“It means any dad looking to spend five hours out of the house and away from his family would do this display. There’s nothing fancy about it.”
“I beg to differ. There were many calculations that went into this display. Paula and Peach will appreciate it.”
“Oh yeah?” I ask, challenging her. “You plan on giving them a report on your calculations? Showing them everything that went into it?”
“You know, that might not be a bad idea,” Taran says. “I think I’m going to put that together.” And then she heads up the stairs.
“Or you can spend your time putting up more lights!” I call after her.
The door to her room shuts, and I huff out my displeasure before leaning back on the couch.
“Ugh, Aunt Cindy, this is not good.” I drag my hands over my face. “We’re going to lose this competition.”
“I don’t think so,” Aunt Cindy says. “We might not win, but we don’t have to lose.”
“What do you mean?” I ask as I glance her way.
She wiggles her finger at me, so I move in closer.
“As you mentioned the other day, Cole seems to be playing…dirty, correct?”
“Uh, yeah. Lederhosen aside, he’s making it seem like he wants to date me but I’m the one holding out, breaking his heart or something. Of course, Martha and Mae ate it up, and I’m sure the news is all over town.”
“Right…right…” She pauses and then adds, “Although I do think you two have more in common than you believe—”
“Aunt Cindy,” I say, insulted, causing her to chuckle.
“I saidalthough. You didn’t let me finish. Although…you have some things in common, I don’t think you’re a match. You’re not the type of girl who’d live in a Christmas town year-round. I don’t think the spirit lives in you like I wish it did.”
That makes my brow crinkle. “What do you mean by that? I think I have a lot of Christmas spirit.”
Her eyes go sad as she takes my hand in hers. “My sweet Storeebook, if you had the spirit inside of you, nothing would have kept you from visiting me on Christmas.”
Wow.
At least ten tons of guilt are immediately placed on my shoulders.
“And I don’t say that to make you feel guilty,” she adds.Uh, too late.“It’s just the truth. But enough about you and Cole.”
“There’s…there’s no ‘you and Cole’ to talk about,” I say, wanting to reiterate that.
“I know, dear. But what I was going to say is if he’s playing dirty, then you might as well play dirty too.”
“Okay…should I find a blowup and put it in his front yard?”
Aunt Cindy smiles. “Though clever, I don’t think we have thetime for that. But if you’re up for it, I think you can do a little more damage.”
“Yeah?”
She nods. “We’re going to need you to dress all in black.”
You are stealth.
You are quick.
You are practically invisible.
I repeat my affirmations as I make my way down the back porch of the house and into the backyard.
