Her magic had been confined once before many years ago, in Costa Rica, when she’d sat down to enjoy a delicious drink she thought was a mocktail. When her magic was affected, it defaulted to the language she’d last used. In Costa Rica, she could speak Spanish just fine under the influence of alcohol. But when she’d overheard what she assumed were French tourists at the café, she couldn’t understand them.
Holly whispered into Sofia’s ear that she needed to use the bathroom then ducked through the crowd. She went into the restroom and splashed cool water on her wrists and neck then rested briefly against the counter, looking in the large wood-framed mirror, which was adorned with boughs of greenery.
She sipped the glass of water she’d carried in with her.This isn’t the kind of mistake I make often. Am I getting careless here in Emerald Hollow? What would the elves think of me?
“Nothing bad has happened yet,” she said to her reflection then exhaled deeply.
But the night was still young.
ChapterTwenty-Nine
Holly tried to focus on the positive as she readied herself to leave the restroom. Her Cheer meter was still full, and she was having a good time. Sofia was beginning to feel like a friend, something Holly had never had before. She smiled as she thought of the fire in Sofia’s eyes when she jumped to Ash’s defense. Then her forehead scrunched in concern as she thought of Lucas. Ash was one of the kindest, hardest-working people she had ever met, and she didn’t want any trouble for him.
She straightened and walked back out of the bathroom, ready to return to the café. A movement in the shadows of the lobby caught her attention, and she heard the sound of shuffling paper, so she drew back against the wall. She leaned in closer and saw a figure flipping through the hotel ledger. Ash did most things digitally, but he still kept an analog calendar under the front desk for employees to reference.
A tall man was standing behind the desk, flipping through the calendar. At first, Holly thought it was just an employee checking their shift and was ready to move on, but then the man turned slightly, and the light from the moon shining through the front window lit his face. It was Lucas.
“Can I help you find something?” Holly asked, stepping out of the shadows.
Lucas jumped a little but recovered quickly. “No, I was actually just leaving,” he said smoothly, a smile curving on his face. “It was Holly, right?”
“Yes.” She glanced toward the café to see if she could spot Ash or Sofia.
“Nice to meet you, Holly.” He put an emphasis on her name that made goose bumps run up her arms. Then he grabbed an apple from a bowl on the counter, tossed it into the air, and caught it. He gave her a little wave and walked out the front door.
Holly let out a breath and entered the café, seeking out one of her friends. She spotted Ash first. He smiled when he saw her, but his face fell when he noticed her expression.
“Are you okay? What happened?” He placed a hand gently on her arm and led her out of the crowded room into the lobby.
“Yes, I’m okay. I just saw Lucas, though. He was going through your calendar behind the desk.”
Ash’s eyes moved to the desk and narrowed.
“At least, I’m pretty sure he was. I’m not thinking entirely clearly right now.”
“He’s probably just being nosy. Thanks for letting me know. You sure you’re okay?” He studied her face, doubt pinching the middle of his forehead.
“Yes. Had a little too much cider, but it’s wearing off now.”
Ash raised an eyebrow. “I thought you didn’t drink.”
“Not intentionally. I was serving myself from the wrong bowl.”
Holly laughed at the silliness of it all, and he did, too, seeming to relax.
“I told Sofia her cider was dangerous, but she keeps bringing it back every year.” He glanced toward the café. They were silent for a moment, then Ash spoke again. “I just saw Enzo. He was hoping to talk to you.”
Holly’s eyes widened. “Oh! I’m kind of avoiding him, actually. My… Italian isn’t very good when I drink.” Holly tried to stick close to the truth, as always.
Ash laughed. “Understandable. I’m sure he’ll be fine if he doesn’t talk with you tonight. I was actually just getting ready to go let Comet out. Do you want to come? Fresh air might help if you’re not feeling well.”
“Are you my accomplice in hiding from Enzo?”
“Accomplice, escape artist. Whatever title you want to give me.” His eyes sparkled, and Holly’s cheeks heated.
They walked together down the hall toward Ash’s suite, and it dawned on Holly that he lived kind of like she did at the North Pole, attached to all the action, ready to jump to work at a moment’s notice while still being removed, living his life differently from everyone else in the building.
They collected Comet, who greeted them enthusiastically, and followed the path toward the woods, chatting about the evening’s events.
