I nodded—I didn’t want to correct her that Elle was more into winning the challenge than festivities.

“I am too. I’ve been having the best time here… I’m a biiiig Christmas fan.” I looked around the room and tried to ignore that there was just one piece of tinsel up and a faded, folded-out poster that said “Happy Holidays,” which looked like it had been in use since 1952. “I heard you might be too…”

“Oh boy, am I ever!” And it was like I’d opened the floodgates. Sparkly, happy festive floodgates. Dottie’s eyes came alive as she told me about the traditions she’d had—that the whole family had, how Elle and Nick used to love it, about all the things they used to do together. I loved hearing about it but was sad it had changed so much for them.

“So come on then, Dottie. What would your perfect Christmas be?”

“Well, that’s a toughie!” She closed her eyes and breathed in, a smile on her face—almost like she was doing a séance with Santa Claus. “There has to be carols. And…” She started gently singing “White Christmas.” I joined in too. “Lots of gingerbread. I could survive on that stuff! Oh, and the best bit was a proper dance with Jack.” That was Elle’s granddad—Dottie looked at her wedding ring. “But I guess those days are long gone.”

“Sorry to interrupt.” Nick slid a tray down in front of us, unaware that his gran and I were about two minutes away from best-friend status. “This should be everything. Two teas and…” But Dottie had already started munching on a biscuit.

I had no idea why this would be something Nick didn’t want his family to know about.

And I was still wondering when we left and Dottie took both of my hands in hers and said, “Look after him.” And I was still wondering on the way home, when Nick promised he’d tell me tomorrow.

But figuring out Elle’s family would have to wait. When I got back to her room, I put on “One More Sleep,” shook up my snow globe, and instead of dreaming of a white Christmas, I dreamed of my biggest Christmas wish coming true.

Tomorrow, I was finally going to be in Manhattan.

Chapter Fourteen

Elle

Four Days till Christmas

I folded my coat onto the rack above my seat, as Ruby mouthed sorry for the fifteenth time from the other side of the train window.

She’d been messaging us a live commentary of her being stuck behind a tractor, which had turned into a live commentary of her missing this train by seconds.

“Guess it’s just you and me then.” I gave Ruby a big wave, sat down, and cheers-ed Fred’s cardboard cup with my Diet Coke bottle.

My phone rattled on the table.