Page 37 of The Best Christmas Choir Ever

“You look a little flushed. Not getting sick, are you?”

“It’s just warm in here,” she said. “They probably have the heat cranked.”

Gram hummed. “I’m quite comfortable.”

Charlie swallowed hard. She needed to stop thinking about Julian and focus on the emails from Alicia that were piling up in her inbox instead. She needed to commit to work. Or, at the very least, to an audition.

She mulled that over as they made their way down the slushy streets through town, passing familiar storefronts and the diner where she’d first met Julian. Elm Springs looked like something out of a holiday movie, with tourists flocked to the charming Christmas window displays, all of them dressed up with garlands and ribbons.

When they reached the community center, Julian hopped off the bus, welcoming the residents as they climbed down the stairs one by one. He offered a hand where necessary, though Charlie carefully kept hers tucked away in her coat pocket. She hurried off after Gram and into the center.

A cacophony of voices drifted from the large auditorium where a projector screen had been drawn across a stage. There was a cute little booth dishing out popcorn and a series of tables set up around the perimeter of the space with various Christmas Market displays. From the looks of it, vendors were selling everything from handmade clothing to ornaments to homemade honey and candles, crafts and desserts. Charlie took a deep breath, overwhelmed by an intoxicating mix of melted butter and cinnamon and gingerbread.

“Have you tried Merla’s mincemeat tarts?” Maggie asked, coming up and looping her arm through Gram’s. She pointed out a vendor table. “She only sells them at Christmas. I’ve been trying to get the recipe for years, but she won’t part with it.”

“Because you can’t bake,” Harriet muttered.

Charlie chuckled under her breath.

“Says who?” Maggie complained.

“You made Jim that plate of cookies once, and he swears he got food poisoning.”

Maggie waved her off. “That was totally unrelated.” She toddled away with Gram in tow.

Charlie exchanged a look with Harriet, biting her lip to keep from laughing.

“I’d advise against eating any Christmas baking she tries to give you,” Harriet said.

Charlie nodded. “Noted.”

They followed after Maggie and Gram as they secured mincemeat tarts and then moved on to the popcorn stand.

“Mm-hmm,” Maggie said. “Smells divine.”

“Smells like I’m gonna have to double up on my cholesterol medication,” Harriet said.

They joined the short line, waiting for buttery popcorn. Charlie spotted Julian near the front of the line, conversing with a young woman.

“That’s Heather,” Maggie said, leaning back to inform Charlie like it was a trade secret. “She’s the event coordinator here. Married five years. Two adorable children.”

“Just in case you were wondering,” Harriet said, giving Charlie a sly smile.

“I wasn’t.” They all took a step forward. “You know what,” Charlie said. “I think I’m going to wander around some of the vendor displays.”

Gram snatched her arm. “You’re supposed to be spending time with me.”

“I don’t think you need another escort to get popcorn. The three of you seem to have it under control.”

“Any particular reason you’re avoiding your codirector?” Harriet asked, inspecting her fingernails.

Charlie’s pulse skipped. “What?”

“Just an observation.”

“I’m not avoiding him,” she spluttered. God, was she that obvious?

“No, of course not,” Harriet said, taking Charlie’s other arm. They steered her toward the front of the line.