Ghosts of Christmas (Steamy Bwwm Holiday Romance)

by Kenya Wright

  Anna hugged me immediately. “You look so good, Ivy. I swear you have the same figure and face of an eighteen-year-old.”

  Emma walked past us without saying hello. “They say black don’t crack.”

  Anna gasped. “Emma, that is unnecessary.”

  “It’s a saying.” Emma frowned and dropped to the bed as if holding a heavy weight on her shoulders. “It’s not a bad thing to say. Right, Ivory?”

  “It’s fine. I see it as a compliment.” I took out the fluffy pom-pom beanies. Four were red beanies with white furs. Mine said Maid of Honor in white letters. The rest said Bridesmaid. Holly’s was the only green beanie with red fur. Bride was written on the front in gold. I showed them the beanies. “Okay. Operation Bachelorette Party is in effect.”

  Anna high-fived me. “These are perfect.”

  “I did my best.” I handed her a red beanie.

  Yawning, Emma took one. “They’re blood red. It’s going to look like I killed someone.”

  “No it won’t.” Anna waved her away, went to the mirror, and put it on. “This is so awesome.”

  “My head is killing me.” Emma dragged herself to the bathroom. “I hope I didn’t get some flu or disease on the plane. All I need is a cold in this snowy place.”

  Oh, God. If I have to deal with her, then I’m going to be extremely drunk tonight.

  Emma had always been a drama queen, even when we played as kids. If she fell or got a scratch, she screamed and cried like she needed to go to the Emergency room. Later, as teenagers, when a guy broke up with her, she would wear all black with sunglasses and recite sad poetry until we considered stabbing ourselves in the ears.

  Thankfully, Veronica came next holding four plastic bags full of alcohol and cups. Her father was black and her mother Japanese. Holly met Veronica in college. They’d pledged the same sorority together. Veronica majored in art with a focus on sculpture. Holly introduced us one of the times I visited her in college. Since then, we’d gone on a few girls’ trips together.

  Every time I saw her, I noticed that she never let her curly hair go beyond three or four inches.

  Veronica gave me a huge hug. “Ivy, how was your flight?”

  “Not bad at all.” I left her arms. “And yours?”

  “My husband and I are now in the Mile-High Club.”

  “Oh.” I laughed. “Well, I wasn’t expecting all that.”

  Emma shook her head. “TMI.”

  “Holly started the idea.” Veronica set the bottles down, went back out the door, and carried in several bags.

  Anna rushed over to help her. “What do you mean Holly started the idea?”

  “We all rode the same plane.” Veronica shut the door. “I swear Nikolas and Holly were in the bathroom for a good thirty minutes, and all I heard was moaning.”

  Anna blushed. “No way.”

  I chuckled. “Nasty asses.”

  “Girl, yes.” Veronica snapped her fingers. “And you know I wasn’t about to let Holly and Nikolas show Trevor and me out.”

  Anna grinned. “You two had fun?”

  “Kind of.” Veronica shrugged. “Trevor banged his knees a few times. He’s been limping since we landed, but he explained that it was all worth it.”

  I high-fived her. “Alright now.”

  Emma scrunched her face in disgust. “But what about all the germs in the bathroom?”

  Veronica ignored Emma, while I handed her a beanie.

  “This is lovely. And I have arrived with the most important item for the evening.” She pulled the pink dildo crown out.

  I counted ten pink spray-painted dildos formed in a circle and held together by thin metal shaped like a crown. All the dildos were well over six inches. Their mushroomed tips were pointed to the sky.

  Veronica beamed with pride. “It took me a week to put this together.”

  Perhaps, you could have saved that time.

  We all stood and stared at the crown in silence. Perhaps Anna and Emma were just as perturbed by it.

  “Oh wow. I love these.” Veronica glanced at the other beanies. “This is perfect. Aww, look at the gold letters for Bride. The dildo crown will go great over her beanie.”

  “Or. . .” Emma raised one finger. “We could leave the crown in the room.”

  Veronica shook her head. “Where’s the fun in that?”

  Emma scrunched her face in disgust. “The crown is juvenile.”

  “Thank you.” Veronica placed one hand on her hips. “However, I didn’t ask you what it was.”

