Mistletoe Season by Michelle Major

CHAPTER NINE

GABEPULLEDUPin front of the old mill the following morning and parked next to Angi’s small hatchback. A sleek black SUV turned into the parking lot shortly after. Dylan Scott and Avery Keller Atwell climbed out.

He gritted his teeth against the burgeoning tightness in his stomach. Somehow, instead of getting less involved in the town, he was now in the thick of holiday festival planning. Yes, he’d agreed to it, but once he knew Angi was involved, it had been more a way to get under her skin.

Sort of like dancing with her had gotten under his. Holding her close and having an excuse to press his body against hers as they swayed to the music. He shouldn’t have liked it as much as he did, but there was no denying it.

Everything about the encounter with her yesterday had thrown him off his game. Shouldn’t there be some internal barometer that prevented a man from getting turned on in a nursing home? And with his grandmother watching, no less. Walking in to see Angi talking to his grandma had been the first chink in his armor. He had a soft spot for anyone who showed kindness to his grandma, and the way she’d smiled at Angi made him understand that the woman who should remain his nemesis wasn’t an enemy in the way that counted the most to Gabe.

“How’s it going?” Dylan asked as he walked forward, hand outstretched. “Gabe, right?”

“Yeah.” Gabe shook his hand. “It’s fine. Thanks for being willing to open up the mill for a holiday dance.”

“It’s the perfect location,” Angi added as she appeared at Gabe’s side.

“I appreciate the two of you taking over for Carrie,” Dylan answered.

“We all do,” Avery agreed. The slim blonde wore a pair of tailored trousers and a fitted sweater that looked like it was made of some expensive fabric. Cashmere probably. She seemed like a woman who’d wear cashmere, but the warmth of her smile calmed his nerves.

Angi nodded. “Of course. How’s she feeling?”

Dylan’s gaze clouded. “It’s been rough, but she’s getting through it. Yesterday she didn’t throw up once, so that’s an improvement.”

The worry in the other man’s eyes was evident, and Avery put a calming hand on his arm. “She’s going to be fine. Why don’t we take a look inside? I think people are going to love the idea of a dance.”

“Do you think we have enough time to get the word out and sell tickets?” Angi asked as they started toward the entrance.

“Absolutely,” Avery answered, and Gabe smiled as Angi threw an “I told you so” look at him over her shoulder.

He fell into step next to Dylan. “Heard you’ve got a big company interested in leasing this space.”

“As a matter of fact, we sign the final papers later this afternoon.” He shielded his eyes against the bright winter sun as another black SUV pulled into the parking lot. It was like a rich-guys club, Gabe supposed. “I invited the CEO of one of the new tenant companies to join us today. They’re interested in getting more involved in the community, so I thought this event would be a great way to introduce them to people.”

“Is that Alex?” Avery paused at the front door.

“Yep.” Dylan tossed her a set of keys. “You all go ahead. I have a few quick things to talk through with him and then we’ll meet you inside.”

Avery opened the tour and led Angi and Gabe through. He could see how nervous Angi was with Avery and didn’t understand it. She was alternately quiet and then almost aggressively chipper as Avery showed them around the place. The building had been cleared out and cleaned up, obviously left as a blank slate for whatever business might come in next.

“What happened to the condos and micro-retail shopping mall Dylan originally planned?” Angi asked Avery after a few minutes. “I thought once he decided not to take over downtown, he’d turned his attention to this place.”

Gran had written to Gabe of her fear over losing the flower shop last year when she’d sent him a Christmas care package. He’d been stationed in the Middle East, and every day was a loop of sand, sun and endless training drills. He hated to admit how little attention he’d paid to his grandmother’s words at the time.

She’d glossed over her upset by telling him that no matter what happened, she knew things would work out for the best. Looking back, he wondered if her letters were as much for herself as for him. A catharsis of sorts and a way to work through some of the issues she had because there was no one in her life she felt comfortable confiding in. In that way, he was an easy outlet.

Now he wished he’d done more to support her. He could have made a bigger effort if only he’d realized how uncertain her future had been.

“That was his intention,” Avery agreed. “But this town has a way of helping people see what’s really important. Obviously, Carrie was a big part of that change in direction, as well. Dylan mellowed out quite a bit and decided that he wanted to develop his properties in a way that added to what we were already doing to revitalize Magnolia instead of competing with it.”

“Mom says he’s a way better landlord than the last guy who owned the restaurant’s building. Dylan’s property manager is responsive and keeps everything maintained.” She turned to Gabe. “Don’t you agree?”

He shrugged. “I cut a rent check once a month. No other maintenance needed.” As far as he was concerned. Until Angi had come back into his life, he’d resisted getting involved with anyone.

“Downtown is doing great, and we’re on track for a record tourist season this month.” Avery inclined her head as she studied Gabe. “A few people have talked to me about the fact that the In Bloom storefront isn’t exactly looking festive. Your grandmother always did such a lovely job with her holiday displays.”

