“Harlow?” I looked up at him as I finished rolling out my dough. “Can we start over?”
That was a loaded question. Start over from when? This afternoon? This week? Our whole lives?
“What does that mean?”
He stopped and turned to me. “I know we have a history. We’ve known each other forever, but I want to keep the past in the past. Neither of us are the same people we were four years ago. I realize that and I’m sorry for treating you like a child before. It’s hard to reconcile this version of you with the one I’ve always known.”
I nodded, not ready to speak. He did see I was an adult. A woman, not a kid.
“I want us to start over, as adults, as friends.”
Ah. There it was. The dagger to my chest. Why had I let myself get my hopes up so quickly?
“Sure. Friends.”
I don’t know how I managed to say that word without crying or throwing up.
His smile spread, reaching his eyes. “Good.”
We worked for the rest of the afternoon, mixing doughs, baking, and arranging the cookies on the Christmas plates Mom had bought. Our job was to make sure there was an even number of treats on each plate, so Mom could wrap them.
We had a smooth operation running and it only took us an hour to assemble.
“Thank you both for your help! That went so smoothly.” I smiled at Mom, but she wasn’t done. “Now we just need to deliver these.”
“Shouldn’t Dad and Steven have that honor since they weren’t here to help?” I smiled sweetly.
Mom cocked her brow and laughed. “Nice try. Go get your coats on.”
I looked down at my sweats covered in flour. “I need to change. I’ll be back in a second.”
When I came downstairs in more appropriate clothing, Vince and Mom were waiting, each holding a basket full of plates. “Yours is in the kitchen. I’m going to go to the left, you and Vince take the right.”
I didn’t bother arguing. Once that woman made up her mind there was no changing it. For some reason she kept thinking forcing us together was a great idea.
“Come on.”
I went to the kitchen and picked up my basket before walking out with Vince. We trudged along the wet sidewalks to the next house. At least there wasn’t ice on the ground or that would take this errand to a whole new level.
“I’ll get this one.” I stepped forward, but he followed me up the path. I looked over my shoulder and eyed him. “You can start on the other side of the street.”
He just smiled. “I think it will be more fun to go together.”
Yeah, freezing for longer than necessary sounds super fun.
Whatever, there was no talking sense into him, and I couldn’t say anything since we were starting over. I needed to play nice.
I knocked on the door and waited for Ms. Baker. She swung the door open and beamed. “Oh, my sweet Harlow. What do you have for me?”
“Merry Christmas, Mrs. Baker. We’ve got thumbprints, peppermint pinwheels, gingerbread, sugar, and some eggnog meltaways for you this year.”
She held her hands over her chest. “Oh goodness. I’m going to need an army to help me eat these.” She winked at me before looking to Vince. “And you have your very own helper this year.”
I nodded. “My personal little elf.”
Mrs. Baker laughed, and I didn’t dare turn around to see how Vince was reacting.
“I always knew you two had the capacity to get along.”
I forced my smile to remain and fought the urge to argue.
“We’ll see you tomorrow night, Mrs. Baker.” Vince said, using this charming smile.
I was grateful he’d created our escape before I said or did anything embarrassing like stomp my foot and tell her we were still enemies, he was just having a good day. Instead, I took the steps down and turned to wave to my favorite neighbor.
“See you kids later.”
When we got to the sidewalk and headed to the next house, Vince laughed. “That was hard on you wasn’t it?”
“What?” I wasn’t going to volunteer information until we were on the same page.
“Not correcting her. Letting her think we’re getting along.”
I looked up at him and batted my eyelashes. “Aren’t we?”
He pursed his lips and I had to force myself to look away from them. “I am. I don’t know if you’re convinced yet.”
I stopped and looked at him. “Honestly? Why would I? You’ve spent your whole life either ignoring or teasing me. Why would I believe you’re suddenly a changed man?”
Instead of getting offended like I expected, he gave me a gentle smile. “I deserve that. I know I haven’t been always very nice to you, but that doesn’t mean I didn’t care. You were the closest thing to a little sister I’ve ever had.”
I couldn’t help it. I rolled my eyes. I was sick of hearing that. I wasn’t his sister.
“I know it’s not true. I know you aren’t my little sister, and seeing how grown up you are now, I need to treat you the way you deserve. You’re not some little girl I can pick on. You’re a woman—we’re equal.”
I wanted to make a sarcastic comment about him just realizing men and women were equal, but I got what he was trying to say. We were finally on the same playing field. I wasn’t a little girl anymore.
“Thank you. I’ll try to let go of the years of resentment.”
He sighed. “I’d appreciate that.”
We continued walking and I wondered if this was our new normal. Light teasing, but real conversations. I wouldn’t mind.
“Does that mean you won’t butt in the next time a guy hits on me?” I watched him as his jaw clenched.
“Not necessarily.”
I let it go as I rang the doorbell for the next house. Things went fairly smooth at each house. If no one answered, we left their plate by the door and moved on. When we got to the end of the street, Mrs. Davis opened her door and smiled.
I handed her the plate. “Merry Christmas, Mrs. Davis.”