  “Perhaps you should have.” Emma raised her eyebrows. “I would have saved you all that time. Holly will not want to wear it. If she does, it will be out of sympathy.”

  Veronica shoved the dildo crown her way. “Perhaps you need one of these dildos for yourself. Just say the word, sweetie. I’ll stick one right up your ass in seconds.”

  “All right!” I raised my hands in the air. “Let’s keep all opinions and dildos to ourselves, please. This is about a fun evening for Holly. Let’s remember that.”

  The door opened.

  I glanced over my shoulder.

  Carrying a garment bag, Park entered and spotted the crown. “Oh my. I didn’t know it would be that type of party. I might have worn something else.”

  “You’re fine.” I grabbed the bag. “Thanks for bringing the coats. How did they do in your bag?”

  “Not a wrinkle or scratch to the alpaca.”

  “Awesome.”

  Veronica came to me and kept her voice low. “And I don’t care what Miss Thang said, this crown is amazing. Holly will love it.”

  Park nodded. “I definitely love it.”

  Veronica placed the dildo crown on my bed and rummaged through her other bags. “This will be a good night.”

  Whistling, Park gazed at the crown.

  “That’s the spirit.” I unzipped the garment bag and pulled out the coats. “Thanks for coming, guys. I have our coats. Can everyone put theirs on now so we’re ready for the bride? Oh, and there are matching gloves in the pockets. We’ll need them for the restaurant.”

  Holly had chosen red and green for the wedding colors no matter how I nicely tried to convince her of otherwise. I hated the combination. Regardless, tonight was about my bestie so we would stick with the ungodly green and red.

  For the bachelorette party, I designed matching coats. They were dark red on the outside and green within. The style was called the Kate Coat due to the English Princess Kate Middleton wearing it a lot. Holly was a huge fan of all things English royalty and constantly stayed up-to-date with any royal gossip. I gave my seamstress strict instructions. The stylish wrap coat had to have ribbed sleeves and be formed from double-faced superfine alpaca. It also had to be a go-to classic for all the women. Since it all cost a pretty penny, I wanted them to be comfortable with wearing their coats many times later.

  “Okay. I’m going to set up the Boozy Chocolate Bar.” Veronica scanned my space. “Where’s a good spot?”

  I pointed to the small dresser. “That should be fine right there.”

  “I have everything. This Boozy Chocolate Bar is going to be epic.” She pulled out bottles. “I’ve got the rum and horchata. It’ll be a cinnamon hot chocolate blend. People call it RumChata.”

  Park headed over. “Do you need help setting up? That’s why I’m here.”

  “Oh. I have an assistant tonight?” Veronica gestured to the other bags. “Thanks. Go ahead and get everything out and I’ll organize it over here. Oh yeah. Get the Kahlua and red wine too.”

  Anna put on her coat and came over to me. “I love it.”

  I checked Anna’s arm length and wished it were an inch shorter, but she loved it so I left the coat alone. “Wait. Veronica, did you say red wine?”

  “Red wine hot chocolate is becoming a thing.” Veronica snapped her fingers three times as if she were listening to a song. “Last year Trevor made me one. I thought he’d lost his mind. As soon as I tasted it, I had to have more.”
>
  “I’ll have to try that.” I went over to Emma and checked her coat, happy with the fit.

  “I’ll make you one,” Veronica said. “If you prefer a sweeter drink, go for a strawberry wine, and if you prefer something a little drier, I’ll add merlot.”

  “I’m excited about the Kahlua.” Anna giggled. “That sounds so tasty.”

  Park carried over bags of marshmallows to the table.

  “I brought white chocolate too.” Veronica pulled out more bottles. “My Trevor loves it with vanilla vodka so I brought that too.”

  Park brought over a double burner. “Should I plug this in now?”

  “Yeah. The pots are over there so we can start melting chocolate.” Nodding, Veronica picked up another bag. “Guys, look at these.”

  I turned her way. “Aww.”

  Veronica held campfire mugs in her hand. All were red with our names and titles in green lettering.

  Groaning, Emma closed her coat as if she were cold. “I’m allergic to chocolate.”

  “No, you’re not.” Anna kept on her coat and twirled in the mirror. “You’re allergic to fun.”

