“You know about the list?” Elle must have told him—including point number five. Cringe.

“I know everything, Holly.”

“Did you know in Japan millions of people have KFC for Christmas dinner?”

“I did not.” He pulled the car out on to the road. “So I take it all back. Now, what’s in the notebook for today’s schedule?”

I told him the key things and then put on “Christmas Time (Don’t Let the Bells End)” by The Darkness. He gave it a few seconds.

“Is this a Christmas song?” he said, like he was asking if milk was in date, after he’d drunk it.

I smiled. “Uh-huh. And it’s a certified bop, so don’t even try and tell me otherwise.” He opened his mouth to protest, so I had to shush him. If he wasn’t into Christmas, fine—but he wasn’t going to kill my vibe.

And what a result. By the time we got to the second chorus, he was singing along under his breath, which turned into a full-on headbang. Which turned into a really fun day. Despite Nick saying he wasn’t that into Christmas, he knew all the cutest bits of Peakstown to show me around. But all the Christmassing made me hung-er-reeee. Nick said he knew the perfect spot, and when we got there, it was the one Elle had suggested—Cheeze Pleaze Louise, a burger joint, with little booths and the staff wearing cute 1950s uniforms with snowman-shaped aprons. Actual heaven.

Nick pointed at the menu up behind the counter. “Time to get feasting. The holiday menu is…” He closed his eyes and nodded like he loved it in all sorts of inappropriate ways. “A Christmas thing I can get into.” He looked toward a corner table. “Oh, and if you don’t order a shake, you WILL go down in my estimation.”