"I'm really happy you two reconnected.It gives the rest of us hope," Aspen said lightly.
That made me turn my attention from the staircase to her."You have an ex that I should know more about?"
She snorted."I wouldn't tell you if I did."
"I'm starting to regret my promise not to be in your business.I don't want my little sister to get hurt."
Her mouth screwed up."I'm not so little anymore."
Footsteps sounded on the stairs, and Natasha came into view.She raised a brow when she saw me talking to Aspen."You ready to head out?"
"Yes."I took her overnight bag, slinging it over my shoulder.
Natasha waved."Night, Aspen.Call me if you need anything."
"You two enjoy your night," Aspen said with a wink.
I shook my head as we walked out.
In the cab of my truck, I asked, "Are you always on call?"
"When the counter person goes home, the calls get forwarded to my phone.But we don't get requests in the middle of the night unless we have a late check-in.It's usually quiet."
"But you never get a night off," I said, gripping the wheel.
"I guess not."
"Once the business is sufficiently profitable, you should hire more people.Give yourself a break."
She rested her head on the chair."That sounds amazing.I can't wait for that to happen."
"I think it will be sooner than you think."
"Reservations are up because of the season.Once we're officially in the offseason, things might die down.What we earn now has to last for the entire year."
I flashed her a smile."I have a feeling more people are going to want the magic of Christmas year-round."
She sighed."I hope you're right."
At home, I looked in the fridge, pulling out chicken, and then butter, mushrooms, and garlic for a pasta dish on the side.Natasha helped me prep and cook everything.Then we ate at the dining room table.It was becoming a ritual that I could get used to.
When we were finished, she asked, "Are we still going to the dance this weekend?"
"I wanted to experience everything there is to this holiday season."
"Apparently, it's a holiday party for the fire department.But we can still go."
"Will it be busier?"
"Yes, but that will make it more fun."
"I signed you up for the princess package.By the end of the day, you'll feel like a princess," I said, repeating what I'd read.
Her lips quirked."You didn't have to do that."
"I wanted you to have the full experience since you're helping me.I'm enjoying doing the holiday things with you."
"I am too."
