Beneath the mistletoe

chapter 11

The morning after Christmas dawned crisp and cold, the frost shimmering like diamonds on the windowsill. When Emily woke up she found Luca had already left, she lingered in bed longer than usual, replaying the events of the previous night in her mind. Her first kiss with Luca was still vivid, laying in his arms, her emotions a mixture of nervous excitement and lingering uncertainty. She had felt something real something unexpected but she wasn’t sure where it would lead.

Downstairs, the house was already alive with activity. Xander was packing the car for the continuation of their holiday trip, his voice booming as he gave instructions to Charlotte. The sound of laughter drifted through the air, mingling with the faint scent of coffee and Karen’s homemade cinnamon rolls.

Emily finally forced herself out of bed, dressing in a cozy sweater and jeans. As she descended the stairs, she was greeted by the sight of Charlotte standing near the front door, chatting animatedly with someone Emily didn’t recognize. The girl had long, flowing blonde hair and an air of effortless confidence.

“Oh, Emily!” Charlotte called out, spotting her. “Come meet Lily!”

Emily approached hesitantly, her gaze flickering between Charlotte and the unfamiliar woman.

“This is my our friend Lily,” Charlotte explained, placing a hand on the blonde’s shoulder. “She’s joining us for the rest of the trip. But she's early hope that's okay”

“Of course,” Emily said politely, though she felt a twinge of discomfort at the unexpected addition, she thought the trip would just be Xander, Charlotte, Luca and herself.

As Emily extended her hand to shake Lily’s, the sound of the front door opening drew their attention. Luca stepped inside, brushing snow off his jacket. He looked up, his eyes meeting Emily’s for a brief, charged moment before Lily squealed in delight.

“Luca!” Lily exclaimed, rushing toward him.

Emily froze, her hand still outstretched as she watched Lily throw her arms around Luca in an enthusiastic hug. He seemed surprised but returned the embrace, his smile warm and easy.

“You didn’t tell me you’d be here!” Lily said, pulling back just enough to plant a quick kiss on Luca’s cheek. "You didn't say you'd be here too we were supposed to pick you up," he said. "Well I didn't want to drive up alone so I decided I'd come here then we can all go together," Lily said .

Emily’s heart sank, a sharp pang of jealousy cutting through her chest. She was starting to regret agreeing to go on this trip. She quickly looked away, pretending to busy herself by adjusting the scarf around her neck.

Luca caught sight of her over Lily’s shoulder, his expression shifting as if he wanted to explain. But before he could say anything, Lily began peppering him with questions about the trip, her hand resting casually on his arm.

Charlotte, leaned closer to Emily and whispered, “Lily’s had a crush on Luca forever. I thought it’d be nice to bring her along since she's free spirited.”

Emily forced a smile, nodding as if the information didn’t bother her. “That’s… thoughtful,” she said, her voice tight.

Inside, however, her emotions churned. Had last night meant nothing to him? Or was this just an awkward misunderstanding? But from what she gathered they seemed pretty close. And the two of them on the trip to the mountains would just be the romantic push the needed. She wondered why she was over thinking. But she just ended up ignoring everything.

The morning passed in a blur of activity. Bags were loaded into the car, and goodbyes were exchanged with Karen and Mama Ruby. Emily tried to stay out of Luca and Lily’s orbit, but it seemed impossible to ignore them. Lily was constantly at his side, her laughter ringing out like a bell as she leaned into him with every joke or comment with her hands all over him.

As they all piled into the black SUV Xander driving, Charlotte in the passenger seat, and in the back Luca and Lilly.

Luca, sitting in the middle seat, seemed to sense her discomfort. He glanced at her several times, his brow furrowed, but Lily’s chatter made it difficult for him to get a word in.

“So, Luca,” Lily said, her tone flirtatious, “are you ready for some serious fun on this trip? I’ve got a whole playlist we can listen to.”

“Sure,” Luca replied, though his enthusiasm seemed subdued.

Emily stared out the window, her emotions swirling. She told herself she was being ridiculous. She had no claim over Luca, no right to feel jealous. But knowing that didn’t make it hurt any less.

Just as Xander was getting in the car ready to start off Emily said she left a bag inside she quickly got out of there running up to her packing a fake back with mostly books and more coats. She opened the trunk of the car shouting there's no more space. She had an idea of driving her car instead, "Xander! let me bring my car as well I recently got new snow tires so I'll be fine." He didn't read too much into and agreed so she unloaded her bags and put them into her car she was glad it worked and out of that Luca, Lilly sandwich. She followed behind them in her car.

When they stopped at a small roadside diner for lunch, Emily excused herself to the restroom as soon as they were seated. She needed a moment to breathe, to collect herself.

Inside the restroom, she gripped the edge of the sink, staring at her reflection in the mirror. “Get it together,” she whispered to herself. “You’re overthinking this.”

A soft knock on the door startled her. She turned to find Luca standing in the doorway, his expression apologetic.

“Emily, can I talk to you for a second?” he asked.

She hesitated but nodded, stepping aside to let him in.

“Look,” Luca began, running a hand through his hair. “About Lily—”

“You don’t owe me an explanation,” Emily said quickly, though her voice wavered.

“I think I do,” Luca countered, his eyes meeting herrs.

Emily crossed her arms, her gaze dropping to the floor. “It’s fine, Luca. Really. You don’t have to besides this is a females bathroom you shouldn't be here.” her voice cold.

“Emily,” he interrupted gently, stepping closer. “Last night meant something to me. Did it mean something to you?”

Her breath caught in her throat. She looked up at him, her eyes searching his for any hint of insincerity, but all she saw was honesty.

“Yes,” she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

Relief washed over his face, and he reached out, hesitating before placing a hand on her arm.

Emily nodded, her heart still racing. “Okay,” she said softly.

They stood there for a moment, the tension between them easing slightly.

“We should get back,” Luca said after a while, his hand falling away reluctantly.

“Yeah,” Emily agreed, following him out of the restroom and back to the table.

For the rest of the meal, Emily felt a little lighter, though she still kept her distance. Luca, seemed to subtly shift his attention away from Lily, engaging more with Xander and even Charlotte.

When they were finished it was time to head back on the road. Xander and Charlotte were ahead filled by Luca and Lily, Emily slowly following behind. Just before Luca could ask Emily if he could ride with her Lilly grabbed him by the hand calling out to Xander and Charlotte if they remembered how fun Last years Christmas trip was, and if they could play some of the games they did.

Emily grew more jealous.