Can't Love Christmas

Eighteen

Ash had cleaned up her dinner mess and was scrolling through Netflix to find a new show, when she caught sight of the moon outside.

It was a perfect crescent. The stars were visible, and a quick look at her weather app told Ash that it was a mild evening. The annual Christmas Festival of Lights had started the week before, and she wanted to check it out. It was the perfect night for it.

She got dressed in her dark wash skinny jeans and a cozy cardigan, grabbed her beanie and curled her hair so it sat perfectly beneath the hat. She pulled on her winter boots and her puffer coat, and wrapped her scarf around her neck. She found the flyer she had grabbed from the pharmacy, shoved some non-perishable food items into her purse and headed out.

It was just after nine o'clock, and she went straight to the pub.

The pub was not crowded. Rowan was tending the bar alone, the hockey game playing on every one of the televisions. Ash walked up to the bar and sat down.

"How's Hannah today?"

He smiled at her, but his eyes were tired. "She's okay. Her car is getting fixed. Oakley doesn't seem to mind his new cast. He got it signed by all his friends at school today. His friend even drew him a dinosaur." Rowan changed his voice to a stage whisper, "the dinosaur looks like a hot dog with spikes." They shared a conspiratorial smile, but his grin faded and he leaned on the bar close to Ash. "I'm sorry I ran off on you yesterday. I had a lot of fun. Miss Charlene asked all about Wilfred today."

"What did you tell her?"

"I said some hooligan came and ruined my perfectly flat snow, but at least now we have another bouncer on staff."

"He's a fanny pack kind of snowman. I don't think Wilfred has the right temperament to be a bouncer."

"Sure he does. He's pretty chill. His eyes are always open. If you run into him it's like hitting a wall. Perfect bouncer."

"He is neither inside, or by the door though."

"Well he's a bit anxious. Gets all sweaty near other people."

"He's also not wearing pants."

"Oh right, I did say pants are required here, didn't I?"

"Did you say it, or was it implied? Regardless, you should clarify it with him."

"I'll let him know next time I see him." He pulled a bar towel off his shoulder and wiped up a small spill. "Can I get you anything, by the way? Or did you just come to check up on Wilfred's well being?"

"Actually, there is something else I want to do if you have time tonight."

He looked at his watch. "It's pretty quiet tonight so I sent Mandy home. I'm here until close."

"Any idea what time that will be?"

"Well, I'm sure these guys will stay until the game ends." He nodded at a couple in the corner, heads bent together, "not sure about them though."

"They seem to be working pretty hard on planning something." Rowan shrugged in agreement.

"Okay, well, I want to go check out the Christmas lights in the park and by the boardwalk."

"The what?"

"Seriously, don't you read anything around here?" She reached over and plucked another flyer from the top of a stack in the corner of the bar. "The Festival of Lights is on, it's a beautiful night, and I want to go."

"Okay. I don't know what time I can get out of here though. Might be a little while yet."

"That's okay. I can wait. Unless you want me to leave?"