Page 108 of Puck Me Secretly

I gave her another smile. “It’s okay. I got over it.”

December 24th,Calder and I sat together on the couch. He was sipping a bottle of water. Our parents were singing Christmas carols in the kitchen while they prepared lunch.

“Thanks for telling my mom that I was the one not interested in you.” Calder narrowed his eyes on my face.

“You weren’t around.”

He sipped his water while his leg bounced up and down. “I’m heading into Vancouver after lunch.”

“Shut up.”

“Wanna come?”

My parents were in their own world. “What are you going to tell your parents?”

“Don’t worry, I have that covered.”

My eyes dropped to his water glass. “Is that why you’re drinking water?”

“You think I’d remain sober in this antler infested candy land for any reason other than to negotiate my escape?”

“What are you doing in Vancouver?”

“Kat’s all alone because her bastard prick of a boyfriend is spending Christmas with his family.”

“I’m not sure I’ve ever seen you care about anyone but yourself.”

He snorted.

“No, it’s a good look on you.”

“Whatever, Roar. Want a 24 hour escape from this horror house, or should I leave you with the raisins?”

I glanced back to my parents. Dad finished telling a funny story and Betty snorted red wine out of her nose. I could nap in peace without someone telling me to come help them decorate cookies or head out for yet another brisk and refreshing walk.

I turned back to Calder. “Count me in.”

Calder wasbrilliant at not quite lying. He spun a masterful story about how a mutual friend had been left alone by her heartless boyfriend, and she had no family close. Calder had begged her to join our festivities, but she didn’t want to impose. So, now, in a short trip, Calder and I wanted to head back to Vancouver to spend time with her.

Betty had tears in her eyes. “I’m so proud of my baby boy. You’ve become so wonderful.”

I somehow managed to not roll my eyes.

“I get my heart from you, mama.”

With promises that we’d be back in time for Christmas dinner, we got in Calder’s racy black sports model and headed back to the city.

“What are you going to do?” Calder pulled into my driveway.

“I’m going to sleep my ass off and watch a lot of Netflix.”

“You should get out more. I’ll be back tomorrow to pick you up at 4 PM.”

“See you then.”

The house was quiet.I toyed with my phone. I wanted to text Max, but I still struggled knowing that this relationship couldcome at great risk to him. I really liked him, more than I should, but the outcome if we ever got caught terrified me. I wanted to see him so bad, it took all my effort to not get into a cab and head to his apartment. He had told me he was spending Christmas in Vancouver. What was he doing? Was he spending his time with friends?

I heated a frozen pizza and resisted turning on my laptop to work. This was my downtime. I would relax if it killed me.

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