“There’s some hot cocoa at the main barn or a train if you want to ride through the fields.”
“Can we, Mom? Please?” the little boy asks, pulling on her coat sleeve.
“Let’s go.”
They wave at me as they head off into the snow-covered rows of trees toward the main barn of Naughty Pine Tree Farm.
I whistle as I make quick work of pulling the Scotch pine tree onto the sled to get wrapped in netting.
It’s just the distraction I need to keep from worrying about Ollie and whatever problem he might have. Normally he would have texted me by now to tell me what it is. Seeing as how he’s my best friend—and I’m his—he’ll usually tell me before the other guys.
Does that means something could really be wrong? No. He wouldn’t have texted that. He would have called.
God love my best friend, but he is still someone that prefers a phone call over texting. It’s only because it’s him that I take his call. Checking my phone one more time, I see nothing.
At least I can head to the Tinsel Tavern once I’m done with this tree. Perks of being the owner. I can play hooky when I need to.
Not that I make a habit of doing it, but a few hours in the middle of busy season is about all I can manage.
For Ollie? I’d give him the whole day if needed.
By the time I finish up, I’m running a few minutes behind as I hop into my truck and head into town.
I blast one of my favorite Christmas songs—“All I Want For Christmas Is You”— because who doesn’t love it? I don’t go around advertising that. I have to keep up my grumpy lumberjack façade with my friends.
The Tinsel Tavern is packed. Circling the block a few times, it takes me a while to find a parking spot. As I’m getting out, my phone buzzes in my pocket.
Mom
Cindy has a single son
Any interest?
Hunter
Are we back on this again?
I know you said you weren’t dating, but he’s handsome
I told you
I’m fine on my own
Please
It’s okay to admit you want someone
I’m in no rush to settle down
Fine
Pass up this handsome man
I’ll die alone with no son-in-law
Bye, Mom
Shaking my head,I stuff my phone into my jeans pocket and head inside. Of course my mom is trying to set me up. It’s the last thing I want. I love my life exactly how it is.
