"Levi!" she squeals, nearly pushing Fallon to give me anunwantedhug. "How are you? It's beensolong."
"Hi, Catharina."
"You remember my friend Gabby?"
"Of course," I say, playing it off.
"Who's this?" Catharina asks, giving Fallon a not-so-subtle death glare.
"Fallon Joy. I'm a journalist here on business. Levi’s just showing me around," Fallon says.
"How wonderful!" Catharina gushes, but I don't miss Fallon's clenched jaw. "You're so lucky to have a strong man like Levi to be your tour guide, especially in this weather."
"Yeah, I feel so damn lucky," Fallon states with sarcasm lacing her words. Her serious tone has me holding back a laugh.
"Well, it was great seeing you again. Give me a call sometime!"
Once I tip Greta, I lead Fallon outside and breathe in the cool air.
"Where to next,oh holy guide?" She rolls her eyes as we stroll down the sidewalk.
I chuckle and take her hand. "Better plaster on that fake smile again. We're about to meet all the small business owners on this block."
It takes two hours to introduce Fallon to everyone, from the gift shops to the movie theater and the hotel—they talk her ear off until I literally have to drag her away. When we reach the end of the street, she's socially exhausted.
"Doing okay?"
"I’ve heard enough about Christmas for one day. I’m at my max."
"That's fine. Just need to run to the grocery store before we head home. I’m sure when you meet up with the mayor, he’ll take you around too."
“Great.” There’s zero enthusiasm in her voice as we drive to the store.
As we go inside, I tell her to pick out whatever she wants since her choices have been limited.
Once we get a cart, a woman speaks from the checkout. "Hey, Levi."
"Hello, Mrs. Shrader," I greet, waving to her as Fallon leads us down an aisle.
"Levi, hey." Cassie stops me as I reach for a box of snack cakes. "Haven't seen you at the pub in a while."
"Hi, Cass. It's my busy season," I explain.
"Oh yeah, I almost forgot that you disappear during the holidays. We'll have to catch up after New Year’s and shoot some pool. Drinks on me."
"Great," I mutter, not wanting to be rude. However, I’m not excited about her offer.
"See ya soon," she calls out as I catch up with Fallon.
"Finding what you need?" I ask her.
"Came across some gluten-free bread and flour tortillas for chicken wraps. Now I just need some avocados," she mentions without looking at me.
"Sounds good. I need to run to the back of the store for some things. I’ll meet you in the produce section."
"Alright."
We go our separate ways. Hopefully, this will help speed things up. I manage to grab a dozen eggs and some butter, then make my way back to Fallon.