Just For The Holidays (Home for the Holidays)

23. Nichol

Chapter 23

Nichol

Meddlesome Mama

“ I told you I’d get your order to Teddy.” Nichol chews his lip nervously and knots his arms to cut oxygen off from the wildfire rising through his chest and spreading up his neck.

“I know, but I forgot to write down butter rolls. We need two dozen.” Rebecca beams, ignoring Nichol’s glaring discomfort, and turning her attention to the baker.

Carl stuffs his hands in his pockets and acknowledges Nichol’s concern with a defeated but sympathetic shrug.

“Hi, Teddy.” Rebecca lights up with a mischievous gleam in her scheming eyes.

“Hi, Mrs. Anderson.” Teddy briefly looks up from the jumble of order slips and starts gathering ingredients.

Katie and her big mouth. Nichol hadn’t expected his sister to spill the gossip so soon, but he’d brought this upon himself. He’ll deal with her later.

“How have you been? I haven’t seen you in ages… I need to pop in here more often. I do miss your delicious doughnuts.” Rebecca rambles, dropping down on a stool. The vinyl cushion sighs—for poor Nichol—as she settles in for the unannounced visit.

Teddy smiles and offers a quick glance, completely unaware Rebecca is about to cast her lure in his direction and dangle it until he bites.

Nichol’s flush brightens and his eyes beg his father for mercy.

Carl gently squeezes Rebecca’s shoulder, but she pays no attention. Her eyes are fixed on the unsuspecting baker. Nichol can read her plot like an open book.

“Do you have plans for Christmas?” she pries.

“Mom,” Nichol mumbles, knowing exactly where this is going.

“Umm…” Teddy sets the slips down and briefly ponders a response. “Nope.”

“We’re having a little family gathering. That’s why we need some of your scrumptious goodies.’’ She casts her lure.

“Nice.” Teddy smiles, collecting measuring utensils and rubber spatulas from the large drawer under the workbench.

“Nichol hasn’t invited you to join us?” The lure plunks.

“Mom…” Nichol growls warningly.

Rebecca flashes a smirk, dismissively. She won't be dissuaded.

“No,” Teddy responds, confused.

“Nichol!” Rebecca scolds. “You’re not spending Christmas alone, I hope?” She turns back to Teddy, teasing the lure to get his attention.

“Just me and GiGi,” he shrugs.

“No no no.” Rebecca leans her elbows on the counter.

Nichol is vibrating with panic, glaring at his complicit father.

Carl chews his cheek. “Becs, we need to go pickup our tree.” He makes a valiant effort.

She’s paying no attention to Carl—or Nichol. “You’re going to come and join us!” Rebecca declares. “It’s Christmas Eve.”

Teddy pauses, searching for words to speak. There’s panic on his face too, as he’s fighting to release from the hook.

“You’re not spending the holiday alone.” Rebecca reels him in. “Come by around five.”

Nichol surrenders. There’s no derailing Rebecca Anderson when she has her sights set on a mission. Especially if she’s playing Cupid . He’s going to have to explain himself to the poor baker, without looking like a complete asshat.

Teddy is still stunned.

“I’m making a roast dinner. It’ll be perfect with those gorgeous butter rolls you make.” Rebecca beams.

“Okay. Let’s go get that tree.” Carl tugs at her coat sleeve.

“Yes,” she agrees and winks at Nichol.

He’s frozen and glowing as pink as the storefront with the holiday lights in the window, twinkling in his hollow eyes.

Carl finally manages to pull Rebecca out the door and down the sidewalk.