His grin widens just enough to show the boy I used to know. “From the way he’s been redecorating the place, I’d say so.”
The bell above the door jingles as he leaves, cold air sweeping in, but my chest is warm and fuzzy. I stare down at the key glinting in my palm, the tiny thing that suddenly feels heavier than the world.
Outside, snow flurries dance past the window, catching in the streetlights like glitter. The clock on the wall ticks past four, and it’s time for my break.
I clutch the key in my hand as I absentmindedly walk into the back room and untie my apron, lifting my phone from the pocket.
My fingers touch the screen and swipe to Flint’s message, my heart blooming with hope.
Merry Christmas, Chiefy
I can’t stop smiling at the screen.
“You still all right for work tomorrow, Sera?” Logan says, and just like that, I’m brought back to reality with a thud. “Bev has the flu.”
The hope blooming in my chest feels like it’s been ripped out. I promised to help tomorrow. I can’t let everyone down now.
“Sure,” I say and give him my best fake smile.
Chapter Twenty
FLINT
Ember enters the house, singing, “Merry Christmas.” Her hands are full of gift bags, and she’s balancing a tray covered in tinfoil on her forearms.
I stride down the hall and relieve her of the tray, the smell of roast vegetables and chestnuts filling the air. “You should have let me cook everything.”
“I’d already bought it.” She leans towards me and kisses my cheek. “Merry Christmas, how you doing?”
“I’m doing all right.” I place the tray on the countertop.
Drake enters the kitchen carrying a foil-covered turkey, his sweater flashing so violently it could probably cause a power surge. “Where do you want this?”
“Put it in the centre of the table.” I shield my eyes, and point at his top. “New sweater?”
He grins. “Your sister thought it would be fun to all wear Christmas jumpers.”
I chuckle reading the words. “Christmas is coming.” With Santa sitting on the iron throne.
“Oh, your time will come.” He pats me on the back. “Ember has jumpers for everyone.”
“Don’t tell them, Drake. It’s a surprise.” Ember bats a tea towel at him as she busies herself in the kitchen. “Where’s my nephew?”
“Here, Aunt Em.” Mason takes off his new headphones and Em pulls him in for a hug. He towers over her, almost as tall as me now.
“I’m so glad you’re here.” She kisses his cheek and pulls a gift from her bag. “Merry Christmas.”
“Thanks, Aunt Em, Merry Christmas.” He tears into it like he tore into the gifts I gave him this morning. It’s just like any other chaotic Christmas with my sister, only this year with Drake and Sienna it seems more lively. And I love it. But there’s one person missing.
“You expect me to wear this?” Mason holds up a Christmas sweater with the words Ho Ho Ho Hodor in theGame of Thronesfont.
“Yes, or you’re not getting the other gift,” Ember says with a smile.
“What’s the other gift?”
“Put the sweater on and you’ll see.” She pulls another gift from the bag. “This one’s for you, Flint.”
I open it and hold up the Christmas sweater withI drink and I know thingswritten on the front. “I can live with this. What’s yours say?” I ask Em.
