Page 11 of Snowflakes and Ice Skates

After eating I finally gave in and went to go get ready for the day. Well, evening.

I showered and let my curls air dry while putting on a bit of makeup. It didn’t matter how much effort I put in. I was a little sister in Vince’s eyes.

When I was ready I went back down where he was waiting for me.

“Are you ready for a wild night?”

I laughed and pulled on my coat. “Let’s do this.”

He walked me out to his car and opened the door for me. This time I wasn’t nearly as awkward and got in without having to be reminded.

“Harvey’s for hot chocolate?”

I nodded. That was my favorite little drive through. It only serves drinks and desserts. As if anyone needed more than that. I was surprised, yet again, that he knew how much I loved it.

“Perfect. I saw they have a salted caramel one that I thought you’d like.”

Huh. Two in a row. How did he know all things salted caramel were my weakness?

“That sounds amazing.”

We got our drinks and decided to try a few cookies, because why not. It’s the holidays. The one time of the year when calories don’t count.

“Do you think the sleigh will go through the Avenues again?”

I nodded and took a sip. Those streets were always the best. Instead of just decorating your house, the whole block came together to create a whole scene. Each year had a different theme and I couldn’t wait to see what it was this time. The city used to alternate the sleigh routes each year, but the Avenues became the main attraction.

We drove to the other side of town and got in the long line of cars with the same idea.

“Let’s get in line.” He jumped out and went to the trunk before I had my seatbelt off. I got out, careful not to spill my hot chocolate and met him at the back of the car.

“I’ve got a blanket, hand warmers, and refills.” He held up a thermos and looked proud.

“Wow. You thought of everything.” I was surprised by the thought and preparation he put into this. I wasn’t expecting him to go all out.

I took the blanket and we got in line for the sleigh ride. There were five or six sleighs rotating so we didn’t have to wait too long.

“Our turn.” Vince helped me up and waited until I was settled before climbing in behind me. We laied out the blanket and he offered me a set of hand warmers. “Warm enough?”

I nodded. It felt strange sitting next to him like this. It was something couples did. A date thing. We weren’t on a date, but everyone around us was.

I took a sip of my drink and focused on the warm seeping down to my stomach. This was just two friends going to see the lights. No big deal.

The horses started trotting and we were on our way. We turned onto the first street I gasped. “Rocking Around the Christmas Tree” played out loud and there were thousands of flashing lights, guitars the size of doors and halfway down was a stage with light up elves playing in a band.

“This is amazing.”

Vince shook his head. “I always wonder how they’ll out do the year before, but I’ve never been let down.”

The next street was decked out in a way I’d never seen. I almost jumped up and asked for them to stop the sleigh. I wanted to live in this moment forever.

“It’s Nightmare Before Christmas!” I squealed. That was one of my very favorite movies. I pointed out Jack and Sally and the boogie man.

Vince laughed at me and took it all in. Luckily, the sleigh went slowly enough so I could memorize every detail.

“This was my favorite. In all of the years, this one is the best.”

“I’m glad you liked it.”