Page 82 of 27 Kisses

I study his face. “Is this a trick? Even I know that Advent calendars count down to Christmas.”

“This one’s special. It gives kisses on Christmas. Unless you don’t want it.”

I grab his T-shirt. “I want it. Give it to me.”

He cups my face and stares into my eyes. “Merry Christmas, Garrett.”

“Merry Christmas, Aidyn.”

This kiss lasts a while.

Twenty-Two

AIDYN

One Day after Christmas

Garrett’s hiding something.And that’s fine. I don’t need to know everything. I trust him, but it’s bothering him. That isn’t fine. Because he’s good at this whole sacrifice-my-needs-for-those-I-love thing. And I’m not having it.

I could ask him, but it’s like pulling teeth from a tiger to get anything out of him. So I’m going straight to the person who would know.

Nat.

I get her number from Isaac. He does most of the scheduling for Zyetastic Weddings, so he talks to her often.

She thinks we should meet in person. When I suggest Zye’s shop, she counters with a meeting at the diner before it opens.

I’m missing something. But I have no idea what until she arrives at the diner. Then the pieces start to fall into place.

Nat walks around the kitchen inspecting, but I step in front of her when she tries to check the pantry.

“Looking for something?”

She gives me a bright smile. “I’m just looking around. Is…um, Ramon here?”

“No. We don’t open until this afternoon. It’s barely ten in the morning.”

“Right,” she says with a laugh. She checks the aprons hanging on a hook. “Is this Ramon’s?”

“Are you here to help me or get with my cook?”

She spins around. “Oh, well,” she says with a shrug. “Can’t I do both?

“Look, I don’t have much time?—”

The back door opens, and I swear to God, my cook, who is never on time if he can help it, shows up five hours early for his shift. Jesus, Joseph, and Mary. What have I gotten myself into?

“Hey, boss.” He nods at me and gives Nat a sheepish smile. “Hi, Nat.”

“Hi, Ramon. I hope everything went all right with your mom.”

I let out a frustrated sound, and they both stare at me. “I need answers. Preferably before you two start—” I almost say making out and then decide dating might be a better choice. In the end, I just wave my hand at them.

Nat walks over, her boots clicking on the kitchen tile. “Listen here, Christy. If you and Garrett would talk to each other, you wouldn’t need my help.” Her brows raise, and she snaps her gum. I hate people who snap their gum, but I do need her help.

“We do talk. But this— I don’t know what this is. But it’s bothering him.”

“Why should I help you?” She crosses her arms and taps one foot as she waits for an answer.