“Oh yeah, you guys have been amaze.”

“Now I know Elle said the flights are flexible…so if you wanted to stay a little longer, go home on the twenty-sixth…” She rested her hand on my arm. “We’d be delighted to have you. Only if your mum was happy, of course…”

“I…” How was this happening?! I could be at the Snow Ball? In New York? Seeing my favorite bands? At Christmas? With my own eyes? Going backstage?!

This was the icing on the Perfect Christmas Cake! Totally off plan, BUT I still liked it. A lot. THE MOST.

I stared at Jess, millions of thoughts battling for first place.

Was I going to cry? Or hug her? Or just squeak? This was beyond anything I could have imagined! Although…reality check. Then I’d have to be in America for Christmas—there was no way I could make it home any quicker.

Although, although. I could leave Boxing Day? Mum was working Christmas morning anyway. And she kept saying her best present would be me having the best Christmas. Maybe she would even prefer one with just Colin-human?

Although, should I be home if Naomi wasn’t going to be?

Although, although, if I stayed I could properly meet Elle?!

Too. Many. Thoughts.

Jess coughed. I was still gawping at the invite. “Sorry. This is my completely overwhelmed face. Thank you. THANK YOU. This…” I waved it. “You guys…everything is amazing. Although, can I have a think about it? Talk to Mum?”

I didn’t want to not be home if she wanted me there.

But…the Snow Ball?

This required an extensive pros/cons list.

“Whatever you need, honey.” This would be the ultimate thing to cross off my Christmas list. I’d even take on Elle’s mistletoe kiss challenge if it was Harry Styles, hahahaha.

“C’mon then, Hol.” Nick burst through the front door and straight into our conversation. “I’m switching in for Dad.”

“Here.” Jess grabbed the keys that were by the sink and tossed them over. Guess he was giving me a lift then? “Oh, and Nick—we’re planning to drop in to see Grams later. Any messages for her?”

Nick just shrugged—he didn’t even bother properly replying. Weird considering he’d been telling me this morning how much he missed her living with them. Sometimes I just didn’t get him. We headed out to the car.

“So, if you’re up for it.” He put the keys in the ignition. “You can consider me today’s Christmas crew.” So he was coming with me? Had Elle said something to him?

“Consider yourself considered.” I plugged my phone in and looked out at the heavy snow. I’d never not love it. “Do you, er…like Christmas shopping then?”

“Isn’t that why the internet was invented?” Nick was checking out his rearview mirror. “But it’s all on that list from Elle, right?”