“Laur?” Drew, sitting on the couch’s arm next to me, touched my shoulder.
“Sorry,” I said. “I’m not going to lie, I’m nervous. This is either a crazy idea or a really good one.”
“I like crazy,” Khloe said. “Shoot.”
Everyone stared at me.
I took a giant gulp of air. “Who wants to be an elf for Christmas?”
I got a room full of confused looks.
“I thought about Christmas break,” I said. “I was online and saw that the retired racehorse charity in Union is looking for volunteers. They need people to groom the ex-racehorses, exercise them, and then there’s a huge holiday adoption event. The dates work perfectly with our break from school.”
I paused, looking at Drew. He smiled encouragingly.
“I called my parents and told them I wanted to volunteer. They thought it was great, and I asked . . . well, first I asked if Khloe, Lexa, Clare, and Carina could stay with us over break and volunteer too.”
The girls grinned.
“Brielle already lives in Union,” I added. “So maybe if you want to, Bri, we could have a few sleepovers at your house too. Maybe at Ana’s too.”
“Um, yes!” Bri said without pause. “I’m so in!”
Carina bobbed her head. “Lauren! This is so cool! I thought I’d be spending Christmas alone at Canterwood. I can’t believe I have a chance to stay with you and actually spread some cheer during the holidays.”
Khloe lightly socked my arm. “I’m so there! One problem: my parents. I don’t know if they’re going to say yes to me staying away from home for Christmas.”
“Same with me,” Clare said. “But I’m calling and asking.”
“And we, the guys, come in how?” Cole asked.
My eyes flickered from boy to boy. “Actually, I already talked to Taylor about this idea last night. He’s the only one who knew—sorry I said no one did, but I had to talk to Tay. I was too afraid of getting everyone excited only to find out the guys had nowhere to go. I talked to him because he’s the only guy who lives in Union. I thought if any of you guys wanted to spend Christmas helping out, you could stay at Taylor’s house. We just have to get Mr. and Mrs. Frost on board.”
Taylor nodded. “That’s not going to be easy. But I figure if I really, really focus on the volunteer part and make sure my dad knows it’s something I can put on my transcript, he’ll agree.”
“Oh, cool,” Zack said. He and Khloe traded grins and snuggled tighter on the couch.
They made me smile.
“I already know my parents will say yes,” Garret said. “They spend every Christmas on a different tropical island, and I barely see them every holiday. I swear, a shark could have eaten me last year and they wouldn’t have known. They won’t miss me.”
Garret looked down at his hands, like he’d regretted being so open.
“Hey, man,” Taylor said. “It’s their loss. My parents don’t travel for the holidays, but they may as well be in Tahiti. I don’t spend time with them. I spent more time last year with our maid.”
A look of understanding passed between the guys.
I never thought I’d be hearing anything like this. I’d been naive enough to think everyone would have a difficult time getting their parents to agree to the Union Holiday. Hearing Garret and Taylor talk made me sad. It only made me vow to throw the biggest, best Christmas bash for my friends and give them a holiday unlike anything they’d ever experienced.
“What about you?” I asked Drew. I looked up at him, staring in his blue eyes.
“My dad’s going to be tough,” Drew said. “But Laur, this is fantastic. I want to come.”
“Put me down as a definite yes,” Cole said. “Both of my parents are really big into charity on the holidays. I know without a doubt that they’ll let me come.”
“All right!” I said, smiling.
Everyone started talking at once about how they’d convince their parents.
“Guys,” I said, interrupting, “I think the best way to convince your parents is to go the honest route. Obviously, Taylor will have to call his parents first. They’ll have to agree to host guests. Once that’s done, maybe you can take turns calling your parents while you’re here?”
Everyone nodded.
“Like I said, I think honesty is the way to go. You’re not lying by saying you’re doing something for charity—it’s totally true. Your parents can look on the group’s website and see the plea for volunteers. We’ll be busy every single day, and it’ll all culminate in the adopt-a-thon. If they’re nervous about you staying with me or Taylor since they don’t know us, my mom already said the girls’ parents can call her.”
