Chapter 11

11

A lyssa descended the stairs, the floorboards creaking beneath her feet. She tugged at her rumpled clothes from yesterday, wishing she had something fresh to change into. As she entered the living room, she stopped short, surprised to find Denise lounging on the couch, cradling a steaming mug of coffee.

“Morning,” Denise said, her voice still husky with sleep. She looked surprisingly relaxed, her blonde hair tousled and her face free of makeup.

Alyssa’s heart skipped a beat at the sight. She quickly pushed the feeling aside, reminding herself that she needed to focus on the day ahead. “I didn’t expect you to be up so early,” she said, glancing at the clock on the mantel.

Denise shrugged, taking a sip of her coffee. “Couldn’t sleep. Too much on my mind, I guess.”

Alyssa nodded, understanding all too well the weight of unresolved issues. “I need to get going,” she said, gesturing towards the door. “It’s Black Friday, and even though we don’t have sales, people like to come and reserve their trees early. And then in the evening, I’ll be decorating.”

Denise raised an eyebrow. “Sounds like a busy day ahead.”

“It is,” Alyssa confirmed, already mentally running through her to-do list. “I need to swing by my place first, grab a shower and a change of clothes.”

Denise set her mug down on the coffee table and stood up, stretching her arms above her head. Alyssa tried not to notice the way her shirt rode up, exposing a sliver of toned stomach. “I could come with you,” Denise offered, catching Alyssa off guard. “To the tree farm, I mean.”

Alyssa blinked, momentarily caught off guard by Denise’s offer. “That would be great,” she found herself saying, even as her mind raced with the implications of spending more time with Denise.

She couldn’t help but notice how effortlessly beautiful Denise looked, even in this casual state. Her blonde hair, slightly mussed from sleep, framed her face in a way that made Alyssa’s fingers itch to reach out and tuck a stray strand behind her ear. The absence of makeup only served to highlight Denise’s natural beauty, her clear blue eyes and full lips drawing Alyssa’s gaze.

Alyssa knew this wasn’t just starstruck admiration. No, what she felt for Denise was something deeper, more visceral. It was an attraction that went beyond the superficial, a pull that she couldn’t quite explain but couldn’t deny either. And considering how much Denise’s presence had aggravated her just a few weeks ago, it was kind of shocking.

The realization hit her hard just then, and suddenly, the cozy living room felt too small, too intimate. Alyssa’s heart pounded in her chest as she took a step back, needing to put some distance between herself and Denise.

“I should get going,” she said, her voice sounding strained even to her own ears. “I’ll see you later?”

Denise nodded, a flicker of confusion crossing her features at Alyssa’s abrupt change in demeanor. “Sure, I’ll be there.”

Alyssa managed a tight smile before turning on her heel and practically fleeing the room. She grabbed her coat and scarf from the hook by the door, her hands shaking slightly as she bundled up against the cold.

Before she opened the door, Alyssa remembered that it had been snowing last night. She’d have to clear off her car.

“I don’t suppose you have a shovel I could borrow?” Alyssa asked.

Denise met her eyes over the back of the couch. “I already took care of it.”

Alyssa blinked, not quite sure she’d heard correctly. “You did what?”

“I cleared the snow off your car. I figured you’d want to get an early start.”

Alyssa was stunned. She couldn’t remember the last time someone had done something so thoughtful for her, especially without being asked. And for that someone to be Denise Adams, the woman who had swept into town with the intention of selling the farm out from under her? It was almost too much to process.

“Thank you,” Alyssa managed, her voice thick with emotion.

Denise shrugged, looking almost embarrassed by Alyssa’s gratitude. “I just thought it might make your morning a little easier.”

“Well, it definitely has. Thank you. I’ll get going then.” Alyssa pulled open the door, turning to look back at Denise one more time. “Bye.”

“See you later,” Denise said, her warm smile making Alyssa’s heart stutter.