“Well, thank you. I look forward to these every year.” She lifted it and sniffed. “Mmm I smell your mom’s gingerbread.”
I nodded. “Yup. There’s a good assortment this year.”
“Thank you, guys. I sure am happy to finally see you two together.”
What? I kept smiling but didn’t say anything. She winked at me.
“I’ve seen you two tip toe around each other for years. I’m so happy to see you’ve finally come to your senses.”
“Thanks. We’ll see you later.” Vince was tugging my arm, trying to get me to leave. I wanted to ask her what she meant.
We crossed the street and Vince walked beside me in silence. I couldn’t take it anymore. “What do you think she meant?”
He shrugged. “Who knows?”
“You don’t think she really thinks there’s something between us now? Right?”
His eyes flickered to mine. “Probably not.”
I shook my head. “One walk together and everyone’s assuming we’re. . .” What were they assuming? Mrs. Baker thought we were getting along, but Mrs. Davis made it seem like she thought we were together, like a couple.
“Don’t worry about it, Harlow. They’re just nosy neighbors.”
I nodded and didn’t bring it up again as we finished. They couldn’t think we were together. No way.
Seven
“Stop tugging on the dress, Harlow.”
I rolled my eyes behind Mom. How she knew what I was doing was a mystery. The whole ‘I have eyes on the back of my head’ thing was real with her.
“It’s too short.” I pulled at the hem in vain. It was made of an elastic material that bounced right back to mid-thigh every time I tried to lower it.
“It’s not too short. You’re wearing tights. Calm down and smile.”
Only my mother would tell her daughter the short dress was fine. It was a sparkly silver bandage dress she had picked out. I had wanted to wear pants.
I was
overruled.
Guests were streaming in and it was my job to smile and welcome them. At least I wasn’t on coat duty tonight. Mom hired someone for that.
“Why isn’t Steven here?” I forced a smile and greeted some friends of my parents.
Mom air kissed a woman before nodding in the direction of the living room. Of course. Why did he always get out of the crappy parts of our parents’ parties?
“You look so lovely, Harlow.” I smiled at one of Mom’s bridge friends.
“Thanks Susan. You look as wonderful as ever.” Botox was a lifesaver for many of the women at this party.
“Harlow, I need you. We’ve got an emergency.” I turned to see Vince hurrying to me. He looked at Mom for a second. “Can you spare her?”
Mom didn’t ask for more details, she just waved us off and turned back to the next guest. Vince took my hand and dragged me down the hall.
“What’s wrong? Why didn’t you get my Mom?”
He stopped and turned toward me with a wide smile. “There’s no emergency. I could see the pain on your face.”
I raised an eyebrow. “You saved me?”
He bowed slightly. “Your knight in shining armor.”
I nearly argued, but he did look quite dapper in his black suit. “Many thanks, my liege.”
“So, we can either hide out or try to get to the party without your mom noticing.”
I weighed the options. “We wouldn’t have to talk to anyone if we hid, but the party has the food.”
He pursed his lips and nodded slowly. “The risk is worth the reward.”
“Cover me?”
“Always.”
We turned and walked past the foyer, but Mom was distracted. I still hid behind Vince and hurried down the hall as soon as I was out of her line of sight.
“We did it!”
He smiled and nodded. “Now, where’s the food?”
I pulled his hand toward the living room. We had buffet tables set up in three rooms and this was the closest. The party was in full swing and when we stepped into the room, we were stopped by the crowd.
“You’re under the mistletoe!” One woman giggled.
I looked up and cringed. When had they hung that?
“Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!” The group started chanting and I looked up at Vince.
“We can still run.”
He slowly shook his head. “I’m afraid it’s too late for escape.” He glanced into the room before looking back at me. “We must give them what they want.”
I almost laughed, until I realized what that meant. I was enjoying the game we were playing until now. We had to kiss? In front of everyone?
This was something I’d dreamt of since I was little. The moment was finally here, but it was forced. And in front of all my parents’ friends. Not exactly the ideal romantic moment.
“Okay.” Here goes nothing.
His lips tugged into the smallest smile.
His eyes held mine as he bent toward me.
His body drew closer.
This was it.
I closed my eyes and waited. One. Two. Thr—Vince’s lips pressed against mine for the briefest moment before he pulled back.
His smile was gone.
His eyes held a question.
His body pulled away.
I turned and looked at the room. “Merry Christmas!” I laughed and walked toward the food as if that was the funniest thing to happen all night. Like it wasn’t a monumental moment in my life. Like I wasn’t a little bit hurt he’d pulled away so quickly.
We were rewarded with applause and someone handed me a plate.
I smiled and piled it high with enough bread, meat, and sweets to keep my mind. . . and mouth occupied for an hour.
I looked around for somewhere to sit when an arm brushed mine. “Right there.”
Vince was gazing down at me when I looked up to see who had touched me. He pointed at two empty chairs and I walked to them in silence.
I needed a moment to process what just happened. Without Vince around.
Maybe there was nothing to process. It wasn’t like he’d willing kissed me. It was a stupid tradition. Peer pressure.