I looked to Taylor. “So, Tay, if your parents agree, maybe your mom and dad can offer the same?”
He nodded. “Definitely.”
“I can’t wait another second,” Khloe said. “I’m calling!”
“Me next!” Clare said, whipping out her BlackBerry.
We fell silent, trading grins, as Khloe dialed and put it on speakerphone.
“Hi, Mom!” she said into the phone when a woman answered after a few rings.
“Hi, hon. How are things?” Mrs. Kinsella asked.
“Everything’s great. Really great, actually. I wanted to talk to you for a sec. Is Dad home?”
“He just got here,” Mrs. Kinsella said.
“Can you put me on speakerphone?”
“Of course, honey. Hold on.”
“Hey, Khlo,” a man’s voice said.
“Hi, Dad,” KK said. “There’s something I wanted to ask you both.”
We stayed silent as Khloe explained the ex-racehorse event to her parents. She detailed what she’d be doing and where they could get more information, expressed how she’d miss her parents during Christmas but wouldn’t ask unless it was important, and told them they could talk to my mom about it. Khloe’s parents “mmmed” and “uhhhed” as she spoke.
“What do you think?” Khloe finally asked.
My stomach flip-flopped. I wanted my bestie with me more than anything.
There was a pause. A looong pause. Oh, no. Mr. and Mrs. Kinsella were going to say—
“Khloe, sweetie,” Mrs. Kinsella said. “Your dad and I love you so much and can’t imagine Christmas without you. But we’ll have to make do this year.”
Ahhh!! I cheered in my head.
“We’re proud of you, kiddo,” Mr. Kinsella said. “You worked hard all year, and you’re asking us permission to do something you love over your break. We’ll call Lauren’s mom to sort out details, but you may go. You’re going to be the example of what Christmas is about.”
“Thankyouthankyouthankyou!” Khloe squealed. “I’m going to miss you both too, so much. I’ve never been away for Christmas before, but I feel like I have to do this. Thank you so much for saying yes.”
Khloe finished her phone call and pressed the end button with a triumphant smile.
“That’s one down!” she cheered. “Put me down for a ride to Union!”
“Nice job, KK,” I said. “I’m so excited!”
“My turn!” Clare said in a singsong voice.
Like Khloe, Clare put her phone on speaker. She twisted a red curl around her index finger as she told her parents a story close to Khloe’s.
I kept my fingers crossed while we waited for Mr. and Mrs. Bryant’s answer. Clare had the most trouble with her parents and even got an initial no, but Khloe had yelled into the phone that Clare had to come and help the horses or they wouldn’t have a good Christmas.
Mr. and Mrs. Bryant, obviously used to Khloe’s dramatics, had greeted her and laughed. They’d talked for a few more moments with Clare before finally giving her the go-ahead.
Brielle’s battery was low, so she used my BlackBerry and called home. Mr. and Mrs. Monaco seemed excited about Bri’s interest in volunteering over break. They added that as long as her end-of-semester grades were good, they would drive her to the stable any day she like
d.
“Yes, yes, yes!” I said, standing and slapping palms with all of the girls. “Yay!”
We giggled together and raised our various glasses and mugs for a cheer.
“Now for the hard part,” I said once we’d quieted down. “Convincing Taylor’s parents to host the guys.”
Taylor and I shared a look. We both knew the odds. I’d been his friend, then his girlfriend, long enough to know this wouldn’t be an easy sell. If anything was going to derail my plan, it would be an instant no from Mr. Frosty Freeze.
Taylor cleared his throat and dialed. I barely breathed when his father answered in his crisp manner. Soon Taylor was explaining the situation to his parents. He took his time and was careful to not let it sound, well, like fun. He told a little white lie and said Mr. Conner had recommended that Taylor participate for the holidays and it would go a long way if he opened his home to other riders who wanted to help.
I swallowed. Hard. This was going to make or break it for the guys. I’d either spend Christmas with all my friends—and Drew—or it would be a girls’ holiday. I didn’t want to be away from Drew for Christmas. We were getting closer every day, and time apart sounded worse than getting coal in my Christmas stocking.
