Chapter 18
Chapter Eighteen
DREW
Sleep is for the weak. Or at least that’s what I keep telling myself.
I’ve been running on nothing but caffeine fumes and stubbornness since Chloe and I parted ways after our date last night.
My eyes are twitching, and I’m pretty sure the dull ache behind my temples might be a permanent fixture by now. But it’ll all be worth it.
I kneel back, wincing at the sharp stab of protest from my knees, and survey the tank setup.
My fingertips are raw from meticulously spreading the snow-white substrate and carefully arranging miniature lava-rock hills.
Even blinking feels like sandpaper against my eyelids, but the foundation looks good.
If the centerpiece arrives on time—which, fingers crossed, it will—I’ll finally get to start assembling the miniature model of Mynt Peak Resort.
I called about a hundred stores before I finally found a company that could 3-D print the piece within twenty-four hours.
Thank goodness I have an unlimited budget because it was not cheap.
If my luck holds, it’ll be just what I need to impress Mr. Mynt enough to trust me with designing more tanks for the resort.
But just in case things don’t go as planned, my backup decorations sit neatly lined up at a makeshift workstation in the corner.
Miniature wreaths, tiny wrapped presents, and white-dusted fake trees fill every inch of the table.
My hands ache. I spent hours painting them.
Failure isn’t an option. Not now. Not when I’m this close to the finish line.
Rubbing my gritty eyes, I glance at my clipboard lying near the filter system.
The notes I scribbled sometime around three a.m. are nearly illegible.
At least the water is clear, the lights are installed, and the base is solid.
I check my watch. There’s less than twenty-four hours left. Nothing like cutting it close.
I groan softly, stretching the sore muscles in my back.
Chloe’s got a packed schedule today. As much as I’d love to see her, I desperately need uninterrupted time.
Well, mostly uninterrupted. My shoulders slump.
I still have that stack of floral deliveries waiting for me at the shop.
Another sigh slips out. Oh well. Despite all the exhaustion, last night was worth it.
Just thinking of Chloe nestled beside me in the carriage, bundled beneath blankets and smiling up at the snowy trees, warms me better than any espresso shot. I lean forward, resting my forehead against the cool glass of the tank. Chloe’s smile floats behind my eyelids.
“Hey, Sleeping Beauty.” Emma’s voice is louder than normal as it echoes through the empty ballroom.
I open my eyes. “My hero.” Once again, my sister is saving the day. She’s carrying a tray with two oversized coffees and a bag that promises breakfast pastries.
“Whoa. You look like you’ve been dragged behind Santa’s sleigh all night.”
“Thanks. That’s exactly what every guy wants to hear.” I rub my face again and glance down at myself. Paint-spattered jeans, rumpled hoodie, and what I’m guessing are raccoon eyes. “You should see the other guy.”
Emma snorts, handing me one of the coffees.
“What are you even doing here? Don’t you have guests to charm at the front desk or something?”
“It’s my break.” She shrugs, eyeing the partially concealed tank setup. “Speaking of charming, what exactly are you doing in here? Did Santa’s workshop explode?”
“It’s a secret project,” I say with mock seriousness. “Highly classified.”
She arches an eyebrow. “So classified that it looks like a kindergarten craft hour threw up all over it?”
I chuckle despite myself. “It’s going to look amazing when it’s finished, okay? Trust the process.”
She squints at me suspiciously. “Does this secret have anything to do with the mysterious tree you and Chloe spent forever picking out?”
“Maybe. How do you know about it?”
“She told me.” Emma tilts her head, smirking. “Is it for the ball?”
“Maybe.”
“Fine. Be cryptic.” She rolls her eyes, clearly disappointed. “But you better at least let me help decorate it. You might have great taste in women, but you have terrible taste in ornaments.”
“Wow, thanks for the vote of confidence.” I take a long gulp of coffee. “Did you really come here to just insult my decorating skills?”
She grins wickedly. “Obviously. It’s my sisterly duty to keep your ego in check. And keep you caffeinated.” She steals a quick glance around the ballroom again. “Seriously, though, Drew. Whatever you’re working on here, I’m sure it’s gonna blow everyone away. Especially Chloe.”
Warmth spreads through my chest at her words. “I hope so.”
Emma squeezes my arm briefly, her teasing replaced with genuine support. “Get some rest soon, okay? Or at least take a nap.”
With a last laugh, she heads toward the door, waving goodbye as she leaves me alone once more with my caffeine and the aquarium.
I take a deep breath, reenergized by the coffee, and walk over to the doors leading to the snowy terrace outside the ballroom.
Draped in a tarp in the corner is the tree.
It’s exactly where I’ll need it when it’s time for the ball tomorrow night.
I can’t wait to surprise Chloe with the special decorations I’ve picked out.
Hours later, I’ve somehow managed to cross every floral delivery off the list, placed about seventy-five percent of the decorations, and still remember my own name. Barely.
Every part of me aches, but it’s nearly done. I wipe my hands clean on a rag, stepping back to survey the setup one last time. The miniature replica of the resort arrived about an hour ago. It turned out even better than I imagined.
Once the fish arrive tomorrow morning, I’ll acclimate them and then add them to the tank for the event. Eventually, this will be their permanent home, but until it can be cycled, they’ll live temporarily in the tank in my parents’ basement.
As I pick up my phone to snap a picture, I notice a message. My heart speeds up when I see Chloe’s name flash across the screen.
Chloe: Just finished the last lesson of the day. There’s a sleigh-ride event happening tonight. Are you interested in joining me?
I rub my palm across my jaw, torn. Everything in me wants to say yes, but my body feels like it might give out if I so much as stand too quickly. Still, it’s Chloe. Saying no feels impossible.
I hesitate. My fingers hover over the screen.
Drew: *Thumbs-up emoji.* That sounds great. What time?
If I can nap for two hours, that should be just enough to bring me out of zombie mode.
Chloe: Seven? Unless you want to grab dinner together, then six?
I wince, checking the time. It’s five-fifteen already. I glance down at my clothes. They’re rumpled and covered in paint and grime. I’ll at least need a shower and to change before I can go anywhere near Chloe.
Drew: I need a little time to wrap up what I’m working on. So seven?
Chloe: Deal!
My chest tightens with anticipation. I quickly snap the photo of my tank, then open my messages to Emma. Hopefully I can catch her before she leaves the resort.
Drew: Can I bum a ride off you to the ’rents house?
She replies instantly.
Emma: It’ll cost you.
Drew: I’ll pay whatever you want.
Emma: You must be desperate.
Drew: I am. Just name your price.
Three dots blink as Emma types.
Emma: I need to think about it. I’ll get back to you. In the meantime, meet me at the car. I’m clocking out now.
Drew: Just need to put a few boxes away. See you there.
I pocket the phone, relieved, and turn to the scattered boxes still cluttering the floor. All I need is a quick cleanup and a power nap. Then I’ll meet Chloe. I can do it. I hope.