Page 30 of Deck the Hauls

I stretched my feet. “It’s not a career to choose if you crave stability. I started acting in school plays and drama class and couldn’t stop. I just love the feeling of being immersed in a role, experiencing life from a different perspective, bringing stories to life. Did you feel that today at all, Grumpy Waitress?” I popped a marshmallow in my mouth.

Dana chuckled. “Not really, although perhaps the grumpy waitress and I are a little too similar for me to be transported into a different perspective."

I raised an eyebrow. “In what way?”

“Well, we’re both a little grumpy and don’t like Austin.”

I laughed. “I really don’t think he’s that bad. And I definitely don’t think you’re a grump. Not at all. I’ve seen how much you care about your job and how much you’ve helped me this week. Do you think you’ll stay at Red Tractor Farm long term?”

She shrugged. “I’d like to have my own farm one day, but at the moment I’m happy working with Roz and saving some money. Despite her sometimes brisk exterior, she’s a good boss.”

Dana’s phone pinged.

“Goddamnit,” she muttered, glaring at the screen. “I take back what I said about Roz being a good boss.”

“Is everything okay?”

“I’m helping set up for the Christmas market Roz is holding at the farm next weekend. She just messaged to say I’ll be in charge of the decorations.” Dana grimaced. “Why she thinks that’s a good idea is beyond me. I don’t have a decorative bone in my body. I’ll see if I can switch with someone else.”

I frowned. What could be better than doing decorations? Dana really must hate Christmas.

Dana stood, shoving her phone back into her pocket. “Should we head back?”

Refueled, we returned to the rink. I was actually looking forward to skating again. I stepped onto the ice with significantly more confidence, and nearly toppled over. Dana grabbed my arm just in time.

“Thanks!” I clutched her upper arm, trying not to focus on how Dana’s grip was somehow strong and gentle at the same time.

“Sometimes it takes a minute or two to readjust to being back on the ice,” Dana said, gliding out smoothly.

After a few minutes, I found my balance again. We skated past the large Christmas tree. Now that I wasn’t fixated on trying not to fall over, I was able to admire it. It was impressively tall.

“It almost looks like a real one,” I said, slowing to peer at it.

Dana chuckled. “It is a real one. From Red Tractor Farm. I delivered it earlier this week.”

“Oh, cool. Does it last long out here?”

“Up to six weeks, if they keep it well watered and it’s not too windy.”

I smiled. It was pretty amazing to think it had been a plain tree in the ground just last weekend, and now it was decorated to the hilt for all of Sapphire Springs to enjoy.

A couple wearing holiday sweaters and matching red scarves and green beanies skated past holding hands. Now they knew the magic of Christmas. My chest hollowed out. That was absolute couple goals—if I was interested in being in a couple, which I wasn’t right now. They skated to the side of the rink, halting in front of the Christmas tree and sharing a kiss.

My face heated. I glanced at Dana, skating next to me with strong, powerful strokes. Her breath was white against the cool night air. I wouldn’t mind kissing her right now. I clenched my jaw. Don’t go there, Emily.

Perhaps I should stop spending so much time with Dana. I needed to focus on acting, not get distracted by someone I didn’t have any chance of a future with. And definitely not make it my mission to help her discover the joy of Christmas again. That sounded like a plot straight out of a HolLove movie. Quite ridiculous.

I picked up my pace, focusing on the sensation of my legs gliding in time to “Santa Tell Me.” This was better than I remembered rollerblading ever being. So effortless.

I passed a teenager clutching onto the side of the rink and smiled at her. That was me only an hour ago and now look at me. It almost felt like I was fly⁠—

A man whooshed in front of me, cutting me off. Fuck!

My feet slid out from under me.

For a stomach churning moment, I teetered, trying to steady myself.

And then I fell.