“Taylor,” Mr. Frost said. “Your mother and I certainly are not open to the idea of hosting a party for you and all of your friends during Christmas.”
Taylor started to open his mouth, but snapped it shut. He knew how to handle Mr. Frost.
“Dad,” Taylor said, keeping his voice calm. There was no trace of frustration or annoyance in his tone. “I would never ask you or Mom to let me bring home my friends for Christmas. What I’m asking is for a place for riders from school to stay while we all participate in a volunteer program.”
“Taylor, you don’t even ride horses,” Mrs. Frost said. “How did you get involved with this?”
It was the question I’d known was coming and had dreaded. Taylor’s parents wanted him to have laserlike focus on school, a future in business, and swimming. Nothing else.
“I heard about it from a friend in my business elective,” Taylor lied on the fly. “He said our teacher had told him that participating in a volunteer activity, especially over the holidays, would look great on my transcript. This is an organization recognized by Canterwood, so I’ll probably get school credit for it.”
Taylor took a breath. He looked at me. I nodded and mouthed Go.
“I looked at other organizations close to home, but there wasn’t anything like this. It’ll be good for me to broaden my transcript by working with horses.”
“I’m glad you did your homework on this, Taylor,” Mr. Frost said. “I certainly understand why a teacher would be impressed if you opened your home to like-minded students who want to volunteer.”
“I may have even heard about this horse charity at the country club,” Mrs. Frost said. “Horses are certainly an animal that I’d be pleased to have you familiar with.”
This was sounding good. Taylor had lied, but they were lies for a good cause. I would have done the same.
“There will be rules, Taylor,” Mr. Frost said. “This is not going to be a holiday for you to slack off and be out all day with your friends, sneaking off to the movies or the arcade.”
“Of course not, sir,” Taylor said.
“Your mother and I will discuss the ground rules with you later, but I approve of this idea. We are more than happy to do anything to further your education and better your future.”
“Thank you, Dad,” Taylor said. He kept his tone even. I knew why—if he acted too excited, then Mr. Frost would think he’d said yes to a party or something that might actually be fun for Taylor.
“I’ll have Matilda begin to clean the guest rooms,” Mrs. Frost said. “How many friends might we expect?”
“No more than four,” Taylor said. “Is that all right?”
“We have plenty of rooms,” Mrs. Frost said. “That’s a perfectly acceptable number.”
Like a dork, I danced in my seat, making Taylor look up at me and grin.
He stifled a laugh, thanked his parents, and hung up.
“Tay! Way to go!” I said. I hopped up off the couch and ran over to him, giving Taylor a one-armed hug.
“Thanks, Laur,” Taylor said. His smile was huge.
“Everything was resting on that phone call,” I said. “You were amazing.”
Taylor waved his hand. “Please. C’mon, guys. Who’s coming to my house?”
Drew held up his phone. “Let’s find out.”
Minutes later, we had Taylor’s first guest confirmed as Drew hung up with a smile.
I reached up, and Drew took my hand. He squeezed it and smiled down at me.
“We get to spend Christmas together,” he said. “How’s that for a present?”
“Only the best one I can imagine,” I said. “Only the best.”
As the rest of the guys called, my pile of “presents” kept piling up as each and every set of parents said yes.
TOMORROW’S THE DAY
ON FRIDAY AFTERNOON, I WALKED to the indoor arena without Whisper. Mr. Conner had sent my class an e-mail, instructing us to come without our horses. I stood next to Carina and Cole. Soon the rest of our class trickled in. At the exact second class began, Mr. Conner entered the room. He moved quickly on his crutches and stood before us.
“Good afternoon,” he said.
“Good afternoon, Mr. Conner,” we said back.
“As I’m sure you’re well aware,” Mr. Conner started, “tomorrow is a big day. You’ll be closing out the show year and ending on what I hope will be a positive note. Visiting schools will be here as both guests and competition. As the host of the final show of the season, I want each of you to be well rested, have both yourself and your horse prepared, and be ready to welcome our guests.”