“A few people?” Tension knotted in Gabe’s gut. He did not want to know that people were talking about him when he was barely holding it together. Particularly if they implied he wasn’t doing the best he could for his grandmother’s legacy or the store she loved so dearly.

But that morning he’d received a voice mail from his mom demanding he shut down the store sooner rather than later and send her the proceeds for the display shelving and supplies he managed to sell. How could he still work hard knowing her plan to destroy everything Gran had built?

It might be convoluted, but Gabe couldn’t help but believe that if he ignored the business for a period of time his mom would lose interest. She didn’t like hard work. If In Bloom wasn’t making money, she’d have no reason to come back now and cause his grandma more pain.

“It would be nice if you could get something up before this weekend.” Avery gave him an encouraging smile. “If you need help—”

“He doesn’t,” Angi interrupted before the blonde could finish her thought. “I’m going to help him.” She moved closer and slipped her hand into Gabe’s, the touch soft and reassuring.

He shouldn’t let himself depend on her for anything because he knew their relationship was fake. She was using him to placate her mother, and he was letting it happen because he wanted to make his grandmother proud when she came to the shop.

“We’ve both been busy.” Angi nodded and leaned toward Avery as if conveying a secret. “You know Iris is still recovering in the nursing home? And with my mom’s rehabilitation, we both are juggling a lot of balls.”

The blonde frowned, clearly as confused by Angi’s behavior as Gabe. Where was the nervous, stammering woman of a few minutes ago?

Avery nodded. “Of course, I wish a full recovery for your grandmother.”

“Thank you,” Gabe said quietly.

“He’s at the nursing home almost every day, you know,” Angi added. “Things may have fallen behind at the store, but we’re going to fix that. The two of us. Together.”

“Please let me know if there’s anything I can do to help,” Avery told Gabe, her tone so sincere it made him wish he was truly a part of this kind of community where people genuinely seemed to care. “We’re featuring several of the downtown businesses on the Magnolia website and our social media accounts. I’d love to do a feature on In Bloom.” She switched her gaze to Angi. “Or on Il Rigatone. I hope your mom is feeling better, as well.”

“She’s fine,” Angi muttered.

“How’s it going?” Dylan asked as he approached their little trio along with the man who drove the Land Rover. “Do we have everything planned to turn this place into a holiday dance hall extravaganza?”

He colored slightly when they all stared at him. “Those were Carrie’s words,” he explained quickly. “She said I wasn’t allowed to ruin the vibe by being moody or awkward during this meeting.” He laughed. “As if.”

“Oh, we’re well past moody and awkward,” Avery told him, her blue eyes lit with humor.

“Then I’m missing all the fun.” Dylan flashed a mischievous smile, then introduced his companion as Alex Ralsten, the new CEO for The Fit Collective, an athletic wear company moving their corporate headquarters to Magnolia. “Alex is single-handedly going to put this town on the map.”

“We’re already on the map.” Avery gave him a playful swat on the arm. “Thanks to me and your wife.”

“I couldn’t agree more,” Alex said. “The reason the company is moving to Magnolia is because I had such a great impression of the town when I was here over the summer.”

“Are you Brett Carmichael’s friend?” Angi studied the CEO. “I remember you from the wedding.”

Alex’s eyes suddenly lit with recognition. “You’re the chef who created the amazing menu for the reception. And the food we had during the planning weekend at the Wildflower Inn?”

Gabe tried not to react as Angi slipped her hand from his. “That was me.”

“I swear to God, I’ve had dreams about your scallops and cream sauce. You are immensely talented.”

The transformation in Angi was once again nothing short of confusing as hell. She dipped her chin and looked at the ground like she was embarrassed or unworthy of the compliments. “Holly and Brett were easy to please. I enjoyed working with them. I’m glad your time in Magnolia left such a positive impression.”

“It did. I might need to schedule our company kickoff retreat at the inn just so I have an excuse to enjoy your fabulous culinary skills again.”

“Angi runs the Italian restaurant in town,” Avery told Alex, earning a glare from Angi. “What?” The blonde held up her hands. “You do run Il Rigatone.”

“But those aren’t my recipes,” Angi muttered.

“I’m sure anything you’re involved in is amazing.” Alex offered a wide grin that somehow didn’t sit well with Gabe.

Or maybe it was Angi’s reaction—a sweet smile, the kind she never gave to Gabe—that he didn’t like.

“What are we thinking for music?” Gabe asked suddenly. “A DJ can play more variety, but the energy of a live band would be festive and fun.”

Angi gaped at him. “Did you just use the words festive and fun?”

“Those are perfect descriptions.” Avery beamed at him, and he moved a few steps away from Angi. He had to get a little distance in order to tame his tumbling emotions.

“The acoustics of the space would work well for a band,” Dylan agreed. “And we’ve got the power to handle any of their AV needs.”

As they continued to discuss specifics, Angi’s phone rang. Her features tightened. “Sorry, I have to take this. It’s the school.”

