Page 51 of Chasing Cheer
The cheers seemed a little more raucous than the situation called for. Holly and Ash accepted their sweaters with smiles, though Ash’s neck was flushed. She thought she heard him whisper, “Couples? Really, Sof?”
“Now, finish your sangrias, call your sober drivers, and get outta here!” Sofia called to a chorus of laughter.
Many people gathered their coats and tossed plates into the trash, stopping only to congratulate Holly and Ash. Apparently, the people of Emerald Hollow knew how to take a hint, even with magic in the mix. Holly tried to laugh off their congratulations, but she couldn’t help thinking they had all been in on the little ambush.
Holly assisted Sofia in cleaning up at the voting station, then she returned to where Ash was chatting with Collin, the man with the sweater covered in reindeer, as he cleaned off the counter.
“Great sweater. I voted for you,” Holly said, deciding not to comment on the inaccuracy of some of the reindeer’s appearances.
“Thanks. Your dress is great too. I think the whole party was pulling for you two, Mr. and Mrs. Claus,” Collin said with a grin.
Ash coughed loudly then tried to suppress it. Holly squeezed her lips together to hide a smile.
“I guess it’s time for me to get out of here. This was an epic party, Ash. Nice to meet you, Mrs. Claus.” He winked, and Holly returned the farewell.
“Hey, Ash,” she said. “I forgot I dropped my jacket off at your place after we let Comet out. It has my room key in it. Can I go grab it?”
“Sure thing. Here’s my key. Just lock it up on your way out. I’d go with you, but…” He waved his arms toward the group of people around him who were eager to say goodbye and thank him for the party.
“Thanks. Be right back.” Holly quickly made her way to his apartment, opened the door, and grabbed her coat. Comet bounded up to her, wagging his tail, and she spent a few minutes petting him and savoring the clean, woodsy smell of the space. Finally, she said goodbye to Comet and turned back to the door. When she opened it, she came face-to-face with Lucas.
“Oh, hello.” Her heart rate increased at his sudden appearance. “Were you looking for Ash?” Holly stepped into the hall and closed the door behind her then slipped Ash’s keys into her pocket.
Lucas looked startled to see her but quickly put on a smile that Holly thought was meant to be reassuring. “Holly, right? Nice to see you again. Are you… staying with Ash?”
“What? No. I’d just left my coat there. I’m staying in one of the suites here. Is there anything I can help you with?” She was starting to feel uncomfortable, and she glanced down the hallway to see if anyone else was around, but it was empty. There were small dark circles under Lucas’s eyes, and Holly took a step away from him.
“Nope, I was just leaving. Actually, I was stopping by to see if I could help with the Christmas faire. Do you know what kind of work still needs to be done?”
Holly perked up. The Christmas Cheer must be spreading through the whole building. Did Lucas have a jingle pop? She hadn’t noticed him earlier, but the party had been busy. Maybe there was a chance for reconciliation between Lucas and Ash. No wonder he was nervous. Things hadn’t been great between them for years. Perhaps she could help.
“Hm, you’d have to ask Ash to be sure. I think most of the details have come together at this point. We’re putting the finishing touches on the sleigh and some of the other props out in the workshop. Do you want to come with me to the café? Ash is still out there, and he could answer your questions better than I could.”
“No, that’s okay. I’ll catch him another time. Thanks, Holly,” He grinned at her again then disappeared out the door across from Ash’s rooms.
As the door opened, Holly heard the wind whipping fiercely.
Holly intended to tell Ash about seeing Lucas, but she got sidetracked by Sofia dragging her to the kitchens for a glass of water to share some elaborate story about her magical night. Just seconds into the story, Sofia stood up straighter and looked out the window. “Looks like it’s starting to get nasty out there. I guess I’d better get going.”
“I’ll walk you out,” Holly offered, thinking of sneaking some of the food down to her reindeer before retiring for the night. “Let me just find Ash and return his room key.”
Sofia agreed, and they both turned back to the café. Ash was talking to the last two partygoers near the door, but he said goodbye to them when he saw her.
“Here are your keys,” she said, handing them to him. “Do you need some help cleaning up?” She looked around at the bowls of leftover food and scattered paper cups.
“Nah, I’ve got it.”
Just then, Sofia returned with her purse.
“Be careful out there, Sof. The storm’s rolling in.”
“I saw that. Holly’s walking me out, so make sure she returns safely in a few minutes.”
Holly gave a mocking smile at their concern. She hoped that meant Sofia was returning to normal, the effects of the jingle pops fully worn off. She and Sofia walked out to the car together, their arms linked to steady themselves against the wind.
“I’m getting really used to having you around,” Sofia called over the sound of the wind.
“Me too.” Holly squeezed her arm. “Drive safe, Sof.”
