Page 87 of How My Neighbour Stole Christmas
His job while I’m gone? Practice making fruitcake.
Why do I have a feeling I’m pulling more weight than he is?
And sure, this is my fault—I put myself in this mess—but I didn’t think Storee would agree to a date. I was going to tease her and let her off the hook, gaining sympathy from Tanya but not putting myself in a situation like right now. Unfortunately for me, Storee was quick on her feet, challenging me to eat my own words.
In all honesty, I’dratherbe tucked up inside my familiar house with a mug of warm cider. Not only am I preparing for this competition, but the days on the farm are longer because of the season. I’m still keeping up with all the reindeer shows, feedings, and stall cleanings, but my muscles are tired, and I’ve had to smile far too much while wearing this ridiculous sash.
My face isn’t used to smiling.
My personality isn’t used to being so cheery.
And my mindset isn’t used to having to fake date someone to get ahead in a competition.
The door opens—andwow. Storee looks beautiful despite the lack of a smile on her face when her eyes meet mine.
She’s wearing a winter hat, but her long red hair is curled underneath it and flowing around her shoulders. She’s dressed in a pair of jeans, long brown boots, and a jacket that doesn’t seem like it’s going to be warm enough for her, but thankfully for her—because I couldn’t care less—there will be heaters up and down the streets of Kringle for the night.
“Shit,” she says in greeting. “Taran, I need my sash.”
“Nice to see you too,” I say, sticking my hands in my pockets.
Taran walks up behind her and hands Storee her sash before glancing at me and then back at Storee. “Don’t kill each other, and remember what we talked about.”
“I know,” Storee says in an annoyed tone. “You remember whatwetalked about.” She gestures to the house. “Lights, Taran. More lights.”
I don’t mean to chuckle, but I can’t help it because yes, they need more lights. Way more lights.
“Glad you find my torture funny,” Storee says as she steps outside of the house. She’s about to shut the door when Cindy calls out.
“Storee, are you leaving?”
I see the annoyance drain from her face as her aunt approaches.
“I am,” Storee says in a loving tone. “Do you need anything?”
Cindy steps up to the entryway and looks past Storee to me. The smallest smile tugs on the corner of her lips. “Cole, you look very handsome.”
That’s Cindy for you; despite all the animosity brewing between our two houses, she can still find a way to bridge the gap and be kind like she always is.
“Thank you, Cindy.”
She then looks Storee up and down. “Did you pay my niece a compliment?”
I feel my nostrils flare before I glance over at Storee. “You look nice.” It’s painful to say, because even though I believe it, the last thing I want to do is make Storee think I have any sort of favorable feelings toward her.
Cindy elbows Storee in the side. “Aren’t you going to say anything?”
Storee looks my way. “Your jeans are clean.”
“Storee,” Cindy chastises.
“What? They are.” Storee points to my jeans. “That’s a nice thing to say.”
“Let’s just get this over with,” I say as I step aside, making room for her to join me.
“You know,” Cindy says as she grips her walker tightly, “there was a time when you two got along. Perhaps you could revisit those old feelings tonight.”
“No,” Taran says, stepping in. “They need to remain enemies, Aunt Cindy. This is a competition after all. We’ll not be blindsided by him.” She looks at Storee. “Keep your guard up.”