She stepped away, and Gabe managed—just barely—not to follow. Stupid, he chided himself. Angi didn’t need him hovering like some unnecessary guardian angel, and he had no business worrying about her son.

But he had to admit the boy had wormed his way into Gabe’s heart. Every day without fail, he showed up at the flower shop and begged to learn something new. Gabe had finally broken down and hung a punching bag in the back room and put light weights there for the kid to work on his reflexes and coordination. Gabe knew from experience that being the weakest would only add to his social misery. Kids could be merciless.

“So you and Angi?” Avery asked with a raised brow as Alex and Dylan moved toward another room.

Gabe blinked and then realized what the other woman was talking about. “Yeah, um. It’s new. She’s amazing.”

Avery scrunched up her pert nose. “She definitely doesn’t like me.”

“That’s not true.” Or at least Gabe didn’t understand why it was true.

“Sure it is. I don’t mind.” Avery shrugged. “I got used to people not liking me in my old life. Apparently, I’m an acquired taste. I’ll win her over. I’m a big fan of her mom’s chicken piccata.”

“Angi doesn’t exactly love being back at the restaurant full-time,” Gabe explained. “It makes her a little grumpy. The inn is her dream. I know it was your dad’s house, although I don’t have many memories of him from when I spent summers in Magnolia.”

“I didn’t even find out about Niall until after he was dead.” Avery smoothed a hand over her hair. “I beat you on the memories front, but I met my sisters thanks to him, so Niall’s memory and I are good at this point.”

Gabe chuckled. “Fair enough. Give Angi a break, though. She’s going through some stuff.”

“But she’s got you to support her.”

Gabe started to shake his head. He wasn’t in a place to be a support to anyone. “Yeah,” he said, after a moment. “She does.”

“Have you met my husband?” Avery asked, in a quick pivot of subject matter. “Gray Atwell? He’s a local firefighter.”

“I don’t think so.”

“He’s a good man. The best.” Her smile turned tender. “The best for me, even when I didn’t realize it.”

Gabe scratched the back of his neck. “I’m not much for subtleties or secret meaning. If there’s some message you want to give me, then—”

“I’ve got to go.” Angi came rushing back to them, agitation clear in her tone.

Dylan and Alex moved toward the group as well, clearly alerted by her voice that something was wrong.

“Is everything okay?” Avery took a step forward.

“It’s my son. Andrew. He—”

“What happened?” Gabe gripped her arm. “What happened to Andrew?”

“I’m not sure. I’ve got to go,” she repeated, looking stunned. “There was a fight and he’s... I don’t know. He hit his head on the concrete. Maybe a concussion.”

“Oh, no,” Avery murmured. “What can we do?”

Angi shook her head. “I’ve just got to get to him.”

“I’ll drive you,” Gabe told her.

“You should finish the meeting.”

“The meeting is done.” He looked to Avery, who nodded. “Let’s go.”

He led Angi out of the building and toward his truck. She paused before climbing in. “I can drive myself.”

“I know,” he said, nudging her into the seat. “But I’ve got a lead foot. Learned to drive like a maniac when I was barely fourteen and honed those skills in the army. I’ll get you to him, Ang.”

She bit down on her lower lip like she was holding herself together by a thin thread. “Hurry.”

Gabe didn’t waste any time. He drove like a madman toward the elementary school. It was only a few blocks from downtown, so he knew the location.

“What did they tell you?” he demanded as he took a corner so fast that Angi gripped the door handle to prevent herself from sliding toward him.

“Just that there was a fight, and he hit his head.”

Gabe muttered a curse and then another. “What the hell kind of school is this that lets something happen to a ten-year-old kid? He’s supposed to be safe in school. Things were bad enough for me, but my mom never got called because I’d been hurt.”

“I made things bad for you,” she said quietly, then turned to him. “Is this some kind of karmic payback for how mean I was as a girl?”

“Don’t.” He reached out a hand and covered hers. Her skin felt cool, almost clammy, and he wanted to pull over and haul her into his arms, but that wouldn’t help anyone at the moment. “This isn’t about you.” He squeezed her hand. “There’s plenty of time to rehash the stupid mistakes you made. I’d be happy to help you. Just not now.”

“Wow.” She blew out a small breath. “Did you ever consider going into the life-coaching business?”

“Did I take your mind off being terrified for your kid for a few seconds?”

“Yes,” she admitted. “Because I was thinking about how annoying you are.”

“My work here is done.”

He pulled into the school lot. It was a cheery one-story redbrick building with paper snowflakes hanging from the classroom windows, even though it almost never snowed in this part of the country.

Angi was opening the door before he’d even come to a complete stop. He threw the truck into Park but didn’t move. He had no dog in this fight, even though his heart disagreed with that assessment.

She paused before slamming shut the door. “Thank you,” she said softly. “For being here.”

He gave a small nod. “I’m not going anywhere.” He just wanted to know they were both okay.