Page 30 of Jingle Bell Jilt
I drop down onto the couch and pick up my phone. I have two texts. One from my mom and one from Maggie. No surprise about either of them. But it does look like Nathan finally got the hint that I don’t want to talk to him.
I read the text from my mom first.
Mom
Merry Christmas Eve! ??I was hoping to talk to you today. I just want to hear for myself that you’re okay.
I’ll hurry and text Maggie and then I’ll call my mom. I feel a tug of guilt for not calling her before now. I know she’s worried about me.
I pull up Maggie’s text.
Maggie
You promised to call.
Sorry. Busy day.
Maggie
Busy? Doing what?
Well, long story. But the shortened version is that the guy who owns the rental I’m staying in had like zero holiday decorations. So we went shopping and are going to have dinner together tomorrow.
I hurry to add, before she gets any ideas.
Because we’re both alone. Don’t read anything into that.
Maggie
You have a date for Christmas! Shay, that’s so great! Pictures??
No. I don’t have any pictures.
Maggie
Why? Is he a toad?
No! He’s super hot!
Maggie
If he’s hot, why no pictures yet?
Oh, this texting is getting away from me fast.
Hey, I still need to call my mom. I’ll call you tomorrow.
Maggie
You said that yesterday…
Pinkie promise. Give the kids a squeeze from me!
She sends me a gif of a bland-faced boy blinking.
I send a gif of Michael Scott fromThe Officelaughing
I go to my mom’s contact but pause. I’m just not ready to talk to her yet. I’m not sure what I’ll tell her about the living situation. Maybe I’ll look at the Christmas movie options first.
