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Laurel Ridge Christmas Village

“What are you looking for?” Marta asked.

“Not sure, really.” Trilby stared at the collection of handmade baubles. “Something nice for our tree, maybe.”

“Our tree.” Marta shook her head. “You’re so domesticated.”

“What’s wrong with that? Brendan and I are happy. Maybe you should try it.”

“Joining Mom’s choir are you?”

“Don’t then.” Trilby shrugged. “Whatever makes you happy, makes me happy. You want to be a lonely old cat lady? What’s it to me?”

“Nothing wrong with cats.” Marta frowned as she scanned the park. “And there’s nothing wrong with that.”

Trilby stopped studying the ornaments to see what her friend was gawking at. “Him again?”

“Makes a mean turducken. Works hard. Hot as a flippin’ volcano…”

“Come on.” Trilby grabbed her hand.

“What?”

“You can’t just keep stalking this poor guy. Either talk to him or move on.”

“I can’t bother him. He’s working.” Marta struggled to escape her friend’s grip.

“He’s been working hard since before we got here. Probably due for a break.”

“Trilby, stop.”

Her friend turned to glare at her. “Now what?”

“This isn’t the right time.”

“Anytime is the right time to fall in love, my dear.”

“Gee, aren’t you cold?” Sarah asked.

“No, this is my winter uniform and, well, can you keep a secret?”

She nodded emphatically.

“Keeping my height up burns a lot of calories. So, if anything, I’m actually kind of hot.”

‘You can say that again, buster.’ Sarah just grinned and giggled. “That’s good. I was worried.”

“That’s so sweet. I appreciate you looking out for me.”

Sarah blushed and giggled some more. “Oh, burns calories? Do you need to eat something?”

“The vendors have been very generous with the free samples.”

“They’re not free, exactly. You took your picture with them. You’re all over social media and people’s business pages.” She pulled out a tablet and thumbed through some pages for him.

“Ha ha, I like that one. The funnel cake guy is a card.”

“Steve’s great.” She nodded. “So, is there anything you need?”

“Actually, I think some of my markers are running out. Do you have a fresh set for me somewhere?”

“Markers? Sure.” She fished around in her purse. “What colors do you need?”

“Blue? Maybe silver?”

She pulled some up to hand to him. His finger brushed against hers as he took the markers from her. His dark eyes stood out against the lighter blue of his domino mask. “Is that okay?”

He looked at them. “Sure, these will be great. You’re awesome.”

She froze. She had to. If she didn’t, she’d probably melt away into a puddle and slide down the hill.

“Is Sarah taking good care of you?” Carol asked.

“Absolutely, she’s the best.” He smiled.

Sarah clutched onto Carol’s arm to keep from falling dead in the aisle. She giggled as he walked away.

“Sarah, you’re cutting off my circulation, dear.” Carol pried her arm free of her assistant’s grip.

“Oh. My. God.”

“Sarah, breathe.”

Sarah massaged her forehead. “Easy for you to say.”

“Why don’t you ask him out?”

“WHAT?” Sarah shrieked.

Everyone stopped and looked at her. She blushed and took a giant step in back of her boss. Foot traffic and Christmas shopping resumed.

“Carol, what are you talking about? I can’t ask him out?”

“Why not? He’ll be here all month. I’ll bet he’d like to go see a movie or something.”

Sarah clenched her fists over her glowing cheeks and squealed. “Are you trying to kill me?”

“What? He’s nice. I’m sure he’d like some company.”

“But, but, but… He’s famous.”

“Okay, don’t.” Carol looked around. “How are the vendors doing?”

“Vendors?” She shook her head and pulled up the pictures she’d been showing to Megaman. “They’re getting a lot of mileage out of this.”

“Good. Just what we hoped for.”

“Hey.” Greg waved.

“Hi.” Ryan leaned on his broom. “Shopping for Meghan?”

“No, she’s just down the way at the deep fried ice cream stand.”

Ryan shook his head. “That’s a thing?”

“Want to try some?”

“Pass.” He smirked. “Tell you what. I’m almost done here. Wouldn’t mind a ride, if that’s okay.”

“Sure. What time do you finish up?” Greg pulled his phone out.

“I’m done at noon.”

“That gives us some time to browse. Find me when you’re done and we’ll head back.”

“Thanks. Enjoy your fried craziness.” He smiled. “What do you know about those two?”

“Who?”

“These two kids have been stalking me.” He nodded over his shoulder.

“Oh, ha ha. Trilby and Marta are a little eccentric.”

“Seems like. Are they okay?”

“Trilby is married to Jeb’s cousin, Brendan. She’s a librarian at the university library.”

“No kidding?”

“Yes. Her friend is Marta Kwock. Honestly, I haven’t figured out what she actually does. I assume she does some kind of freelance work, but I don’t know what it is.”

“Well, what’s their deal?”

“Trilby is happily married. If they’re acting strangely and stalking you, it’s a fair bet that Marta has a crush on you.”

Ryan shook his head. “Is it twelve yet?”

“Well, there you go.” Trilby said, peeking out from behind the soft pretzel stand.

“What?” Marta peeked over her shoulder.

“He’s talking to Pastor Greg. That’s your in.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“He was at the church dinner yesterday and he’s chatting it up with Pastor Greg. He’ll probably be there at church on Sunday.”

“Or he’ll be here working.” Marta hissed in her ear.

“Either way, we need to get Greg to put in a good word for you.”

“Why would he do that?”

“Why wouldn’t he?” Trilby ducked around the corner as Ryan approached.

“He’s a pastor, not a yente.”

“You’d be surprised. Besides, if we want to get Greg to recommend you to Ryan…”

“We need to get Meghan to make him think it’s his own idea. Trilby, I didn’t realize how devious you actually are.” She gave her friend a hug. 

“Why else would we be best friends?”

“Wait, what’s that supposed to mean?”

“Never mind. Let’s go find Meghan.” Trilby grabbed Marta’s sleeve and hurried down the hill.