Stumbling Into the Holidays (Stumbling Through Life #3) - Molly O'Hare Page 0,6

million-year-old lady who talks too much.”

“So, you admit you’re jealous of me then? It’s about time really. Now, we can move on from this and get to the good stuff. Like what happened last night.”

“Mildred!” Holly threw a pencil at her head, but the crazy old bat caught it with ease.

“Thanks, my pen was running out of ink. I don’t know what I’m gonna do with you, missy.” Mildred shook her head as she shoved her pad back into her pocket.

“Put me out of my misery.”

“Nah, then my knitting club would be boring.” Mildred popped herself off the desk before turning back to Holly. “I’m glad we had this little chat. You’ve given me tons of stuff. Not to mention, you helped me hone one of my skills. I knew it was your fault. Told you I was a detective.” Mildred sent her a smug look before she sashayed herself through the library headed toward the true-crime section.

“That’s it, I’m getting you and your husband elf costumes too, and I’m gonna make you wear them!”

Mildred looked over her shoulder at Holly. “Oooh, sounds like fun. Maybe you should order me two pairs. I bet a little role play will be in order and I have no idea the state the first one will end up in once hubby gets his hands on me.”

Holly physically gagged as she shuddered in disgust. “Mildred! There are people in here.”

The old woman scanned the room and shrugged. “Maybe it’ll give them some inspiration? The holidays are coming up, you know. Everyone can use a little spice in their life. Maybe that could be their gift to each other.” Mildred glanced to the right where the true-crime section was and then to her left where the romance books were. “On second thought, I think I’m going to get some inspiration myself.” With that, Mildred beelined it straight toward the romance section with an extra pep in her step.

Holly slammed her head on the desk. “Kill me now.”

Chapter Three

“Why am I being punished?” John grumbled as he kicked a plastic Christmas ornament across the floor. “I didn’t piss off your wife. You did.”

Ben rolled his eyes at his best friend as he tossed John a box of holiday decorations. “You piss her off all the time. Consider these brownie points in advance.”

“True, but I still don’t understand why I need to help you get decorations up. This isn’t my house.”

“You’re coming for Christmas dinner, aren’t you?”

“Depends who’s cooking.” John narrowed his eyes on Ben.

John was going to give Ben a migraine and he’d only been there an hour. “Me. Emma’s bringing a few sides, and Mildred dessert.”

At the mention of Emma’s name, John’s whole face lit. “Yeah, I’ll be here.”

Ben threw him another box that was marked living room decorations. “You talk too much and besides, didn’t I promise you food?”

“The word food is what got me over here.” John caught the box.

“I know.”

“Speaking of which, where the hell is my food?” John tapped his stomach after putting the box at his feet. “I’m hungry.”

“You’re always hungry.” Ben opened a box taking out two decorative snowmen Holly liked placed at their front door. “I need your help to get everything done by the time Holly gets back from the library.”

“Again, just cause you’re in the dog house doesn’t mean I need to be.”

“Shut up and start unpacking that box.”

John muttered something under his breath as he did what he was told. “I don’t know why I put up with you. And where the hell is my food?”

“Here you go, Uncle John,” Jimmy announced, walking out of the kitchen with a bag of potato chips in his hand.

Promptly, John snatched them from the boy. “At least someone loves me.” With that, John opened the bag and put the corner to his lips as he dumped the contents into his mouth. When he finished he looked back at Jimmy. “Thanks, kid.” John glanced at Ben with a smug expression on his face. “I’m his favorite.”

Instantly, Jimmy grabbed the empty bag from John as he narrowed his eyes. “Maybe now you’ll stop talking. My sister is taking a nap.”

John’s hand shot to his chest. “Right through the heart, kid. I’m supposed to be your favorite.”

Jimmy shrugged as a goofy smile emerged on his face. “I brought you food, didn’t I?”

John snapped his attention to Ben with his brow cocked. “You sure he didn’t come from you? ‘Cause he acts exactly like you.”

Ben laughed as Jimmy winked at him. He