Page 92 of Mistletoe Misses
From there, I make my way through the station, saying goodbye to the friends I’ve made over the last five years. It’s embarrassing how few that number turns out to be, but that just means I have no regrets leaving it all behind.
Exiting the garage, a text from Carmen plays through the truck speakers.
Carmen:Everything okay?
Me:Better than okay. I’ll tell you all about it when I see you.
Carmen:Are you on your way?
Me:Be there in thirty.
Carmen:Good. If we hurry, we can beat Sadie home and surprise her with the good news.
Me:Hmm. What news is that?
Carmen:[eye roll emoji] That you’re moving to Ember Falls.
Me:Oh that! Think she’ll be excited?
Carmen:More than. She’s been wanting a little brother or sister.
I slam on the brakes, snatching up the phone to read the message myself as if the robotic text reader is messing with me. The driver behind me honks, then darts past in the other lane.
Me:That’s a big leap. We just had sex for the first time today.
Carmen:That’s usually how it happens.
Carmen:But I wasn’t suggesting right away. When we’re both ready.
Me:I’m not hating the idea.
Carmen:We’ll talk when you’re loving it. We have all the time in the world.
Me:Thank goodness for that. I love you.
I don’t wait for her reply. With our future on my mind, I push on the gas and head toward the apartment for the last time.
Chapter 21
Maddox
Hello?” I call when I don’t see Carmen’s father in their store. Since Carmen and Sadie went to the final chorus practice before the Spectacular Holiday Sing-along, I know he’s here.
“Maddox.” His hand pops up over a shelf before he emerges at the end. “It’s great to see you. What brings you by today?”
“I was hoping you’d have time for a quick chat.”
“I always have time for you. Come have a seat.”
We both claim a chair in the sitting area near the front windows.
“I’m sure you know that Carmen and I are dating,” I begin.
“Yes. She filled us in after you two got back from Boston last week.”
I nod, agreeing that there’s no reason for her to keep it quiet. After all, I’ve already told everyone I could think of.
“We’re going out for her birthday tonight, and I’m hoping you can bring Sadie and meet us for dinner.”
