by Tamara Lynn
White Christmas was Dixie’s favorite movie, and she sang along with every song. No one minded though. Dixie’s pitch was perfect, and her vocals brought the film to life.
Twenty minutes in, Wyatt was snoring quietly. Kate looked around and noticed that Otis and Besty were out too. Carl was playing a game on his phone. Then her eyes settled on Daniela. She had a small journal in her lap and was writing furiously on its pages.
From this angle she could see Daniela, but Daniela couldn’t see her. Kate took a moment to really look at her. If I’m going to play another scene opposite Daniela, I want to be so comfortable looking at her. She’s kind of hard to look at, she’s so beautiful. How is that possible?
“Hey do you have that lip balm?” Daniela sat up and turned to her.
“Yes.” Kate pulled it out of her pocket and tossed it across the room.
“Thanks,” Daniela easily caught it and laid back down.
Kate stared intently as Daniela raised the balm to her lips. Crap. I think I’m crushing on Wyatt’s cousin.
Without looking, Daniela tossed it back to her. Recreating the skills she so deftly showcased during the reindeer toss, Kate stretched out and caught the small ball of balm. She immediately opened it and ran the balm across her lips as well.
The thought of stealing kisses from the lip balm consumed her thoughts through the next half hour of the movie.
When the movie finished, the family said their good nights and everyone went to their rooms except for Wyatt and Kate.
“Let’s take a romantic walk in the moonlight,” Wyatt suggested.
“Whatever you want,” Kate wrapped her arm around his waist and cuddled close.
The night was still warm, but a cool breeze came across the lake. There were no clouds, and the moon was full, so they didn’t need flashlights to make their way to the sand.
“I like having you here,” Wyatt said as they walked along the beach.
“I like being here. Your family is really cool. And this Christmas in July thing? I’ll never forget this week,” Kate mused.
“My family really likes you,” Wyatt stumbled over some beach wood. He was evidently still feeling the effects of the moonshine.
“Does your uncle really think he’s a descendant of Blackbeard?” Kate asked.
“He does,” Wyatt replied. “I’ve grown up hearing his stories, so it doesn’t seem weird to me anymore. Of course, I know there’s no way it’s true. I’m just used to hearing about it.”
They sat down on the sand and placed their toes in the edge of the water.
“I love you,” Wyatt said as he offered a sloppy kiss.
“Oh my gosh, Wyatt,” Kate pushed him back.
Undeterred, Wyatt rolled over and pinned her to the ground. “Come on Kate.”
Her shirt left her exposed on the back and shoulders, and in those areas, the sand gouged her sunburn. She would have cried out, but instead she kicked into survival mode.
“Stop, it, Wyatt! You’re drunk!” Kate tried to squirm out from under him. Each movement forced the sand deeper into her skin. She was reminded of Heidi calling him the fat brother.
“Don’t you want me?” he mumbled.
“Wyatt, look at me,” Kate grabbed his beard. “This is not you. This is not the kind of man you are.”
He sighed and sat back. “I’m sorry Kate,” Wyatt said as he ran his hands through his hair.
“You’re better than this,” Kate chastised him. “Don’t ever touch me like that again.”
She got up and left him alone on the beach. When she’d put some safe distance between them, she began to cry. The sand was like sandpaper on her burns, and it seemed to have imbedded itself in her blisters. She couldn’t figure out if she was crying from anger or crying from the pain.
Quietly, she let herself into the bedroom. The first thing she did was lock the bedroom door. Daniela was asleep, so she tried to move slowly so as to not wake her. As Kate rounded the bed, she noticed a bottle of Gatorade on her nightstand, sitting next to one of Betsy’s magic white pills. She’d never been so grateful in her whole life. She quickly picked up the pill and downed it with the Gatorade.
Kate peeled off her clothes and headed for the shower. For a moment she stood on the outside of the shower curtain, dreading going in. This was going to hurt and she knew it. But it needed to happen. She stepped into the shower and let out a small cry.
It was just loud enough to wake Daniela, and as usual, she let herself into the bathroom.
