Page 20 of Just a Taste
Hoxton clearly wants me out of here.
Me and him both.
Though I doubt his reasoning has anything to do with the intensifying storm. Still, no sense in delaying what we both want.
‘Sorry,’ I mutter, clinging on tighter to my bag. ‘I was just about to leave.’
He opens his mouth like he wants to say something, but he just shakes his head and steps aside for me to pass him. ‘Right.’
The walk from the kitchen to the front door is a painfully awkward and silent one. I find myself desperately missing Roland and the easy way conversation just seems to roll off him. Every so often, Hoxton clears his throat and I stiffen at the thought of him trying to make small talk with me, but nothing ever comes. Thankfully. When we reach the door, he pulls it open for me and an icy wall of cold air hits us immediately.
Hoxton glares up at the sky and I dip my head to hide my eye-roll. Of course the sight of snow would piss him off. Could he be any more of a stereotypical Grinch?
‘Looks like we’re in for a white Christmas,’ I mutter, reaching out to let a few cold snowflakes land on my hand. They settle against my skin for a brief moment and then melt. ‘Isn’t that lucky?’
Hoxton scoffs. ‘What’s lucky about it?’
I shrug. ‘You know – snow on Christmas? There’s just something magical about it.’
Another scoff. ‘Temperatures have dropped below freezing and it’s relatively humid. Nothing magical about it. Just basic thermodynamics.’
An irrational twinge of anger shoots through me. What is his problem? Would it really be so hard to just smile and nod and marvel at the beautiful snowflakes falling silently down on us? If he wants to be a miserable asshole, that’s fine, but there’s no need to drag the rest of us down with him.
‘To each his own.’ I clear my throat and shift my bag higher onto my shoulder. I take a step off the porch and, without glancing back, say coolly, ‘Have a lovely Christmas.’
I don’t get any kind of response. Just the sound of the front door closing before I even reach my car.
NOELLE
Never in my life have I met such a Grinch.
EVE
LOL
What’s SC done now?
NOELLE
SC?
EVE
Sexy Client
NOELLE
Nothing in particular. Just seems determined to sap all of my Christmas joy.
But it’s whatever. Finished now. Omw home.
EVE
WOOO!!
Drive safe xoxo
I would love to drive safe.
