Page 84 of Dance with Me on New Year's Eve

“Yeah, before they send out a search party,” I heard myself saying, followed by instant regret. What a stupid thing to say.

But then Peter chuckled. “It’s a very Hazel-like thing to do.”

I relaxed my shoulders as we walked back.

OK, he found it amusing, maybe not so stupid after all.

As we walked back, he turned to me. “We’ll see you at the annual resort Christmas party, right?”

“Uh, no. I’m traveling home for the holiday, so …”

Of course, my flight out would be the dayafterMari’s party, but they didn’t need to know that.

“Oh, I see. A big family holiday? That’s probably more important than a party at work.”

More important, maybe, but definitely not more appealing. And something told me he knew that. Something in his voice sounded … off. Not convinced of his own words.

Chapter 23

SawyerRox4:Hi!! I didn’t know if you’d make it online this morning

CastGamer55:And miss a chance to talk to you? Not a chance. I told you I’d pop on a bit.

SawyerRox4:*blush*

CastGamer55:How’s your holiday going?

SawyerRox4:Christmas is OK so far.

CastGamer55:Just OK?

SawyerRox4:Christmas Eve lunch at my grandma’s house has never been the same since we lost my grandpa. He was the only one who understood me.

CastGamer55:I’m sorry for your loss. I can’t imagine. I’ve never known my grandparents very well.

SawyerRox4:Well, that’s kind of sad too. Who do you celebrate with?

CastGamer55:My mom, sister, a couple of aunts. It’s nice to see them, but it’s also nice when it’s over. If that makes any sense.

SawyerRox4:TONS of sense

CastGamer55:So, not a great night then?

SawyerRox4:It wasn’t terrible. One of my many cousins is pretty awkward too, so we hung out with the little kids, our other cousins’ kids. It’s actually better than hanging out with the other adults.

CastGamer55:Well, that’s good then. We had a low-key dinner and gift exchange last night, and today we’ll becooking all morning.

SawyerRox4:Sounds nice. Much the same here, except my grandma can’t come today, so it’s just me and my parents. Sooo excited about that.

CastGamer55:I think that means you’re not excited.

SawyerRox4:You’re a smart one

CastGamer55:Haha. You can tell me all about it later. I’ll be online tonight.

SawyerRox4:Oh good. I suppose I should go see if Mom and Dad are awake yet.

CastGamer55:Before you go, I wanted to check in … are we still cool to meet at the New Year’s party? No pressure. Just checking.

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