page15 (1/2)

“Sure, that happens, but what about the stories of people who go out of their way to help a stranger?”

“Yeah, I suppose that’s nice”

“You suppose?”

“No, that didn’t coh of that Christreediest time of year Really turned me off the holiday”

“That’s a tragedy”

He shrugged “Nah, it’s just life I like St Patrick’s Day, if it ”

“And why is that?” she asked

“Because it’s a day sanctioned for drinking beer” She rolled her eyes and he grinned, adding, “Can’t iine a better holiday than that” Layton held the strand, inspecting it for loose wires of any sort as a force of habit “Actually, I’d be lying if I said that I don’t enjoy Christhts and the displays but I’ve seen too many house fires caused by Christet what’s left behind”

Alexis sobered, pausing in her strand detail “That must suck”

“It does I don’t want to be a Debbie Downer, but Christmastimecan be kind of scary for public service Do you realize that suicides and do the holidays?”

“You’re a bowl of sunshine,” she said, handing hi into inspirational speaking”

“Sorry Occupational hazard, I guess”

“You’re forgiven, but I don’t care what you say, nothing can dim my holiday spirit I love the holiday and I’m determined to enjoy every last moment”

Layton had to respect her deteret her Christmas on, no matter the obstacles

“One question though”

“Yeah?”

“Why are you decorating your brother’s place? Is he as nutty about the holidays as you are?”

“Gracious no Erik is about as observant as a lawn gno, which is why he lets me do what I want Someday I’ll havemy brother’s place”