As she stepped out into the crisp morning air, Alyssa took a deep, steadying breath. She got in her truck, turning the key, and patiently waiting for the heat to defog the windows before she set off towards her cabin, hoping that a hot shower and a change of clothes would help clear her head and prepare her for the busy day ahead.

Alyssa trudged through the snow, her boots leaving deep imprints in the fresh powder. The afternoon sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows across the farm. She pulled her scarf tighter around her neck, trying to ward off the chill that had seeped into her bones after hours spent outside.

Despite the cold, Alyssa couldn’t help but feel a sense of satisfaction. She’d spent the morning and early afternoon helping customers select and reserve their Christmas trees, and the numbers were already looking better than they had at this time last year.

But even as she reveled in the success of the day, Alyssa couldn’t shake the exhaustion that was starting to take over. She hadn’t slept well the night before, being in an unfamiliar bed at the farmhouse. And her mind had been filled with thoughts of Denise, of how well yesterday had gone.

It was funny how quickly things could change. Just a few weeks ago, she’d been ready to go to battle with Denise over the fate of the farm. Now, she found herself looking forward to the other woman’s company.

Alyssa hated that she’d spent most of the day keeping an eye out, hoping that Denise would appear. She’d tried to focus on work, but her gaze kept drifting towards the path leading to the farmhouse. As the afternoon wore on, she began to lose hope that Denise would show up.

But then, just as she was about to pack it in for the day, Alyssa caught sight of a familiar blond head moving through the crowd of tree shoppers. Her heart skipped a beat as Denise came into view, her boots crunching through the snow. She was bundled up in a sleek black coat. Her blue and red Bills beanie covered her head, but her blond hair cascaded over her shoulders in loose waves.

Alyssa tried to suppress the smile that threatened to spread across her face, but it was no use. She couldn’t help the warmth that bloomed in her chest at the sight of Denise. She busied herself with straightening a nearby wreath display, trying to act nonchalant as Denise approached.

“Hey,” Denise said, her voice soft as she came to a stop in front of Alyssa. Her cheeks were flushed from the cold, her eyes bright.

“Hi,” Alyssa replied, her own voice barely above a whisper. She cleared her throat, trying to regain her composure.

Denise glanced around, taking in the crowded farm. “Business seems good.”

“It’s been a busy day, yeah.” Alyssa looked past Denise, watching a young couple debating between two Douglas firs, their mittened hands intertwined. Behind them, a father hoisted his daughter onto his shoulders so she could inspect the top of a towering spruce.

She turned back to Denise, worry creasing her brow. “Are you sure you want to be out here? Someone’s bound to recognize you.”

“It hasn’t happened yet.” She gestured at the families around them. “Everyone’s too focused on finding their perfect tree to notice me, and I don’t exactly look like the Hollywood version of myself,” Denise said with a little tilt of her head. “A Bills beanie hat? Hardly any makeup? I’m not worried. Besides, I’ll be leaving in January anyway.”

The casual mention of Denise’s departure knocked the air from Alyssa’s lungs. She had no reason to think that Denise would want to stay any longer than necessary, but hearing it stated so matter-of-factly made it feel more real.

Denise kept talking, seemingly oblivious to Alyssa’s inner turmoil. “Should I get a head start on the decorating?” she asked, her eyes scanning the bustling tree farm.

Alyssa blinked, pulling herself out of her thoughts. “Yeah, that would be great,” she said, nodding towards a nearby building. “I already brought in the decorations. They’re in there.”

Denise followed her gaze, taking in the small, rustic structure. “Anything in particular you want me to do?”

Alyssa shook her head. “It’s a little different every year. Just make it as festive looking as possible.”

Denise nodded, a determined look settling over her features. “I can do that.” She paused, a thought occurring to her. “Have you found a Santa yet?”

Alyssa felt a small smile tug at the corners of her mouth. “Actually, yeah. One of the women who works here, Jess, her grandfather jumped at the idea when Jess said we were looking for someone.”

Denise’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. “That’s great. One less thing for you to worry about.”

“Definitely,” Alyssa agreed.

