CHAPTER 9

KYLE

17 Days 'til Christmas Eve

When I arrive at the café, Julia's already waiting-as usual, looking all business with her notebook open and a determined expression. I know what it means. That she's already got a checklist a mile long. I slide into the seat with my trademark smirk.

"Kyle," she says, raising an eyebrow. "You're only five minutes late. A Christmas miracle."

"Hey, I told you I can be punctual when I want to be. So, what's the plan for today?"

"Music," she says, handing me a schedule. "We're meeting with a DJ to go over some options and to get a quote."

Scanning the neat list she's prepared; I fight a chuckle. "A DJ, huh? I don't know, Julia. I've got an idea, and it's well within budget. Spotify."

She gives me a pointed look that almost makes me reconsider my life choices. "And you thought the cake was going to be simple. A playlist doesn't make a wedding feel special, Kyle."

"Fine," I sigh, tossing the schedule back onto the table. "Let's see what Mr. DJ can do."

The DJ's workspace is like a mini nightclub, complete with ambient lights, sleek speakers, and a small stage set up with turntables that spans across two desks. He pitches us an extravagant set up filled with winter wonderland lighting and a custom first-dance remix.

"We can even add live sound effects during the ceremony if you choose," he says, as if I'm a contestant on a game show. He might as well say 'Deal or No deal'.

I watch Julia while she taps notes on her phone, hoping she can read my mind.

"Sounds interesting," she says, turning to me. "What do you think, Kyle?"

"Well," I start, picking up a promo flyer. "I was thinking more along the lines of a playlist, but I guess sound effects could be fun. How much are we talking?"

The DJ flashes me a smile that could melt a snowman. "Just a small investment for an unforgettable experience."

Oh yeah? I know what that means. I wonder if this guy sells cars outside of the wedding season?

He pulls out a pricing sheet he prepared. I almost choke when I see the total. It's astronomical, at least compared to the humble budget floating around in my head.

Julia notices and sneers. "See, Kyle? Quality."

"Yeah, quality at... that price," I mumble, glancing at the quote again, as if it might magically shrink. How many hours this guy's working to earn that kind of money? Maybe I need to move out of corporate business and become a DJ, too?

He seems to catch on, explaining further "magic" touches he can add for a reduced price. I nod along, but I'm already considering what other options we could find.

"Alright, let's thank Mr. Magic here for his time and keep looking," I say to Julia. She lets out a tiny laugh as we thank the guy and head for the door. Not a moment too soon.

As we head back to our cars, I remember there's a band playing at my favourite pub tonight. I talk to Julia about them being a possible option for the wedding. She's on board, so we head over right away.

The pub I suggest is decked out with just enough Christmas decor to keep the regulars in the holiday spirit. A few lights twinkle around the bar, a garland hangs over the entrance, and there's a small Christmas tree tucked in a corner at the end of the bar, right underneath the television that usually has sports playing.

"First round's on me," I say, nudging Julia to grab us a spot while I make my way through the crowd at the bar.

She raises an eyebrow but takes a seat. I make it to the bar just as an older guy starts a Christmas carol request with the band. Wrangle other patrons, I finally order two drinks-a beer for me, Moscato for Julia, and a basket of fries loaded with bacon and melted cheese. As I wait, I watch the bartender garnish the glasses, adding a little sprinkle of holiday cheer with a dusting of cinnamon on top of the foam and a red berry hitched on the lip of the wine glass. It's completely unnecessary but I can appreciate the holiday spirit they're trying to incorporate.

Returning to Julia, I set the drinks and fries in front of her. She eyes the loaded fries and lets out a laugh. "Classy choice, Kyle."

"Hey, don't knock it till you've tried it," I say, sliding the basket her way.

As the band picks up with a folksy rendition of "Winter Wonderland," Julia leans back, grinning broadly. "This is nice. I'll give you that."