I couldn’t believe it was the last show of the year. It felt as though Whisper and I had just gotten started. That was true in a way, since we were a fairly new pair. I wanted to do well in my classes and end the year on a high note. Both for myself and for Whisper.
“We won’t be riding this afternoon,” Mr. Conner said. “Instead I’m giving you this session off. Please use your time wisely.” The instructor eyed each of us. “Tomorrow, I want tack spotless, horses that are well groomed, manes and tails that are braided, and for you to look your very best.”
I started making a mental list of all the things I had to do. Braids, tack, pick out show clothes . . .
“Please use this time to prepare for tomorrow,” Mr. Conner said. “I do not want to see anyone not ready tomorrow. If your turnout is not spotless, you will not be participating. With this free period, I’m giving you adequate time to prepare for tomorrow. Nothing less than perfect will be accepted, and excuses will not be tolerated.”
I shrank back on my heels a little at his words. I’d stay all night if I had to—anything to avoid Mr. Conner’s wrath and missing the show.
Mr. Conner smiled. “With that said, I want tomorrow to be fun as well as a learning experience. I’m proud to have each of you representing Canterwood Crest Academy and me. I have no doubt that you’ll each do a fine job.”
I shifted my eyes to Carina, and we traded little smiles.
“Now, I won’t take up any more of your time. You’re free to go, and I will see you bright and early. Come and find me or Mike or Doug if you have any questions in the meantime.”
Mr. Conner dipped his head to us and exited the arena. Once he stepped out of the riding space, chatter erupted as we clustered together.
“I’ve got so much to do,” Brielle said. “You guys?”
“My tack’s a teensy bit dirty,” Khloe said, holding up her hand and using her thumb and index finger to illustrate her point.
“Mine too,” Cole said. “I haven’t even started braiding Valentino yet.”
“I’ve got braids to do. My tack isn’t bad, but I’ve got to wipe it down,” I said.
Lexa, Cari
na, and Drew chimed in with their to-do items.
“I don’t know about you guys,” Drew said. “But I’m going to make sure Polo is perfectly clean and so is his tack. I definitely don’t want to be barred from competing tomorrow.”
“Me either!” I said.
The rest of my teammates shook their heads in agreement. With that, we semi-dashed for the arena exit, and show preparation began.
In the tack room, I sorted through the box of braiding supplies. The door opened and Drew stepped inside.
“Hey,” he said. “What are you working on?”
“Braids, then tack,” I said. “You?”
“Same. Want to find a quiet spot somewhere and do our braids together?”
He took a step closer to me. Close enough so I could smell his cinnamon-scented breath.
I clutched the plastic bin. “Yes,” I said, almost unable to breathe.
“I can’t wait to spend Christmas with you,” Drew said.
I glanced from his lips to his eyes. Drew’s eyes said everything about him. I could tell his mood based on the color of his eyes. Right now, they were a stunning ocean blue.
“Me either,” I said.
Drew took another step, and the bin was pressed between our chests.
“Just in case,” Drew said, “I’m bringing a suitcase full of mistletoe.”
I couldn’t find words to show him how happy that made me. Instead I leaned forward and touched my lips to his. It felt like it did the first time we had kissed—electricity jolted through my body, and now I truly felt breathless. We parted, opening our eyes and staring at each other for seconds—no one speaking. No words needed to be said.
NEW MANDATE
TRADING SECRET SMILES, DREW AND I led Polo and Whisper down the aisle as we looked for a quiet spot.
“Ooh, how about here?” I suggested.
Two tie rings near the empty hot walker were free.
“Let’s snag those rings,” Drew said.
We tied Polo and Whisper to the tie rings. I tied Whisper’s head close to the ring. I couldn’t give her much lead line, because I needed her extra still for braiding.
I put my caddy of supplies I’d brought for Drew and me on a low shelf in between us. I rummaged through the left side of the caddy, where I’d put my supplies. Drew’s were on the right. I picked out a comb and handful of clothespins.
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