She hesitated.Then she figured it wasn’t that big of a deal.“I was thinking for the second book, you should make sure to have your hero evolve.”
“Evolve?”He looked surprised by her suggestion.For a moment, he didn’t say anything, and she was waiting for him to tell her no.Then he asked, “How?”
“Well, I was thinking…” She paused, knowing his immediate response would be to reject the idea.Still, she had to put the idea out there.“I was thinking he could start a romance.”
Justin rolled his eyes.“I actually thought you were going to suggest that for the first book.”
Since he didn’t immediately reject the idea, she ran with it.“It didn’t need it.But with the second book, you want to challenge the hero in a different way.I’m not saying by the end of the book that he has to be madly in love, but if he had a love interest, maybe a love-hate sort of thing, it would keep the reader wondering will they or won’t they.”
He didn’t say anything at first.Perhaps he liked the concept.She hoped so.“I think it would open up so many more avenues for the series.”
And then he started peppering her with questions.While the dough cooled, they continued to talk about his book.They threw around ideas for the plotline.At one point, Justin grabbed pen and paper to jot down some of the things they came up with.
She couldn’t recall seeing him so animated.She thought of her prior job.In the beginning she was full of enthusiasm, much like him, but by the end, it was more like drudgery.But by then she was so invested in getting the promotion that she couldn’t see how miserable the competitive climate and workload was making her.She didn’t know what the next chapter of her life would be, but she wanted it to be different—less cut throat.
The kitchen timer went off.They returned to the kitchen.He kneaded the dough.Then she used a standard rolling pin that his mother had included with the other things.When she had the right thickness, she ran the embossed rolling pin over the dough.
Carefully, they used the snowflake cookie cutters to cut out the soon-to-be ornaments.She couldn’t stop smiling.She wasn’t sure if it was all of the happy memories that came rushing back to her or if it was Justin’s company.He had been talkative and goofy, just like he used to be around her.This was seriously turning out to be one of the best days of her life.Not because of anything special they were doing, but because she, at last, had her oldest friend back in her life.She had missed him more than she’d realized.
She placed the last dough snowflake on the cookie sheet.“Is the oven warm?”
“About that, I was thinking we could let them air dry.”
“Oh.”The smile slipped from her face.
“Perhaps we can slip them in the oven when we get back.”
“Back?We’re going somewhere?”
He smiled and nodded.“I have another surprise for you.”
The next thing she knew, he had her bundling up in some outdoor clothes that he’d borrowed from some friends.After dropping Sunny off with his mother, they headed to Hutter’s farm.
They used to go there when they were kids to sled ride.They had the biggest hill just perfect for sled riding.She couldn’t believe he’d planned this day.It was exactly what she needed.
Using two big innertubes, they set off down the hill.She laughed and smiled until her cheeks grew sore, and then she laughed and smiled some more.And when she started to get cold, Justin produced a thermos of hot chocolate.They raced down the hillside a few more times before it was time to call it a day.She had to get ready for the Kringles’ Christmas party.
She was exhausted by the time they got back to the apartment building, but in a totally good way.No matter how tired she was, she was still going to the party.She didn’t want to miss any part of this Christmas.
When they reached the second floor, she paused.“Are you sure you won’t go to the party?”
He gave a firm shake of his head.“Not a chance.Everyone will want to set me up with their granddaughter or niece.I’ll just stay home and work on the notes you made for the first book.Don’t forget to send them.”
“I won’t.”She was disappointed he wasn’t going to the party, but she understood.“Thank you so much for today.I honestly can’t remember the last time I had so much fun.”
“But I will give you a ride to the party.”
She shook her head.“You don’t have to do that.”
“I have to go back out anyway to pick up Sunny from my parents.”
“Oh.Well, in that case, I accept.How about you meet me at my place in say, an hour?Will that work?”
He nodded.“I’ll be there.And the notes…”
“I won’t forget.I promise.”She turned to walk away but then paused and turned back.“Today was really special.I haven’t had that much fun in years.Thank you.”
And then she walked away.But her thoughts were solely on Justin.He was such a great guy.She really wished she hadn’t accepted the invitation to the party.She’d have much rather spent the evening curled up on the couch with Justin to watch a Christmas movie.