"Nice, huh? I'll take that as high praise," I say, pretending to be wounded. I pop a fry in my mouth, savouring the salty, cheesy goodness. "You know, I'm a connoisseur of bar snacks."

She laughs, stealing a fry. "If that's what you call yourself, I'm not going to argue." For a while, we chat about the wedding details, the band filling in the gaps between our conversation. It's strangely easy, sitting here with her, surrounded by the warmth of the pub and the sound of Christmas music.

A woman at a nearby table shouts at the band, requesting something "extra Christmassy." The lead singer grins and launches into "Let it Snow." Julia rolls her eyes but taps her foot in time with the music, occasionally smiling at me.

"This feels almost like a date," she says with a playful smirk.

So, she's back to being a smartass. Well, two can play at that game.

"Oh, don't worry," I say, leaning back. "I'll leave the actual dates to those lucky enough to meet your high standards." But despite my sarcasm, something nags at me, like maybe there's an ounce of truth to my words. I push the thought aside.

She arches an eyebrow. "I'm just surprised you're able to handle a little holiday cheer without grumbling."

"Hey, I'm full of surprises." I wink, earning another laugh.

After the band wraps up, we head out into the winter chill. When we're about halfway to our cars, I hear a melodic woman's voice, smooth and captivating. Pausing for a moment, I listen harder. She's singing an acoustic ballad of some sort, but it's not one that I recognise.

Julia pauses beside me, listening too, and I know she's just as entranced. "Is that... live?" she whispers.

We trace the sidewalk searching for the magnetic sound. Turning the corner, we spot a couple busking-a man with a guitar and a woman harmonizing with him, both singing their hearts out. There's a small crowd gathered around, and even though they're layered in scarves and coats, there's a warmth in their voices that cuts right through the cold.

"They're... incredible," Julia says wistfully, watching her be completely pulled into the moment.

We hover around with the onlookers, listening as they finish the song. They transition into something slower, a Christmas tune that I don't recognise, but Julia starts swaying to the beat, eyes half-closed, lost in the music.

Blindly, I reach out and take her hand. "Come on," I say, half-challenging, half-teasing.

Her eyes flash open, but she doesn't pull away. Letting out a laugh, she steps closer, squeezing my hand. "You actually dance?"

"I have my moments," I say, guiding her in a slow sway, right there on the sidewalk. Despite the presence of others, the music envelops us, making it seem like we're alone.

We move in silence for a while, her hand warming my chilly fingers. Her gaze drifts up to meet mine, and for a second, I can't look away. The way she's watching me-it's as if she's seeing me differently. Like really seeing me, and it makes my heart pound.

The buskers' voices fill the quiet, and for the briefest moment, I consider leaning in. To close the gaping space between us. But her gaze shifts, uncertain.

I clear my throat, stepping back. "Uh, well... guess we'd better see if they're open for a gig."

Julia looks at me, but I can't read the unspoken words her eyes say. She nods, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "Right. Good idea."

They finish their song, and we move closer. The woman smiles, sensing our interest. "Hi there! Enjoying the music?"

"Yeah. We were actually wondering if you two might be interested in playing at a wedding?" I ask.

Her face lights up. "We don't usually do weddings, or any gigs really, but... we might make an exception." The man with her grins, nodding in agreement.

Julia's cherry red lips grow wide. "It's for Christmas Eve. We're looking for something unique, something that feels... genuine, and personal."

The buskers exchange a look, and after a bit of back-and-forth, we set up a time to discuss details.

As we walk back to our cars, Julia turns to me, smile lingering. "I think we just found the perfect music for Penny and Chase."

"Yeah," I say. "I think we did."

Between our two cars, we stand in the cold, neither of us moving to leave. Finally, she giggles, shaking her head. "See you tomorrow, Kyle."

"Yeah. See you tomorrow," I reply, watching as she walks away.

As I watch her walk away, I can't shake the feeling that the wedding's highlight won't be the vows, the cake, or even the music. For some reason, I'm already looking forward to whatever tomorrow brings.