Page 115 of 10 Things I Hate About Mistletoe

“Long-term boyfriends. Recently developed relationships are fair game.”

“I’m not worried. I can always pull more.” After all, what did she need rent money for if she didn’t have a place to live?

Her conversation with Anthony haunted her, not because she thought that she’d made the wrong decision, but because she’d wanted so badly to say yes. He’d done exactly what she’d expected him to do, except him offering her money had been quite jarring. When he’d asked her stay with him, she had to bite her tongue to stop herself from saying yes. It wouldn’t be fair to accept such a big gesture from him so early. What if they moved in together and it destroyed them?

“If it isn’t the potential outbidding for your man, why are you a mopey ma?”

There was no use trying to downplay her circumstances, but Delilah didn’t want Holly to fly into a dramatic fit. “Besides losing my place? Nothing, I’m grand.”

Before Holly could respond, another swarm of women crowded the door.

“Hi,” Delilah said, greeting a lady in her sixties. The silver-haired woman opened the pamphlet and disturbingly murmured, “Hubba-hubba.”

Delilah did a double take. And some of these women complain about what men say.

“I told you our door and spare bedroom are open to you.”

“I’m sorry, but doesn’t Declan live there, too? Shouldn’t you ask your boyfriend how he feels about your best friend coming to stay for an extended length of time? He already thinks I cock—er—cognitive block him.” Her second grade teacher, Mrs. Wilton, gave her a look so terrifying, Delilah remembered why she still avoided the old bat.

“Of course, I’ll clear it with Declan, but you are my bestie and you are without a safe, comfortable roof over your head. I am sure he will agree that we need to help you.”

“I am not a lost puppy. I have an adorable dog, but I am not helpless.”

“Oh, I forgot about Leia! Bonus puppy! Leo loves her.”

“Debatable, but I’m not going to come stay with you and have Declan hate me more than he already does. That would be one more flip on my roller coaster of shh—taki mushroom,” Delilah said, smiling at the reverend’s wife as she passed.

“Declan doesn’t hate you.”

“Maybe not, but he wants time alone with you, which he will not get if I’m there.”

“Where are you going to live then?” Holly asked.

“I don’t know, I haven’t figured it out yet.”

“The offer stands.”

“There is no offer until I hear it from the man you share a bed with.” There was a gasp from Margaret Ulner, the cashier at the corner gas station and Delilah huffed. “Prude.”

Holly giggled. “Maybe you should switch and take your butt behind the curtain. You’re in no mood to cater to the masses.”

“No, I absolutely am not.” Delilah waved Nick over, who gave her a befuddled look. “What?”

“Here. Hand these out.”

She held the programs out to him and he recoiled. “I’m a waiter tonight.”

“I need to be the server for a minute,” Delilah said waspishly, but when he didn’t move, she gave him her best tearful gaze. “Please, Nick? Just a short break.”

Nick sighed, taking the programs from her. “Fine. But if they start asking me how much I’m worth, I am out.”

Delilah winked at Holly, silently thanking her bestie for sharing the weaknesses of all the men in her life. She passed by the dining room and entered the backstage area through the curtain. She weaved her way between gray, black, navy, and white suit jackets, looking for Anthony’s broad shoulders. She spotted Pike first and snorted at his powder blue jacket and matching top hat.

“What’s up, my fair laddie?” she joked, imitating a dreadful Irish accent.

“I’m not wearing a kilt, so your joke makes no sense.”

Delilah ignored him as she got a real up close inspection of Anthony looking dapper as hell in a gray suit and white shirt. The bright blue tie he wore popped against the shirt. His hair was brushed back, drawing attention to those lush lips, high cheekbones, and those green, arresting eyes.