“What’s wrong?” Daniela asked as she closed the bathroom door.
Kate tried to respond, but all she could do was cry.
Without removing her clothes, Daniela climbed into the shower with Kate.
She really doesn’t do privacy. Kate was completely shocked at the invasion.
“Come here,” Daniela pulled her close in a hug.
Kate relaxed in her embrace and cried into Daniela’s shoulder. At least pressed together, she felt less exposed. Daniela couldn’t exactly look at her from this angle.
“What happened?” Daniela asked softly.
“Moonshine,” Kate sobbed. “I drank too much and forgot I was sunburnt. Then Wyatt and I were play wrestling in the sand, and now I have sand in my blisters.” The pain was excruciating.
“He hurt you?” Daniela voice was tense and accusatory.
“No,” Kate shook her head spraying water all over them. “It was my fault. He was just playing.”
“Well let me see how bad this is,” Daniela turned her around.
Sand was caked into the blisters that had been torn open. “It’s bad, Kate,” Daniela said.
Kate cupped her hand over her mouth to muffle a sob. This could not be worse.
“I can fix this,” Daniela assured her. She handed Kate a shampoo bottle. “Squeeze the bottle when it hurts. It will help take the focus off of your back.”
Kate squeezed the bottle so hard that the cap popped off.
“I haven’t even started yet,” Daniela pointed out. She picked up a more robust conditioner bottle and offered it to Kate instead.
As Kate gripped the new bottle, Daniela lifted the shower head from the wall and turned the flow on to a gentle setting. Then she slowly guided the water over Kate’s back. Most of her back remained unharmed, but she’d been wearing an off the shoulder shirt that left her shoulders and upper back bare. All of that skin was damaged by the sand.
As she rinsed the sand from her wounds, Daniela noticed that Kate began to relax.
“Did you find the pill I left you?” Daniela asked.
“Yes,” Kate quietly answered. “I already took it. Thank you.”
“Do you want me to wash your hair?” Daniela asked.
“No,” Kate shook her head. “I’ll get it in the morning. I’m starting to feel the effects of the medicine. I’m really tired.”
Daniela turned off the shower and stepped out on to the bathmat. Fully drenched, she decided to peel off her clothes as well.
Kate looked away, making sure to give Daniela some privacy. At least one of them understood what that meant.
With the towel, Kate dried off everywhere she could reach, but she left her back for Daniela.
Once they were dry, Daniela led Kate to the bed. She was fading quickly. “Lay down,” Daniela directed her. “On your stomach.”
“You like my stomach,” Kate pointed out with a giggle. The medicine was making her giddy.
“I do,” Daniela replied warmly. “I’ll be right back. I’m going to grab some antiseptic spray. I don’t want you to get an infection.”
Moments later, when Daniela sprayed the ointment on her back, Kate shivered and broke out in goose bumps.
“That’s so cold,” Kate complained.
“I’m sorry hon,” Daniela pulled a sheet up to the area on Kate’s back where the damage had been done.
“Lay next to me, I’m freezing and don’t think I could handle the weight of a blanket,” Kate begged.
; “I’ll stay here until you fall asleep,” Daniela agreed. She slid under the sheet and draped an arm across the part Kate’s back that was the least burnt.
Kate snuggled as close to her as she could. At least one good thing came out of tonight, she thought to herself.
Daniela was afraid to move. At first, she wanted to gently trace her fingers along Kate’s side. She thought it would be comforting. Soothing. Then she considered the fact that it might come across as creepy. Like she was coming on to Kate. Kate was injured, and Daniela was not the type of woman to take advantage of someone. Furthermore, Kate was Wyatt’s girlfriend. Hard pass.
Before long, Kate’s breathing became steady, and Daniela realized she’d fallen asleep. Carefully she removed her arm from Kate’s back and slid out of the bed. She couldn’t wait to get pajamas on. She felt so exposed, and could only imagine how uncomfortable Kate felt. I hope this doesn’t make things weird between us. Idiot! I should have just left her crying in the shower. No. No. She would never been able to clean her back on her own. Of course, she’s going to feel uncomfortable when she wakes up. I hope I didn’t cross lines and ruin the friendship. Crap! How do I fix this?
