Mistletoe Motel

13. Mack

Chapter 13

Mack

M ack leaned back in the booth, pleasantly full from the main course. Marty’s famous Mistletoe turkey had lived up to its reputation—juicy, perfectly seasoned, and served with all the trimmings. The festive atmosphere of the diner, combined with Holly’s company, had made for an unforgettable Christmas Eve dinner.

When their table was cleared, she saw an opportunity. With a dramatic flourish, she reached into her satchel and pulled out two items—a small, neatly wrapped present and the by-now crumpled mystery paper bag from Millie’s gas station. She placed them on the table with a grin.

“Ta-da!” she announced. “I believe it’s time for our gift exchange, princess.”

Holly’s eyebrows shot up. “Well, well,” she said, and with a chuckle, she mirrored Mack’s actions, producing her own wrapped gift and mystery bag from her purse.

“So, who goes first?”

“You go,” Holly said, practically bouncing in her seat with excitement.

Mack didn’t need to be told twice. She grabbed the wrapped gift, tearing into it with childlike enthusiasm. As the paper fell away, she burst into laughter. In her hands was a black beanie with teal letters embroidered across the front: Watertown: Our Departures are as Rare as a Warm Winter Day!

“Oh my god,” she wheezed between fits of laughter. “This is perfect! She immediately pulled the beanie on, adjusting it so her teal hair peeked out from underneath. “How do I look?”

“Like a true Watertown tourist. It suits you.”

“Maybe I’ll model it for you later,” Mack said suggestively. “Seriously, though. I love it. Thank you, Holly. This is going to be a great reminder. Not that I’d ever forget,” she quickly added. “The past two days with you have been the best surprise.”

“Likewise.” Holly took her hand and squeezed it. “I won’t forget either.”

Mack squeezed her back and felt a little emotional because truthfully, she didn’t want to part ways. Not wanting to come across as dramatic, though, she plastered on a grin and turned to her mystery bag. “Now…what have we got here?” She opened it, peered inside, and pulled out the first item. “Oh wow. This is…something else.” It was a small wooden plaque bearing the words Watertown Winter Wonderland 2017 .

“Nice. Seven-year-old stock.” Holly laughed. “I don’t even want to know what else is in there.”

“Well, I’m about to show you anyway,” Mack said, pulling out a key chain with a faded I love Watertown logo, a pair of novelty sunglasses shaped like snowflakes, and a small bag of “Mistletoe Mint” hard candies. She chuckled, displaying her haul. She put on the sunglasses and held up the key chain. “I don’t know about you, but I think I’ve found my new signature look.”

Holly laughed. “Oh yes, very chic. That bag was definitely a winner.” When Mack gestured to her presents, she opened the first one, revealing a coffee mug with I Object to Mornings printed on it in bold, playful letters. She burst into laughter, turning the mug in her hands to admire it from all angles.

“Oh, Mack, I love it! I’ll be thinking of you every morning when I have my coffee now.”

Mack’s eyes met Holly’s. “You could always call me when you’re thinking of me,” she teased, her voice low and playful.

Holly bit her lip, a mischievous glint in her eye. “Or maybe we could meet up? We do live in the same city, after all.”

“We should.” Mack hesitated for a moment, then asked, “Actually, when we’re back…can I take you out on a real date?” Her leg brushed against Holly’s under the table, and she placed a hand on Holly’s thigh. They were back sitting next to each other, leaning in closer as the evening progressed.

Holly’s breath hitched slightly at the contact. “I’d love that,” she murmured, her eyes flickering to Mack’s lips before meeting her gaze again.

Mack’s hand found Holly’s under the table, their fingers intertwining. “I can think of a few places I’d love to take you.”

A charged silence fell between them, a moment that seemed to stretch on forever, and Mack was dying to know what went through her mind. “I suppose I should open my mystery bag now,” she finally said as she reached for it. “Let’s see what Millie’s clearance bin had in store for me.”

Holly pulled out the first item—a slightly dented can of non-alcoholic Watertown Winter Ale, followed by a key chain with a small plastic sprig of mistletoe attached. “Aww…How fitting,” she mused, dangling the key chain above them.

Mack’s cheeks warmed at the memory of their kiss under the mistletoe. “I wouldn’t mind a repeat performance.”

“Me either.” Holly shot her a flirty look and held her gaze for a beat before she pulled the third item out of the mystery bag. It was a pocket-sized booklet titled 101 Fun Facts About Watertown . “This looks…informative.” She chuckled, flipping through the pages. “Did you know that Watertown is home to the world’s largest pheasant statue?”

“I did not know that.” Mack raised a brow. “Perhaps we should add that to our list of things to do before we leave.”

Holly licked her lips and smiled. “I think we can put our time to better use, don’t you?”

Mack’s stomach did a flip as she shifted even closer. They were definitely still on the same page and she couldn’t wait to have Holly to herself tonight. “What did you have in mind?”

“I don’t know…maybe some exploration of the more personal kind?”

Mack brought her lips to Holly’s ear, her voice dropping to a husky whisper. “Personal exploration, huh? I like the sound of that.”

Holly’s eyes sparkled with mischief as she traced her finger along Mack’s arm. “I was hoping you would. Any particular areas you’d like to…explore?”

“Oh, I have a few ideas,” Mack replied, her gaze trailing down Holly’s body before meeting her eyes again. “But I’m open to suggestions.”

Holly bit her lip, suppressing a grin. “Well, I’ve always been curious about the local…scenery. Especially the hidden gems.”

“I’d be happy to give you a thorough tour. Though it might take all night.”

“All night?” Holly echoed. “Promise?”

Mack was about to respond when a loud crash from the kitchen made them both jump. They turned to see Marty emerge from the kitchen, a cloud of powdered sugar billowing around him like a sweet, festive fog. His Christmas sweater was a canvas of white splotches, and a streak of what looked like apple filling decorated his left cheek.

He adjusted his now even more lopsided Santa hat, leaving a sugar handprint on his forehead, and brushed ineffectually at his clothes, sending another puff of sugar into the air. Oblivious to the amused stares of the diners, he straightened his posture and put on his best jolly expression, ready to make his dessert announcement.

“Ho-ho-ho!” he bellowed. “Who’s ready for the Mistletoe Diner’s famous Christmas apple pie?” He paused, noticing the patrons’ startled expressions. “Oh, don’t mind me. Just had a little tussle with the dessert trolley. Now, are you up for something sweet?”

Mack and Holly exchanged glances, barely suppressing their laughter. The moment had been broken, but the promise of what could be lingered between them. As Marty bustled toward a neighboring table, Mack put an arm around Holly’s shoulders and whispered, “To be continued?”