First Impressions

I really have a lot to do.” To prove her point, Shane leafed through a catalog to price and date her latest stock. “With the Christmas rush, I’ve really fallen behind on the paperwork. I’ve got invoices to file, and if I don’t get the books caught up before the quarter, I’m going to be in a jam.”
    “Baloney,” Donna said precisely, flipping the catalog closed.
    “Donna, please.”
    “No, I don’t please.” She stuck her hands on her hips. “And it’s two against one,” she added, indicating Pat with a jerk of her head. “We’re not having you spend Christmas Eve alone in this house, and that’s all there is to it.”
    “Come on, Shane.” Pat joined ranks with her sister-in-law. “You should see Donna and Dave chase after Benji when he heads for the tree. And as Donna’s putting on a little weight,” she added, grinning at the expectant mother, “she isn’t as fast as she used to be.”
    Shane laughed, but shook her head. “I promise I’ll come by tomorrow. I’ve got a very noisy present for Benji. You’ll probably never speak to me again.”
    “Shane.” Firmly, Donna took her by the shoulders. “Pat’s told me how you’ve been moping around. And,” she continued, ignoring the annoyed glance Shane shot over her shoulder at the informant, “anyone can take one look at you and see you’re worn-out and miserable.”
    “I’m not worn-out,” Shane corrected.
    “Just miserable?”
    “I didn’t say—”
    Donna gave her a quick affectionate shake. “Look, I don’t know what happened between you and Vance—”
    “Donna . . .”
    “And I’m not asking,” she added. “But you can’t expect me to stand by while my best friend is unhappy. How much fun can I have, thinking about you here all alone?”
    “Donna.” Shane gave her a fierce hug then drew away. “I appreciate it, really I do, but I’m lousy company now.”
    “I know,” Donna agreed mercilessly.
    That made Shane laugh and hug her again. “Please, take Pat and go back to your family.”
    “So speaks the martyr.”
    “I’m not—” Shane began furiously, then broke off, seeing the gleam in Donna’s eyes. “That won’t work,” she told her. “If you think you can make me mad so I’ll come just to prove you wrong—”
    “All right.” Donna settled herself in a rocker. “Then I’ll just sit here. Of course, poor Dave will spend Christmas Eve without me, and my little boy won’t understand where his mother could be, but . . .” She sighed and folded her hands.
    “Oh, Donna, really.” Shane dragged her hand through her hair, caught between laughter and tears. “Talk about martyrs.”
    “I’m not complaining for myself,” she said in a long-suffering tone. “Pat, run along and tell Dave I won’t be home. Dry little Benji’s tears for me.”
    Pat gave a snort of laughter, but Shane rolled her eyes. “I’ll be sick in a minute,” she promised. “Donna, go home!” she insisted. “I’m closing the shop.”
    “Good, go get your coat. I’ll drive.”
    “Donna, I’m not . . .” She trailed off as the shop door opened. Seeing her friend pale, Donna turned her head to watch Vance walk in.
    “Well, we have to run,” she stated, springing quickly to her feet. “Come on, Pat, Dave’s probably at his wit’s end keeping Benji from pulling over the tree. Merry Christmas, Shane.” She gave Shane a quick kiss before grabbing her coat.
    “Donna, wait . . .”
    “No, we just can’t stay,” she claimed, making the reversal without blinking an eye. “I’ve got a million things to do. Hi, Vance, nice to see you. Let’s go, Pat.” They were out the door before Shane could fit in another word.
    Vance lifted a brow at the hasty exit but made no comment. Instead, he studied Shane as the silence grew long and thick. The anger that had driven him there melted. “Shane,” he murmured.
    “I—I’m closing.”
    “Fine.” Vance turned and flicked the lock on the door. “Then we won’t be disturbed.”
    “I’m busy, Vance. I have . . .” She searched desperately for something important. “Things to do,” she finished lamely. When he neither spoke nor moved, she sent him a look of entreaty. “Please go away.”
    Vance shook his head. “I tried that, Shane. I can’t.” He slipped off his coat and dropped it on the chair Donna had vacated. Shane stared at him, thrown off-balance by his appearance in a trimly tailored suit and silk tie. It brought it home to her