They exchanged the necklaces, then separated so they could each pay and have them giftwrapped. The whole thing took less than twenty minutes. Abby thought if all Christmas shopping were that easy, she might actually enjoy it.

Back outside, she led them across the street. The brewery was a few blocks up, but it was only eleven. She thought they could shop a little longer before going for burgers.

“Here,” she said, motioning to a shop that specialized in outdoor clothing. “You can get some leggings to wear under your jeans.”

“Like tights?”

“What? Too girlie for you?” she teased.

Nic arched an eyebrow. “Do you wear them?”

“Yes. I have some on right now.”

Nic stepped back, perusing her. “You can’t tell.”

“No. But they’re warm. You should get some.” She went inside. “Just a couple of pairs. Black ones. You’ll be glad you did.”

Besides the tights, Nic surprised her by actually shopping. She bought a thick, bulky sweater, a sweatshirt proclaiming Ski Red River, and two long-sleeved T-shirts, both with Red River logos on them. Abby got so caught up in shopping, she bought herself a new sweatshirt too. By the time they’d left the store, it was going on noon, and they made their way down the street toward the brewery.

“Dare I ask if you’re having fun?”

Nic glanced at her with a smile. “I am. But does it matter?”

“Of course. I told you before, this trip wasn’t all about me.”

Nic nudged her shoulder. “I remember, of course.”

Abby felt a blush light her face. They hadn’t mentioned the…the “agreement” as she’d begun to call it. Would tonight be the night? They were both rested. What excuse could she come up with? What if she refused? Would Nic force her?

“So this brewery place. What do they have?”

Abby took Nic’s cue and relaxed. The night would get there soon enough. “They’re famous for their burgers, not their beer. But I’ve sampled quite a few of their brews over the years and I think they’re quite good. Although I’ll admit, I most often get their blonde.”

“Lighter?”

“Lighter than their others but not light like Miller Lite or Bud Light. I’m not a big fan of dark beer and that’s mostly what they have. What about you?”

“Back home I like Shiner Bock, so I’ll give one of their darks a try.”

She shouldn’t ask, she knew, but it was at the forefront of her mind. “You said your parents drank. A lot. So—”

“Are you asking if I’m following in their footsteps?”

“No. I guess I’m asking if drinking bothers you.”