Chapter 22
Chapter Twenty-Two
Thanksgiving day. It took me ages to choose an outfit, whipping through my closet, the hangers screeching. Finally, I settled on a white sweater dress paired with a chunky necklace. I took extra time with my hair and makeup. Eventually satisfied, I gave myself a thumbs-up in the mirror. That’ll do.
Since I was driving to Holly’s house, I didn’t bother bundling up with my usual hat and gloves.
I even wore heels rather than boots. I made my way through the parking lot, heading toward my car when I saw Aaron heading toward his.
Well, I assumed it was his, because it was a sporty BMW without all-weather tires.
My stomach tightened. Would he ignore me again? Did I want him to ignore me? It was easier than having an awkward conversation, that was for sure. But as he noticed me, he plodded past his car and toward mine.
I stiffened, not knowing what to expect. I stopped beside my little Honda and waited, rubbing my hands against the cold. A multitude of opening statements vied for position in my head. I decided on friendly-casual.
When he got to speaking distance, I said, “Happy Thanksgiving! Where are you off to?”
“I’m meeting my parents,” he said flatly. “They came up for the day. There’s a farm not too far from here that’s hosting a big Thanksgiving dinner.”
A few of the restaurants were. It was a holiday, but tourists still needed to eat. And I was sure the restaurants could charge top dollar for a Thanksgiving feast. But my heart went out to the employees who couldn’t get the day off. Big tips were their consolation.
“That sounds nice,” I said. “I’m glad you can see your family.”
He put his hands in the pockets of his suit pants and shrugged. “I’m sure my father will mostly be talking business and asking me why the deal’s not done yet.”
I didn’t know what to say about that. “I’m sorry” seemed inadequate. I went for a joke instead. “Well, hopefully the food’s good!”
He snorted. “Thanks. How about you?”
“No, my family is too far away at the moment. Just spending the holiday with friends.”
“From back home?” he asked.
I hesitated. “No, from here.”
His cheeks turned red, and he stood stiffly as if waiting for me to continue.
But I didn’t want to elaborate and make things even more awkward. Besides I was still hoping we could maintain some sort of friendship.
I pointed my keys at my car. “Well, I should get going.”
“It’s him, right? You’re spending the holiday with him?” His jaw worked tightly.
I could pretend ignorance and act as though I didn’t know which “him” Aaron was referring to, but that wasn’t my style. Choosing my words carefully, I said, “I’m spending the day with many people. Ellison will be one of them.”
Aaron stared at the ground, shaking his head. “You don’t even know what I’m doing for you.” His voice was low yet loud enough for me to hear.
“I … didn’t ask you to do anything for me,” I said slowly. “What are you doing?”
His eyes snapped back up to mine. “I’ll tell you … another time.”
Before I could ask a follow-up, he turned and marched back to his car. He sped away quickly, clouds of exhaust rising up into the gray sky. I got into my car and started the engine. My hands trembled slightly. What was he talking about? What did he mean?
This was not going the way I wanted. Sure, we couldn’t pretend nothing had happened.
Hurt feelings were a real thing. But I’d hoped we’d work through them and continue with our friendship.
Instead, Aaron was acting like this was a competition.
Apparently he really didn’t like to lose.
Seeing this side of him made me wonder if I ever knew him at all.
I wouldn’t let him ruin my day, though. Holly had been so kind to invite me. I’d been looking forward to spending time with Ellison. I wouldn’t let this bad interaction ruminate in my head all day. I shook it off, typed Holly’s address in the GPS, and hit the road.
Holly and Nick only lived a few minutes from the town center.
My GPS led me down a few side streets to their long driveway.
The house was set back and surrounded by woods.
I couldn’t live in such an isolated location, personally.
I’d read too many Stephen King novels. I needed my neighbors to be within screaming distance.
But the house was beautiful. It was a cute Cape-style with clapboard siding and two dormers.
Even though it was daytime, the sky was gray enough that they’d turned on their holiday decorations.
White icicle lights hung from the trim, and golden LED candles glowed in each window.
Nothing over the top—tasteful and welcoming.
I pulled down the visor and did one last check in the mirror. No lipstick on my teeth, no hair sticking up. I slapped the visor back up and grabbed the wine from the back seat.
Holly opened the front door before I even reached it. She wore a deep-red, fitted dress that I was sure would be catching Nick’s eye all day. I was used to seeing her in one of her shop aprons.
