Page 92 of Deck the Hauls

It was probably for the best that there was an end date on Emily’s stay in Sapphire Springs. Not being able to be ourselves in public, not being able to share our relationship with people close to us...I didn’t want to live my life like that.

But now, I couldn’t imagine life without her.

CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

EMILY

Charles sat at a square wooden table next to the large window, the sun streaming through the glass. The window looked out on a row of brownstones, cars—and Dana’s truck—parked on the street in front of them.

My chest tightened. Was Charles going to tell us Austin had gotten away with his behavior scot-free? I wanted to hold Dana’s hand, feel her warmth and steadiness.

I had seen at least three other same-sex couples walking around the Christmas lights last night, completely comfortable being themselves. One couple had even had kids. Maybe things had changed—in Dyker Heights and society more broadly. Was I being overly cautious?

We stepped into the café, the rich smell of freshly ground coffee washing over me.

I shot a glance at Dana. At the very least, perhaps I should have been open with my parents about Dana, rather than leading them to believe we were just friends. At the time, it had just seemed easier that way—have one story for everyone and avoid my parents prying about our relationship. Why get their hopes up when it would all be over in a few weeks, anyway? And being affectionate with Dana in front of other people didn’t come naturally to me. Although, more and more I was having the urge to do so. I was even finding it hard not talking about Dana—when I’d snuck out this morning to purchase a Christmas present for her, I’d had to bite back telling the shop assistant who it was for.

Charles stood as we approached. He hugged me and gave Dana a surprisingly warm smile. “Good to see you again, Dana. Have you been fielding off job offers since your cameo?”

Dana snorted. “Nope. Are you interested in having me back for a starring role?”

Charles chuckled as he sat back down. “I’m afraid I don’t have any grumpy waitress roles coming up in the foreseeable future, but I’ll let you know if anything comes up.”

“Are you suggesting I’m a one-off?” Dana scowled, but her lips twitched.

“What? Never.” Charles grinned.

I laughed, but my chest tightened as I took a seat at the table. I also hadn’t been fielding off job offers since the movie came out. My ridiculous fantasy about The Christmas Tree Farm opening new doors for me hadn’t transpired. The movie only came out a few days ago, of course nothing has happened.

“Speaking of job offers.” Charles turned to me after a server left with our orders. “Emily, I’m not sure what next year is looking like for you, but I’d like to see if we can work together again, if that’s something you’re interested in?”

“Really?” I asked, stunned.

“I can’t make any promises—I never have final say in the casting—but I can definitely put you forward. And I’ve been working on a project that, if it gets off its feet, will give me more control over who is cast.”

My stomach fluttered. I was thrilled at the prospect of another role, although was there a risk of getting typecast if I did another HolLove movie? And would I have to work with other jerks like Austin—or Austin himself?

A server with an impressive sleeve of colorful dragon tattoos placed our coffees on the table.

“Would you like an update about Austin?” Charles asked.

I gripped my coffee cup in my hand and nodded.

“I asked around after the party, and while we were editing the film I paid close attention to the shots of him and I formally lodged my concerns with HolLove last week. They might try to sweep it all under the rug, but I think they’ll find it difficult explaining it away with the footage I got. When I cut and zoomed in on all the moments when he touched you unnecessarily, it was pretty clear. I’m sorry, Emily. I wasn’t paying enough attention to it.”

My fingers relaxed their grip. “Thank you. I’m glad they’re doing something about it.”

Charles and HolLove appeared to be taking Dana’s allegations seriously. Perhaps the same would happen if I spoke out against Phillip.

“And don’t worry about it having any impact on you. I made it clear it was based on my observations and comments from onlookers.” Charles turned to Dana. “Thanks again for telling me, Dana.”

My shoulders relaxed. Charles had left me out of it. Although, Charles’ comment indicated he thought it could impact me if it was traced back to me. Speaking out against Phillip would be even worse. Shit.

“No problem. I just hope he never does it again.” Dana brought her coffee to her lips and took a sip.

“Thank you for not mentioning me.” I swallowed a lump in my throat.

“Not that I think it would have been a black mark against you or anything. Things have changed a lot in the past few years.”