Daniela fell asleep beating herself up, but she woke in the morning to find Kate in her bed, resting her head on her chest. Daniela was on her back with her arms folded under her head. Kate was draped over her right side. Her arm was wrapped tightly around Daniela’s waist.
When Daniela shifted her weight, Kate woke and lifted her head.
“Hi,” Daniela whispered.
“I was cold,” Kate explained. “And you’re like a human heater.”
Kate covered her chest and sat up. She still had no clothes on and wanted to remedy that immediately. “Turn around,” she motioned.
“Wait,” Daniela put a hand on Kate’s forearm. “First, let me see your back.”
Obediently, Kate turned her back to Daniela.
“Hey, that healed up pretty well,” Daniela said as she inspected the damaged skin.
“Really? Cause it hurts like crazy,” Kate admitted. “But definitely not as bad as last night.”
“Do you want another pill?” Daniela offered.
“Not a chance,” Kate replied. “Today’s Christmas and I don’t want to miss a second of it.”
“Okay then, you get dressed, and I’ll be right back.” Daniela pulled on a robe and disappeared.
She returned shortly thereafter with a steaming cup of coffee. “Here, Anne,” she smiled as she handed the mug to Kate.
“Thank you, Reed,” Kate replied and kissed her on the cheek.
◆◆◆
Kelly Clarkson’s voice, singing “Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” filled the great room. Kate and Daniela walked side by side down the hallway, separating once Kate came up to the black board at the start of the kitchen.
Merry Christmas, Loves!
Breakfast Buffet
Christmas Trivia
Formal Christmas Dinner
Family Pictures
“Good morning, beautiful.” Wyatt walked up behind her as she read the agenda.
“Outside,” she turned around and gave him an angry glare.
They walked out onto the back porch and he closed the door slowly behind him.
From the kitchen the entire family stopped what they were doing and watched as she scolded him.
“What’d he do?” Carl asked.
“Shut up Carl,” Daniela turned away and begin filling her plate.
They stayed on the back porch for a good five minutes while she read him the riot act. After what looked like copious apologizing, she took him by the hand and led him back into the house.
The family quickly scattered and tried to look busy.
Breakfast consisted of scrambled eggs with cheese, a large platter of bacon and sausages, Quiche, French Toast, and a vast assortment of fresh fruits.
“How was the pill, honey?” Betsy asked Kate.
“It really helped. I can’t believe how strong they are,” Kate replied.
“I got those after my knee replacement surgery. I call them elephant tranquilizers. After I took my first one, I immediately called my doctor and told him I lost the prescription. Of course, he gave me a second bottle,” Dixie giggled.
“Whatcha gonna do when you run out?” Betsy asked.
“Why replace the other knee silly,” Dixie shrugged her shoulders.
“Your knee is fine though,” Daniela pointed out.
“Listen Hollywood, if you would date a surgeon, I wouldn’t need to do this. Take one for the team already,” Dixie teased.
“I have a boyfriend,” Daniela reminded her. “Cody.”
“What’s a politician going to do for her?” Betsy joined in. “She needs someone to write a prescription!”
Daniela looked at Kate. “I told you they weren’t perfect.”
“Don’t be a peach,” Betsy shot her a look.
Jennifer Nettles and Idina Menzel’s “Little Drummer Boy” came on and Dixie nearly dropped her moonshine.
“It’s country,” Betsy told her.
“I’m pretty, not deaf,” Dixie huffed.
“Well, technically, she is singing with Elsa, so is it really country?” Daniela looked smug.
“Maureen,” Kate added.
“I prefer Jimi Hendrix’s version,” Wyatt said without lifting his head. He was quite focused on his stocking.
