Jingle All the Plays (Lit Creek Holidays #2)

Chapter 1

Maisy

“Still sad you didn’t make it out to this year’s Christmas party for the Outlaws. It was fun,” my brother’s voice rings loud and clear through my car’s speaker system.

“Better than last year?”

“Apparently anything would be better than last year. You’re still not going to tell me what happened?”

I wince just thinking about it.

“I can’t see you, but I’m imagining you cringing.”

For being a billionaire, my brother is still one of the most caring and attentive people I know. At least, toward me.

“I have a massive grimace on my face. Ugh.” I shudder.

“Don’t even wanna think about it, eh?”

“You know I love that you’re the owner of an MLB team, and you know that I love your team, but ya…last year was pretty awful. I just need some time to recoup.”

“I get it. Well, not really. But I can respect that. I’ll see you at Christmas though, right?”

“I wouldn’t miss it for the world. I’m getting you something special this year—”

“I told you—”

“And don’t tell me you don’t need anything.

You’ve always been the one taking care of me, ever since Mom died and Dad couldn’t fill both parental roles.

This year I finally found something good to get you.

” I know I shouldn’t be saying it out loud like I already have it.

I know this could jinx it all. I’m not even superstitious, but I know.

I can feel the tingly sensations crawling about my bones. But I’m manifesting it, alright?

If I can see it, I can be it. Or, in this case, I can have it. I will get it for Blake if it’s the last thing I do.

“Just don’t sweat over it, please.”

“Oh, I’ll sweat. I’ll break bones if I have to.” My knuckles tighten around the steering wheel in intensity, which is in direct contradiction to the laughter coming from the line on Blake’s end. “Hey, I’m serious, dude. This year I’ve got a good one.”

“Okay. Well, as long as you’re back home in Lit Creek for Christmas, it’s all good. And just to remind you, even though we’re celebrating with Dad, don’t worry, I’ve got the food covered.”

“Phew. If you weren’t going to take on the food, I was gonna say I’d have the Lit Creek Fire Department on speed dial.” Spoiler. With the way Dad cooks, I already do. I’m good friends with the hot guys down there. Hot? I mean taken. Smitten with their SOs.

“Now you’re picturing your Lit Creek Fire Department calendar, aren't you? I still can’t believe Eli of all people posed for that.”

I chuckle thinking about how the whole town was shocked to see that Eli actually posed for it. All the credit for that goes to the woman who became his girlfriend. “Summer can be pretty persuasive.”

“I don’t think I’ve met her yet.”

“Well, if you were in town more, you would have met her by now. She’s awesome.

” I can’t contain the grin on my face. I love my small town.

I love the quiet life and incredible people that make Lit Creek such a wonderful place to live.

It’s even been featured on a few TV shows and movies, it’s that quaint.

“Yup. All the more reason to spend more time with you.”

“I should let you go though, Blake. I have to follow my map for a bit so I don’t get lost.”

“You better not get lost. You know what the snowstorms can be like.”

“Pffft…don’t worry about me.” I rub the dashboard of my junky old car. Junky? I mean reliable. What a good girl. “Me and Meredith will be just fine.” That faint clanking sound means nothing. Just her way of communicating with me.

“Meredith’s been good to you, but everyone needs to retire at some point.”

“You’re just jealous—”

His bark of laughter interrupts me.

“You only wish someone would stay in your life as long as Meredith’s been in mine.”

“That cuts deep, Maisy. Too deep.”

“You know what I mean. You’re a freaking billionaire. You can’t trust half the people that come into your life. And besides that, you’re always too busy.”

“Truth.” He sighs with resignation. “So many reasons to visit Lit Creek.”

“So many? Sounds like there’s something else there.”

“Uh…nope.” The small hesitation in his reply tells me more than anything, but I don’t press him. I’m on a mission, and I have to get back to it.

“Okay, gotta go, Blake. Love you.”

“Love you, too, lil sis. Drive safe.”

Oh, I will drive safe. I’ll drive as safe as a motherfucker because I have one mission today, and I will not fail my big brother. Nope. Failure is not an option.