Sheesh–working this out was complicated.
She shouldn’t have given in so easily to Ethan’s easy-going manner and invitation because now, she’d have to find a way to excuse herself and sit elsewhere.
That wasn’t awkward.
It didn’t matter, though. What mattered was that Valerie distanced herself from him once again. She wasn’t in Moose Hollow for complicated. “Excuse me.” She hurried off without any more of an explanation. Ethan didn’t chase after her, which was for the best. What could he possibly say that wouldn’t be a lie or make the situation all the more uncomfortable?
Coming tonight was a mistake–one she wouldn’t make again. Christmas movies were her new best friends. They’d spend every night together. She’d order in, and they’d share dessert.
She looked from right to left as she exited the gym to see if people were talking about her. No one seemed interested in the stranger, and she felt invisible again.
Funny. She’d spent years trying to disappear and now that no one saw her, she missed being seen.
She pushed open one of the heavy sets of doors, there were two, and drew up short at Santa Clause coming in the other side.
“Ho Ho Ho.” He waved at her.
She smiled faintly. “Merry Christmas.”
“Is it?” he hurried to ask before she pushed through the second set of doors. “Because you have a Christmas wish waiting to be granted.”
“I do?” she blurted. “How can you tell?”
He chuckled. “My fingertips are tingling.”
She balked. “You should have that looked at.” Leaning closer, she was engulfed in the scent of frankincense and pine. “How old are you? You might be having a stroke.”
He laughed, grabbing his stuffed belly as if the pillow might fall out. “Not as old as the beard makes me look.”
She met his gaze and was astonished at the many colors of blue and gray that swirled together.
“About that wish?” he prompted.
Perhaps it was the decorations she’s hung, or the snow that covered the ground, or the thought of Collin dragging her under a Christmas tree, or the strains ofJoy to the Worldthat trickled out of the gym that had her wishing from her heart. But, more likely than all of that put together, it was Ethan’s dark brown eyes that warmed when he looked at her that had her speaking her deepest desire. “I wish I didn’t have to be alone for Christmas ever again.”
A chill raced down her spine; one so strong it could have come from the North Pole itself! She shivered and wrapped her arms around her middle.
“Interesting.” Santa stroked his beard.
Embarrassed that she’d said what was so deep in her soul, Valerie shoved out the door. She needed to get out of here. “Merry Christmas!” she called over her shoulder.
“It will be!” he promised.
She walked fast even as she thought back to the strange encounter. What an odd Santa. He seemed so genuine as if he knew her wish would come true.
Oh well, time to go back to Tanya and Tucker. She brightened as she thought of the doggie treats she’d made to take to Charlotte’s store in the morning. They needed to be packaged, and she’d found just the right clear baggies online. They should arrive by 8 a.m.
If there was one lesson she’d learned, it was that keeping busy kept her from noticing she was alone. Maybe she’d sell out so fast that she’d spend her holidays in the kitchen trying to keep up. That wouldn’t be so bad.
Maybe that’s what Santa meant when he said it would be a Merry Christmas–yeah.
That was probably it. Because he couldn’t have meant that she’d find her way under the mistletoe with Ethan. That was as impossible and improbable as her ever getting on stage again.
CHAPTERFOUR
Ethan sent Collin home with his parents after the pageant. Pearl claimed she had a headache–which he knew was her excuse for getting out of going for hot chocolate with his family. She’d gone back to the Airbnb she’d rented. He hadn’t been over there–didn’t plan to set foot in the place. However, he had done some work on their upgraded bathroom a few months ago and knew that that house was worth twice what his was worth.
Whatever. She was only renting and would be gone after the holidays.
