Page 7 of 10 Things I Hate About Mistletoe

“Okay, so how about this?” Merry said, setting her pen down on top of her open binder. “Adventures in Mistletoe will be the official sponsor of the Mistletoe Winter Games and we’ll forget the Parade of Lights this year. However, if you want to participate in the Festival of Trees, you buy the tree and the supplies and one of the volunteers will set it up for the event. It’s for charity after all.”

Anthony couldn’t argue with that, especially if they didn’t have to waste a Saturday decorating. “Sounds fair.”

“Fabulous. Thanks, guys,” Merry said, picking up her pen again and clicking the end. “You are doing me a huge favor and the last thing I want is to put a strain on you.”

“We’ll be fine, Merry,” Pike said, slapping Anthony on his shoulder. “With this guy as the brains of the operation and my can-do attitude, we can handle anything.”

Merry laughed, while a pounding had started at Anthony’s temples. With their already scheduled appointments on the books, not to mention the day-to-day of running the store when it was just the two of them, how would they develop an event, a tree, and balance everything else without losing their minds?

“Let’s see. We talked about the trees—” She handed Anthony a business packet with information regarding the event and crossed it off her list. “I almost forgot the Christmas concert raffle! Donation forms …” She thrust another one at them and looked up with an apologetic smile. “That one is optional, of course, but it’s great publicity.”

“Is a gift certificate for free snowboarding lessons alright?” Anthony asked, realizing how exasperated he sounded.

“Yes, that would be perfect!” Merry reached across the table and grabbed both of their hands. “Sorry to dump all this on you guys, but once Thanksgiving hits, time flies by fast.”

“We understand,” Anthony said.

“I can go back to the office and print two certificates for the Christmas concert raffle and the winter games prizes and drop those to you this afternoon,” Pike added, bouncing in his seat like a restrained Golden-doodle.

“I’ll be here for another couple of hours meeting with people and then I’ll be heading home, so just text me. I could also swing by when I leave here. Up to you.”

Anthony tried not to think about how much they charged for those lessons, reminding himself it was for charity and that at least it wasn’t coming directly out of their pockets. They’d barely gotten Adventures in Mistletoe up and running nine months ago, and, although they’d done well, Anthony knew most businesses failed in their first five years. Giving away their time for free and taking focus away from their business was counterproductive.

Then again, being a part of the Mistletoe Christmas festivities was getting their name out to locals and the tourists who vacationed there. The publicity and word of mouth might offset the cost.

“You can pick it up. Save me a trip back in here. The last thing I need is to be tempted by one of their Red Bull drinks and end up having the jitters this afternoon,” Pike said, pushing his chair back, and Anthony followed his lead, but Merry held up her hand.

“Last thing before you go, I promise.”

Anthony was halfway out of his seat and settled back in as Merry continued, “Holly and I are planning a Christmas bachelor auction, and we would like both of you to volunteer.”

“Are you talking about dressing us up in penguin suits and parading us around like slabs of meat?” Anthony asked incredulously.

Pike laughed. “You know I’m in.”

“I knew you’d be the easy one to convince,” Merry said, fixing her gaze on Anthony. “Anthony, on the other hand … ”

Anthony leaned back in his chair with his hands up. “Believe me, you don’t want me involved.”

“Sure I do.” Merry picked up her coffee mug with both hands, grinning over the top of it. “You’re a cinnamon roll.”

A bark of surprised laughter escaped him. “A what?”

“Soft and sweet inside. Believe me, you’re a total catch. Spending the day with your handsome face, learning how to snowmobile or ski?” Merry rubbed her hands. “I smell big money.”

Anthony chuckled at the same time Pike burst out laughing.

“I should be offended.” Pike pouted. “You’re not trying very hard to woo me.”

Merry clasped her hands together and begged mockingly, “Please, Pike, would you be a dear and join our bachelor auction?”

“You don’t have to butter me up, Merry,” Pike said, dancing in his chair. “I love being up on stage.”

“Just make sure you keep all your clothes on,” she teased.

“My days as a stripper are over. Unless Adventures in Mistletoe goes under, all bets are off.”

“Heaven help us,” Merry muttered.