Page 70 of King of Pain

“You’re diabolical,” I tell her when he’s out of earshot.

She scoffs. “Hey, if he doesn’t know the song, he never stood a chance.”

“Let’s be real,Jenny—he never stood a chance anyway.”

She shoves me, laughing. “True.”

Later, as the store quiets, Jen sidles up to me with a sly smile. “Your special delivery came in,” she says, her voice low.

My pulse kicks with excitement. “Really?”

“Yep.” She glances across the shop at Chance, then back at me. “I see you, Anthony.”

Heat crawls up my neck. “It’s nothing,” I mutter.

“Mmhmm,” she says, her smirk growing. “Keep telling yourself that.”

Chance walks up to join us, and Jen shifts her attention. “What are you boys doing for Christmas? As you know, I’ll be skiing with my cousins, so don’t do anything fun without me.”

“Well,” Chance says, his grin crooked, “I’m a lucky bastard. Ant’s cooking another feast, and we’re going to watch Christmas movies.”

Jen raises an eyebrow. “Cozy,” she says, drawing the word out.

Near the end of the night, I hand Jen her holiday present—a small box wrapped in silver paper. Jen’s Jewish, but she likes doing the one gift with me right before Christmas. She opens it and gasps softly. Inside is a necklace with a silver pendant shaped like a vinyl record, engraved with the wordsThat’s What Friends Are For.

Her eyes shimmer as she hugs me tightly. “This is so special,” she whispers. “Thank you, you big sappy-sap. But if you tell anyone I love that song, those will be the last words you speak.”

I laugh. “Happy Holidays, Jen.”

She pulls a bag from behind the counter and shoves it into my hands. “Your turn.”

I open it to find a framed photo of the two of us, the frame etched withBesties, and a gift certificate to Visconti, my favorite restaurant.

“Stop looking at me like that,” she says, rolling her eyes. “You’re not the only sappy-sap around here. By the way, that gift certificate is enough for two people.”

I snicker. “We’ll go when you’re back from skiing.”

She grins devilishly. “I wasn’t talking about me.” She nudges her chin in Chance’s direction, and I feel my face heat.

“Oh. Um, maybe,” I stammer.

“Mmhmm,” she hums.

When the last customer leaves, I flip the sign toClosedand lock the door behind them. Jen waves from where she’s pulling on her jacket. “You boys still good with closing-up shop? I’ve got cousins to terrorize and a suitcase to pack.”

“Yeah, we’ve got it,” Chance says, shooting her a wink. “Enjoy the slopes, use protection.”

Jen rolls her eyes but smiles as she heads out. “Don’t burn the place down while I’m gone,” she teases as I wait to let her out and relock the door behind her.

With just the two of us left, Chance and I finish tidying up the store. He hums bits of“Last Christmas”as he straightens stray records. It makes me laugh and shake my head at how infectious his energy is.

By the time we’ve turned off the lights and locked the door behind us, stepping out onto Mill Ave., I feel lighter—freer than I’ve felt in years.

Chance stretches his arms over his head, the motion exposing a sliver of skin beneath the long sleeve shirt under his leather jacket. “Hey, so,” he says, letting his arms drop casually, “I texted Lexi, and she’s taking Little G out for us. I haven’t had a chance to really check out Mill Avenue at night yet, but I love how lit up it is for Christmas. Thought maybe you could show me around?”

His blue eyes catch the glint of the string lights overhead, softening as he grins. “What do ya say, Beautiful? Wanna give me the tour?” Chance asks. He looks too good in that jacket, the cool December air making his cheeks pink.

I grin and gesture downward from the shop. “I’d love to show you around. Let’s head this way first. There’s a vendor with goodies to keep us warm while we walk. I think you’ll like it.”