Nice Until Proven Naughty

There’s nothing I want more than to slap these two upside the head and tell them to pull the jingle bells out of their butts and realize they’d be perfect together.

I tried that once about three years ago, and Dani shot me down cold.

“We’re business partners,” she told me with a firm shake of her head. “Plus, he’s my best friend. If we didn’t work out, everything would be ruined.”

She made two valid points, so I gave up. I figure if they’re meant to be, one of these days one of them will grow enough balls and make the first move. I just hope they don’t screw things up before they ever get there.

“Speaking of bar…” My sister squeaks when I yank her in for a hug. “It’s really nice of you to donate the beverages and your workers. Maryanne told me you do it every year. I can’t believe you never told me.”

“I told you,” she says, settling her head on my shoulder, seeming content to keep hugging.

Probably because I’m not the most affectionate person. Something else I’m going to work on.

“When?”

“I don’t know,” she says, letting me go. “Several times.”

“We asked you to help us work it two years ago,” Ben says.

“You did?”

“That’s right.” Dani nods. “I forgot about that. You said something about work and not having time and the damn holidays.”

Damn. I’ve been more detached than I thought. And oddly enough, I’m not missing my job as much as I thought I would.

The partners were more than happy to let me use up some of the PTO I had banked, but I’m not sure they’d be ready to let me decrease my hours on a more permanent basis—something I’m giving more and more thought to since setting my plan in motion.

“I’m sorry. I’ve had occupational tunnel vision since starting at Grouper and Bailey, but I promise I won’t ignore you again. From now on, count me in for all holiday activities.” I curl my nose up at Ben when I realize he’s videotaping me with his phone. “What are you doing?”

“Dani made me promise to video you if we notice any more weird behavior. I think she believes she may be dreaming.”

“Well, in that case…” I get right up in front of Ben’s phone. “You’re not dreaming, Dani. This is your sister, Samantha, and I’m turning over a new leaf. No more unanswered calls or texts. I promise I won’t ignore you anymore. You’re going from the back burner to the very front. I’m just sorry I didn’t realize sooner how bad a sister I’d become.”

“You’re not a bad sister,” she says, wiping a tear from her face. “You’re wonderful. And this is going to be the best Christmas ever. Also, you were right,” she whispers, for only me to hear.

A smoke alarm blares from the other room, and Ben’s face turns white. “Shit. I forgot I had a pizza in the oven.” He darts out of the room, and I look at Dani.

“What was I right about?”

“Shhh.” She waves a hand at me and turns to make sure Ben isn’t anywhere near before looking back at me. “About Ben,” she whispers.

“What about him?” I whisper back.

“I’m in love with him.”

“Oh. My. God,” I mouth. “I knew it. Is this where I get to say told ya so?”

“No,” she hisses. “This is where you help me snag him.”

“You don’t need my help. He’s head-over-heels in love with you.”

“How do you know?”

“Have you seen the way he looks at you? Geez, Dani, you’re not blind. The man is crazy about you. Trust me, all you have to do is tell him how you feel, and I promise he’ll be falling at your feet.”

She shakes her head, not seeming convinced. “I don’t think so.”

“Why not?”