockets.
Magnus holds up a card reader. “No worries. Here you go.”
I smile and tap my phone on it. “Good thinking. I hate carrying cash around. A cash-free Snowflake can’t come soon enough.”
Magnus laughs and points inside. “Tell that to Carl. He paid entirely in quarters. How’s your app going?”
“I’m still in the dev stages. But hopefully, I’ll be ready for beta testing next year.” I put my phone back in my pocket.
“I’d love to see it once you’re done. Let me know if you need any testers. In you go!” He holds open the door to the main hall and we’re hit by a wall of warmth and noise.
Rhys disappears in the direction of the mulled wine stand as I walk around the dancefloor. Tables are set up around the outside so local stores can display their holiday wares. The scent of cinnamon draws me closer to the Candy Cabin’s table. Mom used to take me there every year to sample their famous cookies and the smell reminds me of eating them in the snow with her. I blink and turn away, trying to blank out the happy memory.
“Keaton!” A cheerful voice rings out above the blaring music.
I turn back. For a second, I don’t recognize the gorgeous girl behind the counter. Her golden hair has tinsel woven through it in two long braids and she’s wearing a fitted red velvet mini dress that shows off her incredible tits and shapely thighs. I gawk at her for a second, taking in her red lips and sparkling eyes. On her head is a sparkly pair of plastic reindeer antlers.
I clear my throat. “Melody?”
She smiles. “You didn’t know who I was there for a second, did you? Want a cookie? It’s on the house. You get a free reindeer ornament, too.”
“Sure.” I step forward, almost knocking over a pile of cupcakes in my haste to get closer to her.
Taking the cookie she hands me, and slipping the ornament in my pocket, I try and fail to stop staring at her. “You look different. Nice, I mean. Nice, different.” I’m making a real mess of this.
“Thank you. My cousin Bette gave me a makeover. Her Mom is on a whole promo drive with the Candy Cabin and I’m here to be the happy reindeer who gets people to spend their holiday money on the sweet stuff.” She giggles and flips her braids back over her shoulder.
“Are you done with school?” In the back of my mind, I’m wondering if she’ll go on a date with me. I’d even do something holiday-related if it’s with her.
