She placed a piece of tape on the corner of the box as she glanced over at me. “I haven’t dated much since my husband died. Life is just too busy to really make the time.” She tied a bow, then asked, “What about you?”
“I’m single, yeah.”
“I know why I’m single, but what’s going on with you?” she asked as she handed the box back to the man.
He dropped a dollar into her jar. When she frowned, I smiled, knowing that it no longer mattered what she earned. She’d already won and didn’t know it.
“I’m picky, I guess.” I finally answered honestly. “My mother would tell you I’m selective to a fault. But I don’t think you can be too selective when it comes to a life partner. So, I’m in no rush.”
A woman appeared, handing me a garden statue of some sort that seemed like it was going to be a nightmare to wrap. Another opportunity for me to look like a dumbass in front of Holly tonight.
She immediately took notice as I started out by cutting way too much paper.
“Want some help with this one?” She laughed.
“Are you sure you want to help the enemy?”
“In this case, it’s going to honestly be painful to watch, so yeah.” She winked.
I handed her the scissors and smiled. “Thanks.”
When she took it, her petite hand brushed along mine, and I became more determined than ever to not leave here tonight without her number.
“Where is this little competition keeping you from being tonight?” she asked as she cut the paper in a straight line.
“My family’s annual Christmas get-together. The favorite uncle and life of the party is just going to have to be fashionably late.”
She cocked a brow. “Well, you’re welcome to give up the fight and leave now.”
“You’d like that, wouldn’t you?”
The way I’d said that almost sounded…suggestive. I was having way too much fun with Holly, and it hit me that my prolonging this was actually keeping her from her family, which wasn’t fair. Jesus, Bryce. Can you be more selfish?
I decided to concede now. Then I’d ask her out. In that order. I figured that was the correct chronology, since it was doubtful she’d agree to go out on a date with me if I was still trying to “steal” the toy.
A second after I’d had the thought, Holly’s phone rang. She answered it, and that’s when things went in a very different direction.
Her face turned white. “Oh my God, what?” She rushed up from her seat, clutching her chest.
I stood up, readying myself to help her if she needed it, even though I had no clue what the hell was going on.
“He’s okay, though?” She paced. “Where did they take him?” Nodding repeatedly, she said, “Okay. I’m heading there right now.”
She hung up, then rushed toward her seat to grab her coat and purse.
“What happened?”
“My son was sledding outside of my sister’s house, and he had an accident. She said she thinks he’s okay, but he did hit his head. They’re taking him to the hospital as a precaution.” Frenzied, she shook her head. “I’m sorry. I have to go.”
I blinked. “Okay…uh…”
I didn’t have a chance to respond because she ran off, her heels clicking against the ground as she disappeared into the distance. I couldn’t blame her. But this sucked. The whole thing, but especially the fact that her son was injured.
My heart was still racing even a few minutes after she was long gone. I just sat there in a daze.
As a new customer approached the table, I immediately held my hand up. “Sorry. We have to close down for the night.” I stood up and turned the sign around. “Merry Christmas.”
I walked over to the customer-service desk where the woman was keeping the robot.