There’s a collective gasp from the onlookers.
“Oxford!” I exclaim, mortified and secretly delighted all at once.
The mayor looks down at the wet spot on his coat with horror. “This… this is outrageous! Control your animal!”
“He’s not my animal,” I say, fighting to keep a straight face. “And I think he was just expressing his opinion of outdated stereotypes.”
Charlie bursts out laughing, not even attempting to hide her delight. “Good boy, Oxford!”
“I have never been so insulted,” the mayor sputters, frantically wiping at his coat and only managing to smear the llama spit further. “I’ll be speaking with your brother,” he tells Charlie, storming off.
As the mayor leaves our earshot, Charlie lets out a high-pitched squeal.
“Oh my god, Melody!” She grabs my shoulders, practically bouncing. “You are officially my new hero! The way you stood up to that pompous ass—and then Oxford with the perfectly timed spit!” She doubles over laughing again. “How does it feel to put Mayor Reynolds in his place publicly?”
I press my hand to my chest, feeling my heart racing beneath my palm. But it’s not anxiety making it pound.
“It feels…” I search for the right word. “Liberating? Like I’ve been holding my breath for years and finally exhaled.”
“You’re glowing,” Charlie says, grinning.
“I can’t believe I just did that,” I say, shaking my head. “I never talk back to authority.”
“Well, you should do it more often. It suits you.”
I turn to Oxford, who stands beside me with what I swear is smug satisfaction in his eyes. I wrap my arms around his fluffy neck and give him a gentle squeeze.
“Thank you for having my back, Oxford,” I whisper into his fur. “You’re the best wingman a girl could ask for.”
He doesn’t pull away, which I take as llama approval. My scarf is still around his neck, and I decide to let him keep it.
He’s earned it.
“You know Reynolds is going to be furious,” Charlie says, though she doesn’t look particularly concerned.
“Oh, no.” My momentary confidence wavers. “I didn’t mean to cause trouble for you guys.”
Charlie waves dismissively. “Please. Everett will probably give Oxford extra treats when he hears about this. None of us can stand Reynolds.” She hooks her arm through mine. “Come on, let’s get this hero back to the barn, and then I’m buying you a drink at Frostbite Brews. You’ve earned it.”
“I should really get back,” I say, though the idea of celebrating my small act of rebellion is tempting. “I still have some work to finish.”
“Work? During vacation?” Charlie looks horrified. “Absolutely not. Work can wait.”
I hesitate, thinking about the spreadsheets Marcus wants by tomorrow morning. The old Melody would rush back, hunched over her laptop until midnight if necessary.
But something has shifted inside me.
“Lead the way,” I say, grinning.
11
Finn
I’m ready to collapse by the time we make it back to the Grand Cabin, the casserole dish warm between my gloved hands. Everett’s mom pressed it into my arms before we left, insisting we needed proper sustenance. It’s well past dinnertime, and my stomach has progressed from growling to making sounds that could rival a thunderstorm.
“I’m so hungry I could eat a reindeer,” I announce as we climb the porch steps. “Including Rudolph. Especially Rudolph. His nose would add some spice.”
Gabe snorts. “You’d feel guilty halfway through and start crying about Christmas being ruined.”