She watched as Denise turned towards the building, her boots crunching through the snow.

As if sensing her gaze, Denise glanced back over her shoulder, catching Alyssa’s eye. A small smile played at the corners of her mouth, and Alyssa felt her heart skip a beat.

She quickly looked away, busying herself with straightening a nearby garland. She couldn’t let herself get caught up in the way Denise made her feel. Not when she knew that Denise would be leaving in just a few short weeks.

But even as she tried to push the thoughts away, Alyssa couldn’t help but wonder what it would be like if Denise stayed.

She shook her head, pushing the thought away. It what world did she think she had a chance with someone like Denise Adams. Just because she was gay didn’t mean she had any kind of a chance with her. The woman was a Hollywood star, used to rubbing elbows with the rich and famous. She probably had her pick of gorgeous women falling at her feet.

Although, a memory from last night flashed through her mind. What had Denise said? Something about putting her career first? ‘The one time I did put myself out there, she left me. Because she couldn’t handle keeping us a secret.’

Alyssa sighed, her breath clouding in the cold air and turned back to the task at hand, helping a family select the perfect tree. But even as she chatted and laughed with the customers, her mind kept drifting back to Denise.

Alyssa had found herself completely mesmerized by Denise last night. Not the glamorous, world famous actress side of her. The vulnerable, casual, relaxed version of her. The one who had shared things with her that Alyssa was pretty sure very people knew.

As the evening had gone on, and Denise opened up to her more, Alyssa forgot that they had been enemies just a few weeks ago and were barely friends now. It had felt like they’d spent countless days like that together before.

But Alyssa knew it was just a fantasy. Women like Denise Adams didn’t end up with women like her. It just wasn’t the way the world worked.

There was only another hour of daylight left and the busy rush was over. Alyssa went over to the building where they held the Santa event each year and stamped the snow from her boots before she pushed open the heavy wooden door. Warmth rushed over her face as she stepped inside. The scent of cinnamon and pine needles filled the air.

She stopped short. The space had transformed. Twinkling lights cascaded from the ceiling beams, creating a magical canopy overhead. Garland wrapped around support beams, adorned with red and gold ribbons. In the corner, a grand chair draped in red velvet waited for Santa, surrounded by wrapped prop presents and life-sized wooden nutcrackers.

Denise stood on a ladder, reaching up to adjust a string of lights. Her beanie was gone, and her hair fell in soft waves around her shoulders.

“This looks amazing,” Alyssa said, taking in every detail.

Denise startled slightly, nearly losing her balance on the ladder. Alyssa instinctively stepped forward, but Denise quickly steadied herself.

“You scared me,” Denise said, climbing down. She pushed her hair back from her face. “I found these old decorations in some boxes. I hope it was okay to use them.”

“More than okay.” Alyssa’s chest tightened as she recognized ornaments from past events, each one carrying memories of Wayne and the joy he brought to so many children. “I can’t believe you did all this by yourself. Wayne would have loved this.”

Denise pressed her lips together. “The only thing that’s missing really is a tree.”

“Do you want to help me pick one now?”

“Yeah, sure.”

Alyssa led Denise through the rows of trees, their boots crunching in the snow. The setting sun painted the sky in shades of pink and orange, casting long shadows across the white ground. Her breath came out in visible puffs as she pointed out various trees, explaining why each one might or might not work for the event.

“This one’s probably too tall for the space,” Alyssa said, passing a towering Fraser fir. “And that one’s already been tagged for the Millers.” She gestured to a blue spruce with a red ribbon tied to one of its branches.

The cold air nipped at her cheeks, but Alyssa barely noticed. She was too aware of Denise walking beside her, their shoulders occasionally brushing as they navigated the narrow paths between the trees. The actress had pulled her beanie back on, and loose strands of blonde hair peeked out from beneath it.

“What about this one?” Denise stopped in front of a Douglas fir, reaching out to touch one of its branches.