  “That’s not funny. I am allergic to chocolate.” With a deep frown, Emma wore the hat and coat, looking like the saddest elf in the world. “Remember that time I broke out in hives after eating that chocolate bar?”

  “I don’t remember any such thing.” Anna waved her sister’s comment away. “In fact, you were eating a chocolate chip cookie on the plane yesterday.”

  “That cookie had a small amount in it.”

  “Fine, Emma.” Anna rolled her eyes. “Then don’t drink anything.”

  “What? It’s Holly’s big day. I have to participate.” Emma turned Veronica’s way. “I just wish my feelings were considered when coming up with these activities.”

  Veronica snorted. “Well, when it’s your wedding we’ll think of you.”

  Emma let out a long breath. “I’ve already had a wedding.”

  “Exactly.” Veronica returned to the bags.

  Anna walked over to Park and helped with setting up. Shrieking, she raised a bottle in the air. “Tequila!”

  “Had to bring the Patron.” Veronica snapped those fingers again. “Back in college, Holly and I would study for fall exams in our cold-ass dorm room. To keep us alive, I would have to whip us up some hot chocolate del diablo.”

  I smirked. “I remember some stories about that special drink. Wasn’t she arrested once after you made them?”

  “Girl.” Veronica shook her head and laughed. “Not just once. You know she don’t know how to handle her liquor. Holly likes to pop off at everybody like she isn’t a tiny thing.”

  Emma sat on my bed. “So, should we even let her drink tonight, Ivory?”

  “It’s her bachelorette party. She has to drink.” I placed Holly’s coat on the bed. “My job tonight is to keep her out of trouble, especially out of jail.”

  Park lifted a bottle of Malibu rum. “This will be yummy.”

  Veronica nodded. “The Malibu gives a nice coconut flavor.”

  Anna had four bottles of whip cream and a bag of dark chocolate sprinkles. “This really is going to be an epic bar.”

  I checked my watch. “Okay. She’ll be heading over soon. What can I do?”

  “Grab the Black cherries over there and the bourbon.” Veronica gestured to her side. “I’ve got ice cream too for the super sweet fanatics.”

  “And what about food?” Emma asked. “Are we just going to load up on sweets and liquor?”

  Veronica eyed her. “What did you bring again?”

  I cleared my throat. “Emma, we’re eating after the drinks. I made reservations. Why don’t you handle the music? I have some Bluetooth speakers over there. You can plug your phone up and do a playlist.”

  “Oh no!” Anna rushed over there. “Emma will have us listening to Nine Inch Nails all night. Trust me, Ivy. I’ll get the party started.”

  “What?” Emma followed over to the other side of the room. “I have great taste in music.”

  Veronica looked at me and kept her voice low. “Girl, I don’t know if Emma is going to make it tonight. I’m pretty close to digging a hole in that frozen sea and putting Emma in it. They’ll be looking for her body all morning.”

  I laughed. “Let her live, Veronica.”

  A knock came. Holly’s voice sounded next. “Ivy, are you dressed? I can’t wait to see you.”

  “Shit.” I rushed for her coat and hat. “She came too early. Everyone get together.”

  We all lined up. Park joined us.

  “Come on in, Holly,” I yelled. “I didn’t lock the door.”

  She opened it, spotted us, and screamed. “What?”

  We laughed.

  “No way!” She held her hands out and took in our beanies and coats. “What are you all doing?!”

  “I know you said that you weren’t going to do a bachelorette party because this week would be so busy, but. . .” I shrugged. “I couldn’t let you go out like that, girl.”

  “Oh my God!” She rushed over and hugged me.

  When she let go, Veronica embraced her. “We love you, Holly.”

  “I can’t believe you all are doing this.” Shocked she shook her head and hugged Anna.

  I presented Holly with her Bride beanie.

  “Aww!” Holly grinned. “It says bride. That’s me.”

  Emma rolled her eyes. “Obviously.”

  “This is so cute!” Holly put it on.

  “And don’t forget this.” Veronica showed her the dildo crown.

  “Oh, God!” Holly fell on the floor laughing. “No! I am not wearing that!”

  That reaction was worth that ungodly crown.

  “You’re wearing this.” Veronica bent over and put the dildo crown on her head. “You’re the Bride.”

