The Holiday Switch(55)

The iconic intro from Holiday by the Lake fills the room.

“Nooooo,” Teddy says, opening his eyes. He doubles over as if in pain and groans. “This isn’t on the Mission: Holly list is it?”

“It is now!” I laugh, and physically push him until he finally sits up. “It’s not that bad.”

“What is it with this movie? It’s so predictable. And pure emotional manipulation.” He gestures to the framed movie poster hanging across from us.

Yet, despite his reaction, I don’t take the bait. This is a person who has been reading my holiday book recommendations. He’s way more open-minded than he lets on.

I keep my face neutral. As an eldest sister, patience is a skill that I have mastered. I click the stop button on the remote control and the scene freezes to the aerial view of Holly. “How about we flip for it?”

His eyes round, excitement beaming through. “All right.” He jumps up and lumbers to the cash registers, to our penny jar. Upon returning, he presents the penny in his palm. “Do you want to do the honors?”

    “Sure,” I say, taking it. The penny is marred and darkened in some places, but Abraham Lincoln’s profile is shiny. C’mon, Abe. We got this. “You call it.”

As I flip the penny in the air, Teddy says, “Tails.”

I snatch the penny and keep it in my grasp. “Ready?”

“You’re intense even down to this coin toss.” He smirks. “But I love it. Let’s see it.”

I slap the coin into my palm and slowly withdraw my hand.

It’s heads.



* * *





“No no no, don’t leave!” Teddy slaps his palm against his forehead. He gestures toward the screen, at the young Leo Marks, who’s walking away from a sobbing Estelle Mendoza.

It’s the lowest, saddest point in the movie, and a part of me wants to spoil the ending for Teddy, to end his torture. What he doesn’t know is that a happily-ever-after awaits. But I bite my cheek to keep myself from spilling. I want to witness his reaction.

While the writing has room for improvement, the acting is spot on. There’s a reason why new, skeptical viewers like Teddy are hooked despite their initial resistance, and why it has been such a special part of our town for so many years—Jonah Johanson and Remy Castillo brought it. Readers of the book and viewers of the film want the happily-ever-after for these characters. And with the triumphant ending, it makes people feel that they can get their own happily-ever-after.

    For all of his talk about not wanting to watch this movie, Teddy now has a pillow clutched to his chest. And somehow, our chairs are pushed together and our shoulders and thighs are touching.

“I can’t. I can’t.” He presses PAUSE so the screen freezes on the shot of the heartbroken Estelle walking down Main Street, which is lit up by festive blinking colorful lights. Teddy’s expression is incredulous. “How could he walk away, after…after she said that she loved him?”

“I guess you’re going to have to watch the rest of it,” I cajole. “Have faith.”

He heaves a breath. When he does, his hair flops forward. “I’m going to raid the break room for snacks. I need sustenance. Is that okay?”

I nod. But more than that, I love that he’s so invested. It’s like finding out someone likes the same book you do—it creates an instant bond. In this case, it strengthens it. “It’s so good, right?”

“If you mean stress-inducing, then yes.” He stands. “I’ll be back with food.”

As soon as Teddy disappears around the corner, I check in with Carm via text. I’d updated her on my status after I called my parents, and I’m bursting with both news and curiosity. She and Aiden ended up hanging out after ice-skating.

Carm: You kept me on read for forever! What are you guys doing?





Lila: Watching Holiday by the Lake





Carm: And what else?





Lila: Aaaaaand that’s it.

What are you doing?





Carm: None of your beeswax.





Lila: CARM





Carm: LILA

Okay, so Aiden came over to watch a movie here too





Lila: With Frank and Trish?





Carm: Yes it was fully embarrassing





Lila: So does that mean…





Carm: I have no idea





“Yes,” Teddy cheers from the break room. He must have found the secret stash of popcorn. First comes the crinkling of the wrapper and then the beep of the microwave. It makes me smile, his sudden bursts of enthusiasm.

Carm: So…I think it’s time for you to finally admit it.





Lila: Admit what.





Carm: That, sweet Lila, you like him.





I shake my head at the phone, but I know my best friend is right.

Lila: I think I do

But I’m not sure he feels the same





Carm: If he doesn’t like you back, why did he stay with you?