Alyssa stepped closer to examine it. The tree was full and symmetrical, standing about eight feet tall. Its needles were a deep green, and it had that perfect Christmas tree shape that seemed almost too good to be true. Her hand brushed against Denise’s as they both reached for the same branch, and Alyssa quickly pulled back.

“This might be perfect,” Alyssa said, circling the tree. “It’s the right height for the space, and look how full it is - plenty of room for ornaments.”

“Should we take it then?” Denise asked, tilting her head to study the tree from a different angle.

“Yeah,” Alyssa nodded, pulling a ribbon from her pocket. “This is definitely the one.”

“Speaking of trees, have you picked one out for the farmhouse yet?” Alyssa asked.

“Oh.” Denise blinked, caught off guard. “I hadn’t really thought about it.”

“You are putting up a tree, right?”

A small smile played at Denise’s lips. “I suppose I should. It would look pretty sad to have one of the owners of a Christmas tree farm without a tree.”

“Have a look.”

“Now?”

“No time like the present. Besides, all the best ones get tagged early.”

Denise nodded. “Okay. I’ll start looking.”

Alyssa turned to help Denise find the perfect tree for the farmhouse when a familiar voice called out her name. She spun around, a smile already spreading across her face as she recognized the figure walking towards her in the fading light.

“Sabrina!” Alyssa exclaimed, stepping forward to meet her halfway.

Sabrina grinned as she pulled Alyssa into a tight hug. “It’s so good to see you,” she said, her voice muffled against Alyssa’s shoulder.

Alyssa squeezed her back, relishing the familiar comfort of Sabrina’s embrace. They had been friends long before they started dating in their senior year of high school, and even though their romantic relationship had only lasted two years, their friendship had endured.

As they pulled apart, Alyssa took a moment to study Sabrina. She looked good, her brown eyes sparkling with warmth and her cheeks flushed from the cold. Her dark hair was longer than it was this time last year. Even though she was just a few hours away in New York City, they rarely saw each other, just at Thanksgiving and then again at Christmas.

“So, did you have a good day yesterday?” Sabrina asked, tucking a strand of dark hair behind her ear. “I thought you might take me up on the offer to join us. Mom made her famous apple pie.”

“I actually had a really nice day.” Alyssa’s mind drifted back to the evening spent with Denise, sharing stories and opening up to each other. “I wasn’t alone.”

“Oh?” Sabrina’s eyebrows lifted with interest.

Alyssa ignored her inquisitive tone. “Besides, how could I spend Thanksgiving with you and your family with your girlfriend there too? There’s no way that wouldn’t be awkward.” Alyssa shook her head, remembering the warmth of Sabrina’s family home, her mother’s welcoming hugs, her father’s terrible jokes.

“True.” Sabrina laughed softly. “My parents always did love you. Sometimes I think they were more upset about our breakup than we were.”

Alyssa felt a gentle pang in her chest at the memory. Not of lost love - that had faded long ago - but of the family she’d once considered her own, especially after her parents had cut ties. She glanced over her shoulder, suddenly remembering Denise, but the actress had disappeared among the trees.

“So, are you here to pick out your tree?” Alyssa asked, pushing aside thoughts of Denise’s disappearance.

“Yeah, I hope it’s not too late.” Sabrina pulled her coat tighter around herself. “I was supposed to come this afternoon, but I got caught running an errand. I won’t take long though. I’m not as fussy as my mother is about finding the perfect tree.”

“Don’t worry, we still have plenty of good ones.” Alyssa gestured for Sabrina to follow her down a different row of trees. “How big were you thinking? You guys usually need at least eight or nine feet, right?”

“Yeah, I can’t go home with anything smaller than that.”

Alyssa led her to a section of Fraser firs as the snow started to fall, their branches dusted with fresh snow just a few moments later. “What about this one?”

“It’s great.” Sabrina moved around it before standing back to get a proper look at it. “Yeah. That will look really good between the fireplace and the front window. You have a good eye, Al.”

“Well, I’ve only been helping you pick out trees for what - fifteen years now?” Alyssa pulled a ribbon from her pocket and tied it around one of the branches. “When do you want to pick it up?”

