“Maybe.” We both knew he had me there.

“I’ve got to admit, when Hol told me she was going, I didn’t know if she was for real. She was kind of…freaking out at the time.”

“Well, it’s very real.” I stretched out an arm. “I mean. Here I am. Just waiting for some moldy apple juice or whatever.”

And that’s when Colin found us, dragging along Fred, who was trying to balance two steaming drinks in front of him as he tripped his way toward us.

“One semi-delicious, semi-gross festive hot drink coming up! Ah…” Fred stopped dead when he saw Woody. He passed me my drink without even looking at me. “Woody.”

“Fred,” Woody replied. “Nice to see you.” Fred did just a short, sharp nod back. “And Elle, if you need anything, anything at all, you know where to find me.” He threw the greasy paper in the trash can, getting it in first time. Of course he would. “And you can look out for my follow later.” I swear he winked as he said it—just a small one so Fred couldn’t see. And as he walked off, I tried to figure out—who was the real Woody? Ruby’s version, or the one I’d just met?

But I didn’t have long to think, as my phone lit up my pocket with a text. Must be serious for someone to have gone off Wi-Fi. I pulled it out.

WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?!!!!

If there’s one thing to make you not-relax about a decision, it’s an all-caps reply.

Chapter Eleven

Holly

I slumped on Elle’s floor and dropped my head back on to her bed. Which was way springier than mine, so it bounced straight back and almost gave me whiplash. I turned up my Christmas music and looked back at what she’d written. Why hadn’t I checked my email earlier?! It was Elle’s list of challenges for me.

One to four were fine. Fun, almost.

1. Take on New York. If I don’t see a pic of you skating in Central Park, it didn’t happen.

2. The lights at City Hall in Peakstown. And while you’re there. Hauuuul. You need to hit the shops. Hard. What does Holly look like not in a Christmas sweater?! (Sound of my mind blowing.)

3. Party America style—a costume party, so festive-themed outfits are required (my family can/will help).

4. Holiday menu at Cheeze Pleaze Louise. You won’t regret it.

Yup. Fine. They sort of matched what I had lined up anyway. I’d already planned a trip later today to Peakstown, which was the big town nearby, and put the word Christmas in front of any food, and I was there. And a party could be fun. But number five?!

5. Snag a hot Christmas kiss under the mistletoe.