Abby stared down at her sandwich. “I’m sick of these too.” She took a chip from the bag. “How old do you think she is?”

“You don’t know?”

“I didn’t think to ask. I don’t care, really. I’m guessing she’s around my age. Thirtyish.”

“Probably so.” Sharon stole a chip from her bag. “Are you packed?”

“Yes. Pretty much. A few little odds and ends.” She smiled. “At least I’m not dreading the holidays any longer. Nic may be a stranger, but at least she’s an ally.”

“What did your mother say when you told her you were bringing someone?”

“I haven’t told her yet. I’ve been putting it off because I know she’ll have a million questions. But my mother is a planner, and planners don’t like to have an extra guest sprung on them. I’ll call her tonight.”

Yes, she would call, and she could already guess at the questions. Why am I just now hearing that you’re dating someone? How did you meet? Is it serious? What’s her favorite meal? Is she allergic to anything? What should I get her for Christmas?

That thought made her eyes widen. If they were dating—a couple—then they would exchange gifts.

“Oh, shit.”

“What?”

“I don’t have a gift for her.”

“For your mother?”

“No, for Nic. I can’t get her what I give everyone else.”

“What’s that?”

“Amazon gift cards.”

“Are you still doing that?”

“Yes, I’ve told you before, I’m a terrible gift giver. But what am I going to get for Nic?”

Sharon grinned. “How about a ring? That would probably put Holly in her place.”

Chapter Twelve

“Hi, Mom.”

“Abigail? Shouldn’t you be in bed? I thought you were leaving very early in the morning.”

“I am in bed. I’m just not used to going to bed at nine and I’m not sleepy.” She took a deep breath. “I completely forgot to tell you…I’m bringing a…a…well, my…my girlfriend.”

“What?”

“Yeah, so I’m bringing Nic with me. I hope that’s all right.”

“Who is Nic?”

“She’s someone I’ve been seeing.”

“And why am I just now hearing about her? How long have you been dating?”

Abby closed her eyes. “A few months.”

“Months? Why didn’t you tell me? Is it serious?”

“Mom, we can talk all about it when I get there. I forgot to tell you the other day when we talked, that’s all. She wasn’t sure she could get off work for that long so…”

“What’s her name? Nic?”

“Yes.”

“Is that a nickname? What’s her real name?”

Oh, crap. Was it a nickname? “Her name is…Nicole.” At least she hoped it was.