Total pages in book: 29
Estimated words: 26704 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 134(@200wpm)___ 107(@250wpm)___ 89(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 26704 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 134(@200wpm)___ 107(@250wpm)___ 89(@300wpm)
I took a step back because she seemed like she was about to explode. “Torey,” I began but her nostrils flared and I snapped my mouth shut.
“No! You don’t get to say anything. You, Lee Lancaster are a world class jerk. You took a joke about orgasms and broke my friend and I really hate you right now. A lot.” She smiled at Mac. “See you around superstar.”
“Can I still come for Christmas?” He laughed when she stopped and turned.
“Yeah. And dickhead can still come too. I guess.”
Mac whistled. “She’s really mad.”
“You didn’t stand up for me,” I accused.
Mac shrugged. “I heard your side and her side, which matched yours but was a bit more complete with the context you apparently didn’t hear. And I’m on your side Lee, I just think the best thing for you is Nix.”
“You don’t even know her.”
“Exactly, but I know how you are with her and I like it. You’re less formal and stiff, more relaxed.”
“I miss her,” I admitted as we continued our walk through town and then the park where there was a speed gift wrapping contest happening.
“Then you have to do something about it.”
Yeah, I did have to do something. But I couldn’t imagine what would get Nix to forgive me for everything I said to her.
You won’t know until you try. That’s what my Aunt Nadia always said and she hadn’t steered me wrong yet.
Chapter 15
Nix
“Merry Christmas to me.” For the first time in a long time, I wasn’t in the Christmas spirit and I hated it. I built my life the way I wanted it here in Holiday Grove. I had my own business that I loved, friends I could count on and I didn’t take men too seriously…for obvious reasons. Was I a little sheltered? Perhaps but more than that I was safe. My heart was safe.
“That’s what I get for being taken in by a pretty face.” That was a lie. It would be easier if it was just his face or his body. Or his billions. The fact was that my mistake was actually getting to know Lee beyond the billionaire developer trying to destroy my town. Now that I knew he was kind and sweet—or seemed so on the surface—it made it all hurt even more.
Shake it off, I told myself as I looked at table stacked with pies I spent making last night. There was enough pie to feed half of Holiday Grove, which was perfect since I was hosting today’s meal. There was ham still roasting in the oven, enough mashed potatoes to feed the entire state and enough mac & cheese to last until Spring. Torey and the other guests would bring the rest, which meant I wouldn’t be alone today.
Thank goodness.
I hadn’t heard from my brother at all so chances were slim he would make a surprise appearance for the hot cocoa and snowman building contest or Christmas dinner. As long as you’re safe. Since nothing else was going my way I just hoped the universe would work hard to keep my brother safe. Satisfied that I’d sent the good vibes up into the world, I painted my lips red as if that would keep my phony smile in place, donned my matching coat and made my way to the park.
No matter what happens don’t let your smile slip.
Holiday Grove was a small town and everyone was always in everyone else’s business and if there was even a hint of sadness or heartache, I wouldn’t have any peace to mourn on my own.
Thankfully Torey was already at the park with the hot cocoa letting off steams in paper cups next to small plates stacked with cookies, cupcakes and chocolates. “Nix, you’re here!” She wrapped me in a hug and whispered in my ear. “I would’ve understood if you stayed home.”
I pulled back and frowned. “Why would I stay home? This is my town and I’m the one who promised we’d man the refreshments on Christmas morning. I’m fine.” I ignored her concerned looks and kept the dessert plates stocked.
“Well, well look who we have here.” The voice was a familiar one but I hadn’t seen her in far too many years.
“Rob? What are you doing here?” Robin was a famous model, probably the most famous person to come out of Holiday Grove and we’d grown up together.
She flashed her million-dollar smile and shrugged. “Missing my friends and family. Heartache. Being too old to work at the ripe old age of twenty-five. Take your pick.”
Sensing she needed as much comfort as I did, I rounded the table and wrapped her in a hug. “Sorry for the reason you’re here but it’s so good to see your beautiful face.”
“It’s good to be here. Mind if I crash your dinner tonight? I’m not ready to see my folks just yet.”