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Page 6 of A Perfectly Splendid Christmas (On the Way to Christmas)

Kacey and Drew both shook their heads, and the server disappeared.

“This looks delicious.” Kacey lifted her fork.

Drew retrieved the A.1. sauce at the end of the table and began pouring it over his steak. “I agree.”

They were silent while they both started eating, and contentment settled over Kacey. She remembered their senior year and

how their close friendship had suddenly fractured. It felt good to pick up right where they left off before things changed

for the worse. Talking with Drew had always been easy. She forked a bit of chicken, and when she looked up, she found Drew

watching her with an intensity that sent goose bumps trailing up her arms.

“Whatever happened to Bennett?” she asked, wondering why she decided to bring him up in that moment.

Drew hesitated. “Last I heard he was married and living in Atlanta.”

“You don’t keep up with him?”

He shook his head. “I guess you lost touch with him?”

“We lost touch in college. After all, I went to UNC Charlotte, and he went to Chapel Hill. Long distance never works, and

we were so young. I never felt like we really clicked anyway.” She began cutting up her potato. “How do you like teaching?”

His green eyes sparkled in the light of the colorful Tiffany lamp hanging above their booth. “I love it. There’s something

magical about watching the children learn how to play their instruments. It’s a gift, really. I feel like the luckiest guy

on the planet.”

“That’s amazing, and it’s so you.” She smiled with renewed admiration for him.

“It’s so me?” He almost looked offended. “What does that mean?”

“You’ve always been so giving and thoughtful. I can remember countless times when you rearranged your schedule to drive me

here or there because I didn’t have a car. You always put other people before you.”

He ate a fry and pushed his plate toward her. “Want one?”

“Thanks.” She chose a fry and dipped it in his ketchup.

“What about you? I know you’re a graphic designer, but do you like your work?”

She nodded. “I love designing websites, logos, and promotional material. I can really work anywhere.”

“So why don’t you stay here?”

She felt her eyebrow lift.

“I’m sure your mom and sister would love to have you here instead of three hours away.” His words came out at a quick clip.

“You said you’re helping your sister, right?”

“That’s true, and I love it here. But I’ve always wanted to live in a city. I’m sure you remember how I used to collect postcards

from big cities.”

“Oh yeah! You had an entire wall dedicated to postcards.” He cut up more steak. “What happened to those?”

“They were tossed into a box and shoved in the attic when Mom decided to transform my room into a craft and sewing room.”

“Oh.”

They ate in silence for a few moments.

“So, Travis lost his job?” Drew asked.

She nodded and wiped her mouth with a napkin. “Yes, he was laid off about three months ago. He was working in IT at a bank.

He’s been on a few interviews, but nothing has worked out yet.”

Drew pushed a fry through the ketchup, creating a swirly pattern. “I’m sorry to hear that. I’ll ask around at work.”

“That would be great, thank you.” She spooned the vegetables. “So, where are you living? Do you rent one of those condos on

the north side of town?”

“Do you remember that little yellow house on Zimmer Avenue?”

She tilted her head. “The one with the purple shutters?”

“That’s the one.” He grinned.

She gasped. “You bought that place?”

“I sure did.”

“Are you kidding me?” she asked and he shook his head. “Tell me you kept the purple shutters.”

“Sadly, no. I painted the house gray, and the shutters are white.”

“Oh, well.” She laughed. “I never expected you to buy that place.”

He shrugged. “The little old lady who owned it passed away, and it happened to be in my price range.”

“That’s so cool. I have to see it.”

“Well, then you’ll have to come for supper one night.”

“It’s a date.” She lifted her glass, and her nerves began humming when she realized what she’d said.

“It’s nothing compared to my parents’ mansion on the lake though.”

“You know I always loved that cute little house, and now it’s yours.”

“That’s right, and it’s just enough space for me and my two cats.”

Questions filtered through her mind as she imagined him in his own little house, and she thought about his relationship status

on Facebook. How could Drew actually be single? He was such a great catch! “Your cats are too cute.”

He leaned forward. “Have you been stalking my social media?”

“Maybe?” She gave her best coy smile, along with a palms up, and he laughed. “How are your folks?”

“The same. My dad still makes comments about how I could make some ‘real money’ if I gave up teaching and joined his financial

planning firm.” He rolled his eyes. “Everything with him is about money, and he thinks I don’t make enough.”

Kacey set her fork down and studied him. “Your father isn’t proud of you for being a teacher?”

“He says it’s a noble profession, but he wants to leave the financial planning firm to me since I’m an only child. I have

no interest in that.” He shrugged. “It’s no big deal. I just ignore him.” He picked up his drink once again. “I applied for

a job as the music department head for Catawba County. The office is in Newton, but it’s a big pay raise.”

“Oh wow. Would you have to sell the house?”

“Yeah, but I doubt I’ll even get the job.”

The server appeared. “Do you need anything else tonight?”

Drew leaned forward. “Share a molten lava cake with me for old time’s sake.”

She hesitated, and he gave her his best puppy dog look. “That’s no fair, Drew Murphy. You know I can’t resist that expression.”

“It always works.” He turned toward the server. “We’ll split a molten lava cake.”

“Coming right up,” she said.