Chapter 45

On the way home from work that afternoon, Jocelyn wondered if Mallory was going to be waiting for her when she got home. If so, Mallory was sure to start in on her again. But Jocelyn didn't want another confrontation. She just wanted to go home, relax, and destress. Roxanne had been on a roll again, complaining that the store was a mess and that if Jocelyn wanted to keep her job as manager, then she had better start taking her job more seriously.
Of course, Jocelyn had reminded her that she had told her to take the day off when Caden carried her out the door. She also reminded her that she was off the next day. Roxanne just waved her hand dismissively and went back to complaining.
Jocelyn had been glad when her work day finally came to an end.
As she drove along, she tried to push the thought of Caden from her mind. How was she going to survive him? She had given her heart to him long ago, but his visit this time had sealed the deal. He had texted her throughout the course of the day, but she had ignored him, determined not to stand between him and Mallory, if that was what they wanted. Also, she needed time to think, to heal her heart, and to sort things out.
Now, she just wanted to take a hot soak, unwind, and get to bed early to prepare for the next grueling day at work. If Caden's visit hadn't taught her anything else, it was that things needed to change in her life. During her time with him, it was as if her heart had finally awoken from its long slumber. She couldn't go back to the way that things were--working at a job she tolerated, without much family, and feeling lonely most of the time. She had never considered selling the house and moving, but what was actually holding her in Christmas Cove?
She threw her car into park behind Mallory's car, sighing. She didn't want to see Mallory now- maybe not ever. Jocelyn was tired of her sister's antics and maybe it might be better if they just had their own space. She was tired of her sister's antics, tired of being her caretaker, and in general, just tired. Finally, Jocelyn squared her shoulders and headed across the lawn and up the wooden stairs.
When she opened the door, boxes set all around the living room, but at least the Christmas tree was setting in a stand and was actually straight. She was surprised that Mallory had gotten a live tree this year. Then she thought of the Christmas tree lot and thought that she had probably gone there to see Caden or to sweet talk his family. The thought that she was actually taking the initiative to get a tree hadn't even occurred to her.
"Good! You're here," Mallory said as she walked into the living room, holding a cup of hot chocolate. "You want to help me decorate the tree?"
Jocelyn looked at her, blinking her eyes in disbelief. "What about last night?"
Mallory shrugged. "We're sisters, and no matter what happens in life, we still have to be sisters. Besides, Caden came over today and helped me get down the boxes."
Jocelyn hung up her coat and scarf and set her purse on the small side table next to the chair where Caden had always sat when he came over years ago. But she quickly pushed the thought aside. "Look, Mallory. If I help you, I don't want any mention of Caden." She looked around the living room at the mess and placed her hands on her hips. "Let's just decorate the tree in peace."
"Deal," Mallory replied. "I just made some hot chocolate. Want some?"
"Yeah. I'll get it." Although Mallory was acting civil, Jocelyn didn't want to take the chance that she might do something to her hot chocolate, either.
Jocelyn walked into the kitchen and sighed. Mallory had obviously tried to cook and had left the kitchen a mess. She poured herself a cup of hot chocolate and walked into the living room. "Are you going to clean up the mess you made in the kitchen?" The days of her taking it easy on Mallory were over. It was high time that she grew up and take on some responsibility.
Mallory shrugged. "After a while. Let's decorate the tree now."
Jocelyn's eyebrows pulled together in concern. "What's with you and wanting to decorate the Christmas tree?"
"I just thought that since we're both here, we could do it together."
Jocelyn sighed. "You want to put on the lights, or shall I?" Although Jocelyn already knew the answer, she still had to ask. Once thing Jocelyn knew about her sister was that she was allergic to hard work.
"I'll do it." Mallory walked over toward the tree and pulled a string of lights from a bag. "You worked all day."
Jocelyn looked at her, stunned. "Okay." One corner of Jocelyn's lips curled into a smile, unable to believe what she was seeing and hearing. "Who are you, and what have you done with my sister?"
"Ha, ha. Very funny." Mallory sat on the floor and began stringing lights on the tree, much to Jocelyn's surprise. "I know how to decorate a tree."
"Then why do I usually end up doing it every year?" Jocelyn knew the question may have been opening a can of worms, but she couldn't resist.
Mallory shrugged. "I'm usually working when you decorate."
Jocelyn sat down with her hot chocolate, glad for the break. "And why are you off today?"
"I wanted to spend the day with Caden, but he had other plans," Mallory replied as she continued to string the lights.
"If you were here all day, then why didn't you start decorating the tree yourself?" Jocelyn took a sip of her hot cocoa and swallowed.
"I thought I'd wait for you," Mallory said, matter of fact.
"That way, you wouldn't have to do it alone," Jocelyn said flatly. She closed her eyes and leaned her head back against the wall behind the chair. Mallory would never change.