Daydream (Maple Hills, #3)(92)
“There’s, like, three women outside comparing conspiracy theories about why you’re not paying attention to them.” He sips his beer to stop himself from laughing. “They might need a support group once they see that post.”
“Why is everyone around me so annoying?”
I woke up this morning to a million messages in our group chat because the insidious UCMH gossip page posted me kissing Halle after her exam yesterday. I didn’t look at it properly because I don’t care, but Halle was very embarrassed until I reminded her that she isn’t allowed to be embarrassed with me.
I add the final pour of vodka and grab us a cup to test it. When Russ takes a sip and his eye twitches and face tightens, I realize I forgot to add in the orange and pineapple juice, and I’ve basically given him lemon-flavored liquor. “My bad, buddy.”
“I feel like my tongue is sweating. Is that possible?”
“It’s the lemon… Or maybe the tequila and vodka, I can’t be sure,” I say, laughing at the way his face is twisting.
“Not to make this weird, but I’m glad you have your spark back after that bad time,” Russ says, and that’s when I realize he’s a little buzzed, too. “You’re a great friend and a great captain.”
“Why are you making things weird?” I ask.
He rubs the back of his neck with the palm of his hand, then pretends to fix his Santa hat. “I’ve said it now so there’s no going back. I’m just gonna go wait for Rory to show up and for Robbie to announce the game.”
If Halle blushes occasionally, then Russ blushes often. All the way to the tips of his ears. I’m not a huge fan of heart-to-hearts—they always feel awkward and unnecessary—but I believe it takes a lot to start one. “Thanks for saying it. I appreciate it.”
Thankfully, it doesn’t take long for the girls to show up. Halle told me her favorite part of doing anything now is getting ready; she always wanted a big group of girlfriends she could do things with and now she has one.
I can see the white halo on her head bobbing through the crowd as she makes her way toward me in the kitchen. Her white dress stops halfway down her thighs, and she has white feathered wings poking out on her back.
“Are you a Quack Efron?” I ask, looking her up and down.
She throws her arms around my neck and kisses me, which catches me off guard more than anything. When she leans back and looks up at me, I realize that she’s buzzed. She told me earlier that it’s my job not to let her get drunk so she doesn’t turn into a hungover nightmare. It’s a plan I can get on board with. “A duck? I’m an angel!”
Aurora appears behind her dressed in green. “And what are you?” I ask her.
“I’m a Christmas tree, duh.” She motions to her green dress like I was somehow supposed to get that from just looking at her.
“You both look great for a chicken and a plant.” Emilia and Poppy appear behind them with Cami and I try to guess what their outfits are supposed to be before I have to go through this again. “Are you two supposed to be dominoes?”
Emilia snorts, but Poppy, who I assume oversaw costumes judging by her reaction, looks offended. “We’re snow women!”
I finally look at Cami and I want to give up immediately. “Did you get into patchwork quilting during your partying hiatus?”
“I’m clearly Sally from Nightmare Before Christmas.” She folds her arms across her chest. “What are you supposed to be?”
“First of all, that’s a Halloween movie.” I point to the same hat I’ve been wearing for three Christmases. “And I’m obviously Santa.”
The five of them stare at me with the same expression, but I can’t place what it is. Respect, maybe? Awe and wonder? Halle’s arms leave my neck and travel down my body until she reaches the hem of my shirt and pulls it out. “You’re not even wearing a costume.”
I shrug. “I’m an undercover Santa. I’m checking if the information I have on my list is correct—or something.”
“You’re Santa’s auditor.” Aurora’s head shakes slowly. “Unbelievable and yet so on brand. Props to you for your consistent dedication to the bare minimum.”
“I go above and beyond where it matters.”
“So I’ve heard, lover boy,” she says, and Halle slowly turns to look at her.
I look across the five of them. “Did nobody think to be the Spice Girls? Well, Christmas Spice Girls?”
“How on earth do you know who the Spice Girls are?” Aurora says, shaking her head.
I think she’s irritated I saw the resemblance when she didn’t. I don’t know how they missed it, considering they all fit the bill perfectly. “I played with JJ for two years. You don’t make it out of that experience without knowing who the Spice Girls are.”
“Why didn’t you tell me? That would’ve been such a good outfit.”
“I can’t do everything for you, Aurora. I was busy coming up with my own outfit. At least you have something for Halloween now. Which is lucky, since Cami is already wearing her Halloween outfit.”
“You’re not even wearing a costu— No. Never mind,” Aurora says, interrupting herself. “Y’know what, it’s Christmas. I’m not letting you get a rise out of me for your own amusement. I’m going to find my boyfriend because I bet he can tell I’m a tree.”