Page 16 of Snowflakes and Ice Skates

“Shouldn’t Dad and Steven have that honor since they weren’t here to help?” I smiled sweetly.

Mom cocked her brow and laughed. “Nice try. Go get your coats on.”

I looked down at my sweats covered in flour. “I need to change. I’ll be back in a second.”

When I came downstairs in more appropriate clothing, Vince and Mom were waiting, each holding a basket full of plates. “Yours is in the kitchen. I’m going to go to the left, you and Vince take the right.”

I didn’t bother arguing. Once that woman made up her mind there was no changing it. For some reason she kept thinking forcing us together was a great idea.

“Come on.”

I went to the kitchen and picked up my basket before walking out with Vince. We trudged along the wet sidewalks to the next house. At least there wasn’t ice on the ground or that would take this errand to a whole new level.

“I’ll get this one.” I stepped forward, but he followed me up the path. I looked over my shoulder and eyed him. “You can start on the other side of the street.”

He just smiled. “I think it will be more fun to go together.”

Yeah, freezing for longer than necessary sounds super fun.

Whatever, there was no talking sense into him, and I couldn’t say anything since we were starting over. I needed to play nice.

I knocked on the door and waited for Ms. Baker. She swung the door open and beamed. “Oh, my sweet Harlow. What do you have for me?”

“Merry Christmas, Mrs. Baker. We’ve got thumbprints, peppermint pinwheels, gingerbread, sugar, and some eggnog meltaways for you this year.”

She held her hands over her chest. “Oh goodness. I’m going to need an army to help me eat these.” She winked at me before looking to Vince. “And you have your very own helper this year.”

I nodded. “My personal little elf.”

Mrs. Baker laughed, and I didn’t dare turn around to see how Vince was reacting.

“I always knew you two had the capacity to get along.”

I forced my smile to remain and fought the urge to argue.

“We’ll see you tomorrow night, Mrs. Baker.” Vince said, using this charming smile.

I was grateful he’d created our escape before I said or did anything embarrassing like stomp my foot and tell her we were still enemies, he was just having a good day. Instead, I took the steps down and turned to wave to my favorite neighbor.

“See you kids later.”

When we got to the sidewalk and headed to the next house, Vince laughed. “That was hard on you wasn’t it?”

“What?” I wasn’t going to volunteer information until we were on the same page.

“Not correcting her. Letting her think we’re getting along.”

I looked up at him and batted my eyelashes. “Aren’t we?”

He pursed his lips and I had to force myself to look away from them. “I am. I don’t know if you’re convinced yet.”

I stopped and looked at him. “Honestly? Why would I? You’ve spent your whole life either ignoring or teasing me. Why would I believe you’re suddenly a changed man?”

Instead of getting offended like I expected, he gave me a gentle smile. “I deserve that. I know I haven’t been always very nice to you, but that doesn’t mean I didn’t care. You were the closest thing to a little sister I’ve ever had.”

I couldn’t help it. I rolled my eyes. I was sick of hearing that. I wasn’t his sister.

“I know it’s not true. I know you aren’t my little sister, and seeing how grown up you are now, I need to treat you the way you deserve. You’re not some little girl I can pick on. You’re a woman—we’re equal.”