After breakfast, Red started his practice cookies, as if they would be anything other than delicious. With Fitz, Leo, and Laz helping with the baking, this was the perfect opportunity for Jack to pull Ace to one side.
“Hey, I have a favor to ask.”
Ace gasped, “Youneedmyhelp? Does it involve decorating King’s office with dozens of Christmas ornaments of Nick Cage wearing a Santa hat?”
“What? No. Definitely no.”
Ace stared at him. “What? Oh, yeah, no, did I say decorate King’s office with dozens of ornaments with Nick Cage wearing a Santa hat? Because that’s not happening. What I meant to say was, how can I help?”
Jack eyed Ace. “You are so weird.”
“Hm, this coming from a man wearing a Christmas sweater that says ‘Tech Support, I’m here to delete your cookies.’”
“Hey!” Jack dropped his gaze to his black knit sweater with pixelated Christmas trees and gingerbread cookies across the chest. “This sweater is awesome. Fitz got me this sweater.”
“And it is indeed awesome. What do you need, bro? I have a puppy about ready to pee on the carpet.” Ace scooped Cocoa up off the floor and nuzzled him. “Why are you so cute? Because you’re my puppy, that’s why. It’s in our genes.”
“You realize he’s a dog and, therefore, does not share your genes.”
Ace narrowed his eyes at Jack. “Don’t science me. Who are you? Leo? What do you need, Jacopo?”
“Don’t call me that.”
“It’s your name.”
“Fine.Anston.”
“Touché. Continue.” Ace rubbed Cocoa’s belly and waited.
“Right. Sorry. So you know about Merry and Noel, right?”
“Cute little blond who short-circuits every time his beardy crush tries to talk to him? Yes. I am aware.”
“Okay, good. Fitz has asked for my help, and I think I know something that might get them in the same room together and help Merry overcome his inability to talk to Noel.”
“I’m all ears.”
Perfect. Jack told Ace his plan. Eight words. That’s all it entailed. Ace looked at him like he was nuts but shrugged and agreed.
“When do you want me to do it?”
“How about after the cookie-baking competition? Merry should be back at the café then.”
“And you’re sure Merry will agree?”
“I’m pretty confident,” Jack said. “Thanks. Also, your puppy is peeing.”
“Shit!” Ace took off, grabbed his coat, and darted out the front door.
“Everything okay?” Fitz asked. “Where was Ace off to in such a hurry?”
“Puppy pee emergency.”
“Ah. Is Operation Merry Noel a go?”
“Yep. Ace is on it,” Jack said, wrapping his arm around Fitz and kissing his cheek.
“Should I be concerned?”
