“For sharing the holiday spirit, that’s what.” I hadn’t told him about the challenge. What it was all for. Him never being around meant these days we stayed out of each other’s lives.

Nick raised an eyebrow and grabbed an apple from the bowl. “Uh-huh?”

“I said the other day, remember? I’m getting out of your way for a bit. If Mom and Dad say I can, of course.” Winning smile. “And you might have someone stay here for a few days. Y’know, bringing that Christmas spirit all the way from the UK.”

He took a big bite of his apple and stared at me. “Someone like…who?”

“Like, I dunno…a cool British girl you can talk about your band with, or chat about the 1975…” Nothing. “Or…” Hmm, my music knowledge needed work. “The Beatles?”

He slowly nodded, one eyebrow raised.

“I honestly think it could be fun.” And, if I was really truthful, a tiny bit of me hoped having someone new here might stop Nick from disappearing all the time. Maybe even help him find his Christmas spirit again.

“I honestly think it could be a disaster.” He took another big crunchy bite. “And you wouldn’t even be around to see it.” But we both knew once I had an idea, there wasn’t much that could stop me. “Anyway.” He grabbed the car keys. “Am I all right to take these? Blake and Dean said something urgent’s come up. We’re meeting at the Playground in ten…”

Mom and Dad agreed, although it was clear we were all thinking the same thing. How much urgent stuff could one band have? But with Nick out the way, we spent the rest of the evening looking at Holly’s profile. And about an hour in, a weird thing happened—Mom suddenly got real into the idea. Real into it. And all because of her old friend Jess, a decision was made.

I hit reply to Holly’s message.

Video call tomorrow?

Chapter Seven

Holly

Nine Days till Christmas

This was the most ridiculous thing I’d ever done.

And I’d once dressed as a sausage roll to cheer Fred up when Eve dumped him.

Not once did Mum sound annoyed that I’d rung home three times already.

But I had to share it with someone.