I looked her up and down and let out a little whistle. “You clean up well.”
She laughed and play-smacked my arm. “Not too bad yourself,” she said. Then added in a quieter tone, “Almost like you want to impress someone.”
“Don’t start,” I warned with a giggle.
She led me into the living room. A plate of crackers and cheese sat on the coffee table.
Logs cracked in the fireplace as Nick prodded them with a poker.
Garland trailed up the staircase railing that led to the second floor.
The smells wafting from the kitchen rivaled that of the bakery—an impressive feat.
Built-in bookcases lined one wall, and as I made a quick inspection, I noticed the books were all true crime.
I gave Holly a look.
Her lips turned up in a playful grin. “A girl likes what she likes.”
Nick straightened and placed the fire poker back in its holder. “Hey, Kelsey! Welcome.” He looked just as handsome out of uniform in jeans and a blazer.
“Thanks for having me,” I said, meaning it. “Your house is gorgeous.”
Nick smiled proudly. “Thanks. We love it.”
“Hey,” a voice said.
I turned to find Ellison leaning in the doorway to the kitchen, a bottle of beer in one hand. He wore khakis and a gray fisherman sweater that made me want to cozy right up to him.
For warmth.
It was a warm-looking sweater.
“Hey, yourself,” I said back, like a professional flirter.
“Want to bring that wine into the kitchen?” Holly asked.
I followed her into a huge open dining and kitchen space. The table was set beautifully with elegant white china, black cloth napkins, and a centerpiece of mixed flowers in varying shades of red. The kitchen itself was bright and cheery with white quartz counters and a double oven.
“The table looks so pretty. And I love your kitchen.” I let my eyes roam and inhaled deeply. “It smells freaking amazing.”
“Thanks. I try!” She took the wine and handed me a pair of tongs. “Would you pick up those rolls cooling on the rack and place them in the wicker basket?”
“Sure.” I liked helping and feeling useful. I started moving the rolls one by one. Like everything else, they looked and smelled like heaven.
Holly rooted through a drawer and came up with a wine opener. “Should I open the bottle?”
“Not yet for me,” I said. “Unless someone else wants a glass.”
“Okay.” She placed it on the counter next to a cooling apple pie. “Would you like a cranberry gin fizz? My holiday cocktail special.”
“That sounds wonderful. But I’ll just have a water or seltzer if you have it.”
“Hmm, staying sober today, are we?” she noted with an exaggerated wink. “Going to try for that kiss?”
I pointed the tongs at her. “Say another word and these go down your throat.”
She chuckled. “Threats of violence so early in our friendship. I like it.”
The first time in a new friend’s place usually seemed awkward and weird.
But I felt right at home here. I could picture myself coming back—for a dinner party, or a board game night, or the Superbowl.
Nick came in to slice the turkey with an electric knife.
Ellison and I were tasked with bringing some of the dishes to the table and making sure they all had serving spoons.
Holly put on some soft background music and made sure we all had drinks.
Holly and I sat opposite Nick and Ellison. My plate piled higher and higher as we passed the serving dishes around the table.
“This is exactly what I wanted. Thank you,” Nick said, rubbing Holly’s hand.
At my quizzical look, Holly explained. “We usually alternate going to my sister’s house or Nick’s brother.
They each have a million kids. The in-laws always end up fighting.
It’s chaos. As the day started approaching this year, especially with how difficult things have been at work for Nick, I suggested we take a year off and do our own thing. ”
“Well, I appreciate that idea,” I said, stabbing a piece of perfectly cooked turkey and lifting it to my lips. “And I’m thankful you included me.”
“Same here,” Ellison said. “My parents live in Florida year-round now, but I can’t leave this time of year. Tomorrow will be one of the busiest days of the season for the store.”
“Have sales been okay with all of the goings-on?” I asked. Kind of an awkward way to say “all the deaths” but since Holly made it clear that Nick needed a day off from that, I had to dance around it.
“There have been ups and downs,” Ellison admitted. “But I think the season is going to turn out fine.”
“Have you heard any news about whether Suit Man is going to build his mega hotel?” Holly asked casually while buttering a roll. “You’re friends with him, right?”
Right? The word echoed in my brain. I poked at the cranberry sauce, watching it tremble. “Yes, we are friends. And, no, the deal isn’t done yet so it is all still up in the air.”
“Are you more than friends?” Nick blurted.