Christmas Lane by Amy Aislin

Author:Amy Aislin
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Lighthouse Bay, Book One
Publisher: Amy Aislin
Published: 2018-01-15T00:00:00+00:00

“Are you sure about this?”

Holland peered past Zach to contemplate Mika. Zach and Mika had arrived at headquarters—together, of all things—after their shifts at the café, smelling of coffee and deli meats, and carrying trays of sandwiches and cookies for the volunteers.

“I’m sure.” Zach fell onto the bench next to Holland’s Christmas Lane float, groaned in what sounded like relief, then fell sideways, resting his head on his arm.

Tucked into a corner and out of anyone’s direct line of sight, Holland gave in to temptation and ran his hand through Zach’s hair. The strands were soft against his fingers, silky and smooth, but wet in a few places. It must’ve been snowing outside.

“Are you okay?”

Zach grunted.

“Tired?”

Zach grunted again.

“Have you had dinner?”

“No.” Zach moaned. “But if I eat another sandwich, I’m going to hurl.”

“I’m just finishing up here,” Holland said. “I was going to make fettuccini Alfredo for dinner for Dev and me. Want to join us?”

Zach visibly drooled. “I smell,” he said, apropos of nothing.

“Yup.”

“Gotta go home and shower first.”

“Shower at my place,” Holland offered. He hated Zach’s apartment. It was small and cold and impersonal. There was nothing of Zach’s personality anywhere. Just generic furniture and decorations. The only nod to Zach was the string of Christmas lights strung around the window and a shelf holding baskets filled with pens, ink cartridges, and more paper than Holland had ever seen in one place. Otherwise, the apartment was as sterile as a model home. For someone who loved Christmas, Holland was surprised Zach didn’t have a Christmas tree. “I’ll even provide you with an ice-cold beer before you get in.”

“Twist my arm.”

Laughing, Holland nudged him up. “Come on, let’s get out of here.”

On the way out, they stopped by the snack table. Holland waited for Mika to finish his conversation with Mrs. Columbus before grabbing his attention. He looked better today, calmer, if tired from a full day at Tiny’s Panini.

“Good thing I never saw these floats in their half-built stages when I was a kid,” Mika said, eyes bouncing from float to float to float. “It would’ve ruined the magic of Christmas.”

“Zach says you’re going to help me with Santa’s float,” Holland said.

“Yeah?” Mika glanced from Holland to Zach and back. “If that’s okay? He said you needed the help, and…” He leaned sideways to look past Holland at the Santa float that was only a third complete. “Looks like he’s right.”

“I’m always right,” Zach mumbled.

Holland swallowed a laugh, and Mika chuckled outright, his smile for Zach warm.

“Are you sure about this?” Holland asked. “Shouldn’t you be resting or something?”

Mika crossed his arms. “I’m sure. Frankly, I could use the distraction.”

“Okay then. Want to meet me here about eight tomorrow morning?”

Mika’s nose scrunched. “Eight? On a Sunday? Sunday’s the day of rest.”

“Not during Lighthouse Bay parade season, it isn’t.”

“Fair enough. Sure, I’ll see you then.” He turned to leave, but Zach reached out and snagged the sleeve of his jacket.

“Do you want to join us for dinner?”

Surprised, Holland turned to look at him, eyebrows raised.

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