Page 52 of A Chef's Kiss for Christmas

Anna blinked slowly at her sister’s hectic work schedule, which suddenly made her own calendar seem very relaxed. Carla always had multiple casual jobs, but the Christmas season was busy for her. As well as her usual jobs – working at a local dog shelter and some pet sitting work – she’d also be playing the role of a Christmas elf at a couple of local attractions.

From the schedule she’d sent over, she’d mostly be at a local educational farm, donning her elf outfit at the Santa’s grotto.

You could always call in and visit Santa,Carla wrote.I’ll be there all day today, and it shouldn’t be too busy. I can take a coffee break, and you can tell me about the party. Say you’re my sister and they’ll let you in the farm for free.

I have work to do this morning,she replied,but maybe this afternoon.

It turned out that she struggled to concentrate anyway, so she gave up on packaging her soaps and candles after lunch and set off for the fifteen-minute drive to the farm.

Too embarrassed to talk her way in for free, she paid the entrance fee and accepted the map of the farm with its special Christmas events, including the Santa’s Grotto, a light trail, and a festive train ride.

Carla’s eyes lit up at the sight of Anna. “You made it!”

“I fancied visiting Santa,” she said, tipping her head towards the cabin behind Carla.

Her sister tilted her head, making the bell on her hat jangle. “Have you been good this year?”

“Very good,” Anna said, smothered by her sister’s hug. “But I actually just wanted to see you since I don’t think I’ll see you until Christmas Eve at this rate.”

“I took on too much work,” she said, stepping back and setting her hands on her shiny belt buckle. “Not that this really feels like work. It’s way too much fun.”

“Do you get coffee breaks?”

“Yes. But I’ll need to wait for the other elf to get back from his lunch break.”

“There’s a male elf?” Anna asked, lifting an eyebrow. “Is he cute?”

“All elves are cute,” Carla said. “It’s a requirement of the job. He’s not my type, though.” She smiled at the children in the line, then brought her attention back to Anna. “Why don’t you have a look around the farm, and I’ll come and find you soon.”

With the decorations and a smattering of snowflakes in the air, the atmosphere on the farm was wonderfully festive. She’d visited the sheep and horses and was just walking out of the cowshed when Carla approached her with two takeaway cups in her hands. A big black puffer coat covered most ofher elf outfit. Only her striped red and green tights and polished black shoes stuck out of the bottom of the long coat.

“I’ve got fifteen minutes,” she said, handing over a coffee. “Come with me.”

Anna walked briskly with Carla around the stables to a few empty picnic benches. “It’s always quiet round here,” Carla said, straddling the bench. “How’s everything with you?”

“Good. I thought I was busy until you sent me your schedule. Now I think I have a lot of time on my hands.”

Carla grinned. “I love this time of year.”

“I can see that,” Anna said, flicking the top of her hat to make the bell tinkle.

“How was the party?” Carla asked. “You didn’t say much in your messages.”

“It was great.”

“Yeah? How was it having Warren there?”

“Really good,” she said and felt her cheeks flush.

Carla leaned forward, resting her elbows on the table. “Can you please be more descriptive in your answers! Remember, I only have fifteen minutes. Tell me the juicy details already. What did Hayden think of you having a date with you?”

“Warren reckons Hayden was jealous, but I’m not sure.” She wrapped her hands around the mug for warmth. “For once, Hayden didn’t have a date with him. He split up with Nicola.”

“I bet he really hated that you had a date then.”

“Who knows what goes through his head.” Anna pressed her lips together. “He said something weird though…”

“What?” Carla asked eagerly.