Total pages in book: 40
Estimated words: 38335 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 192(@200wpm)___ 153(@250wpm)___ 128(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 38335 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 192(@200wpm)___ 153(@250wpm)___ 128(@300wpm)
“Go on,” Poppy urges gently, nudging me forward. “Tell him.”
Clearing my throat, I summon the courage to speak the truth. “I think it may have some nutrient deficiencies.”
My words finally have him accepting defeat. “Shit,” the curse hisses past his lips as he pushes away from his truck. “Can’t even buy a damn Christmas tree without being taken like a chump.”
Poppy pats his arm, offering support. “Don’t worry about it. We’ll go get another one, and this time, I’ll make sure they know exactly who they’re dealing with.”
The way she tries to console him is both sweet and amusing.
“There isn’t anymore,” Mike tells her, expression grim. “I went to three other tree farms before this one, and this was the best they had. Turns out, Annemarie’s mom isn’t the only nut job who puts her tree up early.”
I have no idea when Annemarie’s mom put their tree up, but I wouldn’t exactly consider this early.
“So, what are we going to do?” Poppy asks, a note of concern edging her voice.
“What about an artificial tree?” I suggest. “I have a spare one in the back you’re welcome to have.”
Poppy ponders the idea. “We’ve never had one of those before,” she reflects thoughtfully, looking up at her brother. “Might be the way to go. That way, we’ll always have a tree, and you can save yourself the humiliation of being taken like a chump.”
Mike grunts at her playful jab but ultimately agrees. “All right. Go ahead and ring it up. I’ll use this one for firewood.”
I dismiss his offer with a flick of my hand. “Don’t worry about paying for it. You can just have it.”
His gaze sharpens in disapproval. “We’re not doing this, Hollis. Ring it up.”
My back stiffens at the demand, eyes narrowing. “There’s no price for it, Mike, since it was last year’s display model.”
“Then make a price for it,” he snaps, refusing to back down. “I’m not just taking it.”
God, he’s infuriating. Hot too, but mostly infuriating.
“Can we argue about this over pizza please?” Poppy interjects. “I’m starving.”
Guilt quickly plagues me for arguing in front of her.
Mike backs down, clearly feeling the same. “How about we get it to go?” he suggests, his tone softer. “It’s getting late, and it’ll take time to unload everything.”
Poppy nods her agreement. “That’s fine. As long as Hollis can come too.”
I quickly decline the offer, not wanting to intrude. “Oh, no, that’s okay. You guys go ahead. We’ll grab pizza another time.”
“No, I want you to come too,” Poppy insists. “Please? It’ll be fun. We can decorate the tree, eat pizza, have hot chocolate, and maybe even watch a Christmas movie.”
Her excitement is infectious, sparking a genuine smile from me. As lovely as it sounds, I know I can’t accept.
I’m just about to let her down gently when Mike intervenes. “You should come.”
My gaze snaps to his, surprise coursing through me. I search his expression, trying to decipher if he’s just being polite.
“I can bring you back to your car after we finish,” he adds, as if sensing my thoughts.
“Please?” Poppy begs, her hands folded in a pleading gesture.
A smile touches my lips as I relent. “Okay. I’ll come. Thank you for inviting me.”
“Yay!” Poppy cheers, fist-pumping the air.
We head inside to retrieve the tree and discover a treasure trove of other decorations waiting to be used. Garland, lights, and ornaments are scattered about, beckoning to be brought to life. I gather them all, much to Mike’s dismay, then we set off on what promises to be an eventful evening.
Mike
Poppy’s right, I am a chump. A dumbass chump who gets duped into buying shitty Christmas trees then invites the hot California girl he’s been trying to resist to help decorate it.
I’m starting to think I have a twisted fetish for self-inflicted torture. I could blame the decision on wanting to make Poppy happy, but the truth is, I wanted Hollis to come as much as she did. I look forward to seeing her every time I pick up my sister. It’s become my favorite part of the day. An anticipation that never fades, even long after leaving…
Yeah, I’m definitely a chump, and being in these tight quarters with her isn’t helping.
Thankfully, it’s not long before I turn into our quiet cul-de-sac and pull into the driveway.
“We’re here,” Poppy declares, her voice bubbling with excitement. “Who’s ready to get their Christmas cheer on?”
Hollis eagerly raises her hand, her energy matching my sister’s. “Me!”
Their expectant gazes turn my way, awaiting some form of response.
Truthfully, I couldn’t care less about embracing the holiday cheer, but I know it means something to my sister. So, I muster up a noncommittal grunt for her sake.
“That’s the spirit!” She gives me a punch to the shoulder, then bounds her merry ass out of the vehicle.
Amused, Hollis follows suit, her soft laugh lingering in the truck like my favorite song. One I would gladly listen to on repeat if I could.