Page 43 of Jingle Bell Jilt
“I just wonder if maybe changing Christmas traditions wasn’t because he didn’t love your mom or wanted to forget her but rather because he didn’t know how to celebrate it that way without her. It caused him too much pain.”
I look down at my hands. I’d never considered it that way. Likely because I was too consumed with my own grief.
“And maybe that’s why he worked so hard right after she died. Maybe it was the only way he knew how to survive.” She gives my hand a squeeze. “Everyone needs to feel loved. I think you’re very lucky to have such a great family that loves you so much.” She smiles and drops my hand. I frown. I’m not sure I’m finished with her comforting yet.
She pulls her phone out of her back pocket and starts scrolling. “So I wondered what movie you wanted to go see. I looked but it doesn’t look like any theater around here is doing aDie HardMarathon. But we can see something else.”
I shake my head. “We don’t need to go see a movie.”
Her brow crinkles and I stare at her for a moment because she looks so adorable. But I shake that thought away immediately. What am I thinking? She has just come out of a long-term relationship. She doesn’t need me trying to take advantage while she’s vulnerable.
“I don’t mind seeing a movie. I mean, unless you really don’t want to go. I just thought we’d done several of my family’s traditions, so maybe you’d want to do some of yours.”
It’s nice of her to try and include both of our family traditions.
And I’m still slightly confused by it. Nathan’s Shay wouldn’t do this. So far we’ve watchedDie Hardand she even bought me the tree topper that had been so much a part of Christmas when my mom was alive. I’m not sure what to make of it. Part of me wonders if she’s just trying to impress me and putting on a fake persona. Or could it be that Nathan is an idiot? Currently, I’m leaning toward the latter.
She slides her phone across the table. “Anything look good? Or would you rather just stay here? We can watchChristmas Storyinstead.” She tucks a piece of hair behind her ear. “Or something else if you’d rather. I’m pretty easygoing.”
I look at her phone. She’s really trying to make this a Christmas that both of us will enjoy. And while the movie on Christmas Day thing isn’t really my favorite holiday tradition, I don’t want to disappoint her.
I glance up and she’s biting her cheek. “If you need some you time, I get that too. I’ve been pretty much monopolizing your time and lecturing you on your family business. I hadn’t really considered that maybe you missed Christmas with your family for a reason.”
I shake my head. “No, no. I’d love to spend the day with you.”
She doesn’t look completely convinced.
“I missed Christmas with my family because the guy who usually manages my rentals is on paternity leave for the holidays. That’s completely the truth.” Mostly. A niggle of guilt worms around in my stomach. I should tell her that I also stayed in Florida because I wanted to see Nathan—my friend. But will that make things weird between us? Living together for the next week will be awkward if she’s mad and hates me because I know her ex. But I’m going to have to tell her sometime, right?
I mentally sigh. But if she’s leaving on New Year’s, why do I have to make things awkward for us between now and then?
I grin. “Well, that and New Hampshire is really cold right now.”
Her shoulders relax. “Are you sure? I don’t want to be a bother.”
I hold up three fingers. “Scouts honor. I’m happy we’re spending Christmas together.”
She smiles and leans forward, pointing at her phone. “So, does one of those interest you?”
“I’m game for anything.”
She raises a brow. “There’s a newFast and Furiousmovie.”
I grin. “There’s always a newFast and Furiousmovie.” I glance down. “What about this new Tom Cruise movie?”
She nods. “Sounds great.”
“Are you sure, because there’s also this new remake of a Jane Austen or maybe it’s one of the Brontes’?”
She pulls her phone back. “Northanger Abbey is by Jane Austen. I can’t believe you didn’t know that.” She looks at me in feigned disgust.
I wink. “I did. I’m just testing you to make sure you really did like your book.” I grimace. “Is it okay to admit that I likePride and Prejudice? I think the dad is hilarious.”
“Why would it not be okay?”
I shrug. “Some people might not find it very manly.”
“Whatever.” She rolls her eyes. “Whoever doesn’t think it’s manly is an idiot. My dad loves to watch Jane Austen movies with my mom. And he’s plenty manly. He ropes and wrestles bulls.”