  “You are ridiculous Veronica!”

  I picked up the coat and handed it to her. “And we have more.”

  Holly looked at it. Her eyes watered. “Ivy. . .”

  “Oh no.” I frowned. “Don’t you dare cry, Holly.”

  Her bottom lip quivered.

  “Stop it.” I frowned. “Just take the damn coat.”

  Tears threatened to leave her eyes. “You made us all Kate Coats?”

  I sighed. “It was just a—”

  She bawled right there.

  Here we go.

  I shook my head. Veronica and Anna rushed over and hugged her. I remained where I was, uncomfortable with this much affection. Only Holly could do that to me.

  “The coat.” Holly rubbed her eyes and more tears came.

  Smirking, I continued to hold it for her.

  “Kate coats.” She almost choked on her words. “I talked about them forever.”

  “We know.” Veronica patted her back. “Now get yourself together so we can get fucked up.”

  Emma handed Holly a tissue. “Be careful with your coat, Holly. Mine is a little scratchy.”

  Really? I’m so glad she leaves right after the wedding.

  Holly took the tissue and dabbed at her eyes. “Oh, Emma. I didn’t see you there.”

  “No one ever does.” Emma backed away.

  “Kate Coats?” Holly got up from the floor, walked over to me, and pulled me into her arms. “Ivy!”

  “Oh my God.”

  “You love me so much! Just so much!”

  “Okay. Okay.” I left her arms and gave her the coat. “Let’s get back to the party.”

  She wiped at the rest of her tears and put on her coat. “I’ll wear this forever.”

  “Good.” I assessed the fit and was happy.

  Holly held her hand in the air. “I’ll never take this off. Never!”

  I laughed. “Well, you have to take a shower some time, Holly.”

  “I’ll shower in it.” Holly hugged me again. This time I couldn’t help but sink into her hold and enjoy it for a few seconds.

  Veronica clapped her hands. “Who’s ready for my hot chocolat
e del diablo?”

  Holly left me and screeched. “No, you didn’t!”

  “I did.” Veronica wiggled her hips. “The Boozy Chocolate bar is open! What will the bride have?”

  I headed over there, ready for a drink myself.

  “No.” Holly backed away. “I can’t. Nikolas’s mother is here. What if I bump into her drunk or—”

  “I’ve got you.” I pointed over to the cocoa bar. “Have fun. We solemnly pledge to keep you out of trouble.”

  Holly let out a long breath. “Fine. Peer pressure wins.”

  Veronica snapped her fingers. “Drink! Drink! Drink!”

  Chapter 6

  A Holly Jolly Christmas

  Drunk off chocolate and booze, we set out, ready to give the snowy town of Lapland something to talk about. I called an uber. The minivan arrived. We climbed in and took up the three rows of seats.

  I made a note to give the poor driver a huge tip.

  In the front seat, Veronica hung with Holly as she wore her dildo crown over her bride beanie and sang about dildos the whole uber ride to the restaurant. “Jingle dildos! Jingle dildos!”

  “Yes, girl, yes!” Veronica rocked with her. “Jingle those dildos, girl.”

  Holly’s drunk ass got even hyper. “Jingle the dildo all the way!”

  In the middle seat, Anna sat next to me. I clapped with them and tried to add lyrics. “Oh, what fun it is to ride. . .”

  “On a one-man dildo sleigh!” Holly added, “Eh!”

  “Oh my.” Park chuckled from the back seat. She was the only one who would sit next to Emma. Park clapped with me. “I have to check out this sleigh that you all are talking about.”

  Emma’s voice came next. “You all are murdering a nice song.”

  Veronica giggled. “Emma needs a dildo! Emma needs a dildo!”

  “Here you go, Emma!” Holly took off her crown and tossed it to the back.

  I caught it before it hit Emma. “Okay. Okay. Let’s just keep this on your head, girl. And you all leave Emma alone.”

  “Thank you, Ivory.”

  Lord.

  “Ivy!” Holly screamed, making the driver jump. “It’s I-v-y! I. V. . .”

  “Y.” I laughed.

  “Y!” For some reason, Holly drew an S in the air, telling me she was drunker than I thought. “You see? Y.”