Kej and Holly hop out of her car and her brother Chaz makes a joke about almost getting run over. They banter back and forth while Kej stands awkwardly on the sidelines - then Chaz notices her. It takes him a moment to realize who she is, but once he does the get to talking. He teases her about her big city job and she smiles - finally finding some common ground.
Holly pops into the convenience store while they continue their conversation. After more teasing he gets serious and asks if she’s here to help save the factory. Frustrated, she tries to tell him how complicated the matter is and what would be at stake if she interfered, she could lose her job. He shoots back that she used to care about the town and that was one of the things he loved most about her.
Loved.
And there it is, the word falls between them as they lock eyes.
She had always wondered if he returned her affection.
After a moment he tries to back pedal, saying all that was a long time ago and it sounds like she’s changed. He takes off right as Holly reappears, handing Kej a hot chocolate. She watches Chaz go and sips the drink - goddamn the town makes even better HC than they do Christmas envelopes.
Holly asks what happened…
Kej spills the beans to Holly, telling her how she’s always been in love with Chaz, how he asked for her help, and how she feels conflicted because to help him would mean risking everything she’s worked so hard for.
Kej brushes Holly off, and asks for a ride back to the train station. She can’t help and needs to get back to the big city where she belongs.