“This time next week? My dad will bring his truck.”

“Sure, I’ll have it ready for him.”

Sabrina stepped closer, pulling Alyssa into another long hug.

“I’ll text you when I’m back for Christmas,” Sabrina said as they pulled apart, her brown eyes crinkling at the corners. “We should grab coffee, catch up properly.”

“I’d like that.” Alyssa smiled, meaning it.

“Perfect.” Sabrina’s smile widened. “Take care of yourself, Al,” Sabrina said, giving Alyssa’s arm a gentle squeeze before turning to leave.

“You too.” Alyssa watched as Sabrina made her way back through the rows of trees until she disappeared from view.

Alyssa turned around, scanning the rows of trees in the dimming light. A flash of blonde hair caught her attention. Denise stood several trees away.

“Hey,” Alyssa called out softly. “I thought you might have gone back inside.”

“Just wanted to give you some privacy.” Denise kept her eyes on the tree, her fingers trailing through the needles.

The cold air nipped at Alyssa’s cheeks as she watched Denise examine the tree from different angles.

“This one’s nice.” Denise’s voice was quiet, almost hesitant. “What do you think?”

Alyssa moved beside her, studying the tree. It was smaller than most people picked for their living rooms, maybe six feet tall, but it was perfectly shaped with dense, healthy branches.

“It’s beautiful.” Alyssa reached out to touch a branch, snow dusting off the needles. “Perfect size for the farmhouse’s front window.”

“That’s what I was thinking.” Denise pulled her beanie lower over her ears, her breath visible in the cold air. “Though I have no idea what I’m going to decorate it with.”

“There should be some old ornaments in the attic.” Alyssa paused, remembering the boxes she’d helped Wayne pack away years ago. “If you want them, I mean.”

Denise didn’t respond right away, and Alyssa felt the weight of something unspoken hanging between them. The easy rapport they’d built over Thanksgiving dinner had shifted, replaced by a strange tension that made the air feel thick despite the winter chill.

Alyssa pulled a ribbon from her pocket, breaking the silence with the soft rustle of fabric. “I’ll mark it for you.” She reached around the tree, careful not to brush against Denise as she tied the ribbon to a branch.

Snow continued to fall in lazy spirals around them, catching in Denise’s hair and on her shoulders. The gathering darkness made it harder to see her face clearly, but Alyssa could feel Denise watching her.

“I should head back inside,” Alyssa said, taking a step back from the tree. “I want to finish up decorating.” She gestured vaguely toward the building, though she wasn’t sure what else actually needed to be done until they cut the tree down. Denise had transformed the space beautifully on her own.

“Right,” Denise said, her voice oddly flat.

Alyssa opened her mouth to say something else, then closed it again. Whatever had created this awkwardness between them, she couldn’t put her finger on it.

“Thanks again for all your help with the decorations,” Alyssa said, already turning to go. “They really are perfect.”

“It’s no problem. I’m glad I could help.” Denise’s words came out flat though. “I’m going to get going.”

“Okay,” Alyssa said. “I’ll see you around.” She turned away before Denise could see the confusion on her face.

She made her way back to the building, her boots crunching through the fresh layer of snow. The warmth inside was a welcome relief from the biting cold, but it did little to ease the unease settling in her stomach.

As Alyssa shrugged off her coat, she couldn’t help but wonder if Denise was regretting her offer to help with the event. She sank into the plush red velvet of the Santa chair and leaned back, closing her eyes for a moment as she tried to push away the nagging doubts. She was probably reading too much into Denise’s behavior.

And wishing for something that would never happen.

But still, the sudden shift in Denise’s demeanor bothered her. Had she said or done something wrong? Alyssa replayed their interactions in her mind, but she couldn’t think of anything.

She sighed, opening her eyes to take in the twinkling lights and garlands surrounding her. The good thing was, she was going to be so busy here these next two weeks, that she shouldn’t have time to think about Denise Adams.