“Now here’s the problem I have with that. Jimi is untouchable on guitar. Well, maybe Santana but that’s a whole other argument. Back to my issue. The song is called “Little Drummer Boy.” When Jimi Hendrix is playing, you can’t focus on anything other than his guitar obviously. This particular song is about drums though. Not guitar. Most versions of it genuinely don’t give the drums enough highlight. Jennifer’s version has a proper drum solo. You just can’t do this song without paying respect to drummers.”
The table stared at Otis. That was the most words he’d ever said at one time.
Finally, Dixie broke the silence. “Find another country song.”
Soon the table was conversing about a different subject. With the focus shifted far from them, Daniela placed a hand on Kate’s knee to get her attention. Kate immediately turned her green eyes to her.
“Everything okay between you and Wyatt?” Daniela whispered.
“Yes,” Kate nodded. “No worries.”
It wasn’t long before Gamemaster Dixie commanded the room once again. “I have the teams for trivia,” she announced.
Wyatt crossed his fingers and winked at Kate.
“Otis and Betsy,” Dixie announced the first team.
Daniela crossed her arms in anticipation.
“Dani and Carl,” Dixie looked at her daughter with a threatening look. It worked. Daniela kept silent.
“Wyatt and Kate,” Dixie read off the final team.
Wyatt planted a massive kiss on her lips. “We’re gonna to win this!”
After breakfast, the family filtered into the great room.
“Who wants egg nog?” Betsy yelled from the kitchen. “Or a spiked Nutella hot chocolate?”
Kate rolled her eyes, spun right around and walked right back to the kitchen. Afterall, Betsy did say Nutella.
The entire family took Betsy up on her offer. Everyone except for Daniela. Kate took special notice of that.
When they gathered on the couches, Dixie loudly commanded their attention. “Okay, first question.”
Kate scooted up to the edge of her seat and eyed the silver bell.
As the room teemed with anticipation, Dixie held up the first note card. She stared at it for a minute then held it out at arm’s length. “I need my readers. Where’s my readers?”
Otis pointed to her chest. “They’re hanging right there, Dixie.”
“Sugar honey iced tea,” Dixie mumbled as she looked down. She lifted the bedazzled spectacles to her nose and cleared her throat. “What store plays a major role in Miracle on 34th street?”
Daniela beat everyone to the bell and began ringing. “Macy’s!”
Kate glared at her competitively.
“Correct!” Dixie jumped up and down. “Next question: What three words best describe the Grinch?”
Betsy pushed Daniela to the side and snatched the bell from the coffee table. “Stink, stank, stunk!”
Dixie danced over and tried to give Betsy a high-five. They completely missed each others hands.
“Next question!” Dixie sang. “Which of Santa’s reindeer have names that begin with the letter D?”
“Triple D!” Carl yelled.
Wyatt threw a pillow at him. “Shut up Carl!”
After quickly running through the names in her head, Kate reached for the silver bell. “Donner, Dancer, and Dasher.”
“Child, you rang that bell like you were calling the cows home for dinner,” Betsy declared.
By the time trivia was over, the silver bell had several dents, as did the coffee table. In the end, Daniela and Carl squeezed just past Otis and Betsy. Kate and Wyatt finished in last place.
“I’m going to need a nap,” Betsy announced. “Too much egg nog for me!”
“I’m with you,” Otis stood up.
“Fishing?” Carl looked at his twin.
Wyatt kissed Kate on the cheek and followed him to the door.
That left Daniela and Kate alone again in the great room.
“Do you want to run another scene with me?” Daniela asked.
Without saying a word, Kate stood and walked into the kitchen. Seconds later she emerged with a sly grin and the butcher’s knife in hand.
Daniela laughed. “I guess that’s a yes?”
Once in the bedroom, Daniela leaned against the windows while she thumbed through the script. Kate sat down in the chair facing her and slung one of her legs over the side.
“Let me give you the background on this scene. It’s about two weeks after their first encounter. Over the past few episodes, they’d developed a friendship. Anne never once tried to conceal her attraction for Reed. But at this point, Reed is still very closed off. She hasn’t given Anne the slightest indication that the attraction was mutual,” Daniela said as she flipped a page.