Holiday Kisses

Gil dumped three packets of sugar into his coffee. “I met with the town council earlier this week and we’d tossed around the idea of assigning a community liaison to Mr. Costas for the extent of the project. We originally thought it should be one of us, but now I’m not so sure. We need someone who can help him get a feel for the town and make certain all our needs are addressed, including those of the butterflies, as you said, Calliope. Given your expertise and connection to Butterfly Harbor, I don’t think we’d find someone better suited.”

Xander set down his coffee before he choked on it. “I’m not entirely sure that’s nec—”

“Gil, I don’t think—”

Xander and Calliope broke off at the same time, looked at each other, then both laser-eyed Gil.

“It’s one thing to put all this down on paper, what we expect, what we want,” Gil went on, as if neither of them had spoken. “It’s another to make certain we’re all on the same page without wasting time. And given how close the sanctuary and education center are going to be to your property, Calliope, this solution makes the most sense.”

Wow. Xander hid a smirk. That couldn’t have sounded more rehearsed if the mayor had been standing on a Broadway stage. Which meant Gil had been saving this tidbit of information for a time when Xander had no means of escape. Literally and figuratively. Clearly small-town mayors were as adept in political speak as big-city ones. Still, it didn’t escape Xander’s notice that Calliope was expecting Xander to put the kibosh on the idea.

“I’m not normally fond of babysitters.” Xander turned his thousand-watt smile on the local eccentric. “But in this case I’m happy to make an exception.”

“Given the impact this project can have on our natural surroundings,” Calliope spoke in a slow, deliberate tone. “And because I want what’s best for the town and the creatures we’re trying to help, I’ll accept responsibility.” Calliope’s hands clenched into fists before she pulled them into her lap.

Fascinating, Xander thought as an odd zing shot through his system. Positively fascinating.

“Excellent,” Gil said. “How about we get the formalities out of the way right now?”

“I need to get home and prepare for market tomorrow,” Calliope said. “You know where I am when you want to fill me in on the details, Gil. Xander.” She gave him a quick nod before heading over to the kids at the counter. Seconds later, the smile was back on her face as she hugged her sister close.