He would have kissed whomever he was with.
It meant nothing.
I pasted on a smile and forced away any thoughts of our first kiss.
“Sorry about that.”
I blinked and waited for him to elaborate.
“I shouldn’t have kissed you.”
I inhaled and told myself not to freak out. He could mean that in a million different ways.
“In front of everyone?”
He shrugged. “I didn’t think about what you wanted. I just went with the crowd.”
Right. Of course. He was worried about being a gentleman.
“I didn’t mind.” I bit my lip waiting for him to catch onto my meaning. I mean, I tried to sound flirty, but had he noticed?
“I won’t let it happen again.”
Not the response I wanted. “It’s really fine.”
He met my eyes and finally smiled. “Good. I promise I won’t let it happen again.”
I tried to smile back but my lips refused. I clenched my jaw and focused back on my plate. Was I really that terrible? There was a spark. I felt it. It was such a fast kiss, but it had been there.
Did he really regret it?
I mean, I wasn’t thrilled that that was our first kiss. . . but it wasn’t that bad.
I let out a shaky breath and he looked up at me. “Are you okay?”
I nodded.
“You look a little pale. Are you sure you’re feeling alright?”
No. Of course I wasn’t. I couldn’t tell him that though.
“I am feeling a little flushed. I think I’ll go lay down for a bit.” I stood, and he looked at me with a concerned expression. “Don’t worry I don’t think it’s contagious.”
Heaven forbid he regret kissing me anymore than he already did.
“Do you want me to walk you up?”
I shook my head and started walking away. “I’m fine.”
I hurried out of the room and took the back stairs up to my room. I locked myself in and sighed. Did I really just run away? From my own party? Well, my parents’ party.
I couldn’t take being around him any longer. Not knowing he regretted it.
It looked like I was stuck up here for the rest of the night. At least I still had my food.
Eight
There was something magical about waking up to fresh snow on Christmas day. It made me feel like a child again when I looked out my window and saw a fluffy blanket of snow coating the yard, the cars, and the street beyond. It was a sign to me that Santa had come when I was little. Now it was just a sign Christmas was finally here.
I pulled on my fluffy, teal robe and hurried downstairs.
No matter how old we were, the tradition was the same. My parents woke early to make breakfast so it was ready when we woke up. When I turned the corner into the kitchen, Mom and Dad were standing near the stove sipping their coffee.
“Merry Christmas!” I snuck by and peeked to see what they were making. French Toast. I smiled and gave them each a hug.
“Merry Christmas, darling.” Mom smiled at me while Dad kissed my head.
“You disappeared last night. Were you not feeling well?” I looked to my Dad and tried to not give anything away on my face.
I shook my head. “I got caught up with some friends and went up to my room to talk.”
Mom smiled. “Just like old times.”
I nodded. I felt horrible for lying, but what was I supposed to tell them? I humiliated myself in front of Vince and ran away like a child? That I spent the night cuddled in my bed watching old romance movies and crying? No way.
“Merry Christmas!” Steven burst into the room and forced us all into a massive group hug.
“Now we can start.” Mom led us to the kitchen table and brought over the heaping plate of French toast, berries, and juice.
Mom shook her head. He was still such a boy. That would never change.
After stuffing ourselves, we moved to the family room where the family Christmas tree was set up. Presents were spread around the floor and we easily slipped into our positions. Dad handed out the presents. Mom collected the wrapping. I took pictures and Steven counted to make sure he and I received the same number of gifts.
That was something he started when we were little and refused to give up. It always had to be balanced, not necessarily by worth of the gifts, but always by number.
Very mature, that one.
It took us an hour to get through the gifts with watching everyone take their turns opening, and the few laughing attacks between me and Steven.
It was wonderful. Just what I needed.
Dad loved the shaving kit I got him, and Steven said he would start using the wallet today. I’d purchased a silk scarf for Mom in Chicago and she said she loved it. She even wrapped it around her neck while we were still opening gifts.
“Do we have plans for the rest of the day?” I was crossing my fingers we didn’t. I was tired of people and entertaining and putting on a show. I wanted us to relax.
Dad shook his head. “Nope. We have nothing planned. Do you guys want to watch Christmas movies?”
I nodded and jumped up. After cleaning up, we met back on the couch for a movie marathon.
Halfway through our second movie, the doorbell rang. I didn’t bother moving since Steven jumped up from the couch.
I heard voices and hoped it was just a neighbor. No one would come over on Christmas, right?
We’d hosted enough parties. The welcome sign on the door needed to be thrown out for the day.
“Look who decided to join in the family festivities.”
I sat up and met Vince’s eyes. Perfect. I sunk further into the plush cushions and pulled a blanket up over my shoulders as if that would hide me.
Mom stood and gave him a kiss on the cheek. “There you are, honey. We have your gifts still under the tree.”
Ugh. He did have his own family. I wondered if anyone, including him, remembered that. Didn’t they miss him? Didn’t they want him at home?
Snowflakes and Ice Skates: A Holiday Romance Anthology (Utah Fury Hockey) Page 4
