When I spot Charlie Sullivan himself, I wave at him and he ambles over to me, an easy smile on his face. His entire demeanor is relaxed, which is so unlike him. I’ve known of Charlie Sullivan for years since the town we live in is actually pretty small, and everyone calls him uptight. Rude. A regular Grinch, which is ironic considering the business he’s in.

Since he’s met and now married Candice, he seems so much happier and at ease. It’s a pleasant change.

“Amelia. What are you doing here?” he asks as he draws closer.

I go to him and give him a quick hug. “I thought I’d stop by. It’s my day off.”

“You in the market for a Christmas tree?” Charlie frowns. “I thought you already got one for the store.”

“Uh, we did, and it’s still gorgeous,” I reassure him.

He smiles, looking pleased. “Good. Glad to hear it.”

“Lots of kids here today,” I say as I look around.

There’s a faint grimace on his face, but it disappears fast. “It was my sister’s idea. We’re offering wreath making classes all week. Get the kiddies in and they have a craft project with leftover branches, and send them on their way home with a wreath to hang on the door and coupons for Mom and Dad to come back.”

“That’s brilliant,” I say, duly impressed. “I love it.”

“It’s pure chaos around here but yeah, I think it’s a good idea too.” He tilts his head toward me. “What’s the real reason you stopped by?”

Guess Charlie’s onto me, which is a little embarrassing, but I don’t care. Standing up straight, I smile at him and ask, “Is Isaac working today?”

I know for a damn fact he is, but I’m putting up a little bit of a façade.

Charlie frowns. “Is—you mean Jonesie? Yeah, he’s working.”

I restrain myself from rolling my eyes at the nickname. I don’t particularly like it. It sounds so juvenile and almost demeaning if you ask me.

“Do you know where he might be?” I keep my voice neutral, trying to ignore the way Charlie’s watching me with that knowing gaze.

“Who wants to know?” he asks, and I swear to God, it sounds like he’s…

Teasing me?

“Who do you think?” I retort, teasing Charlie right back.

“Amelia.” He draws my name out, his voice a little high pitched. “Does someone have a crush?”

Ugh, he sounds just like Stella.

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.” I stick my nose up in the air. I’m not about to tell him that Isaac and I have actually had sex. The only one who’s figured that out so far is Stella, but my time is running out. Eventually we’re all going to get together and she’s going to blab. Or force me to blab.

They’re all going to be happy for me, I just know it. Which is sweet. I love how supportive my friends are. They’ll want to see me move on to a new guy. But I’m guessing they’ll worry if he’s the right guy for me.