Page 114 of Nice Guys Don't Kiss Like That At Christmas
Adam
Julie's husband just reached out about potential funding through his family foundation.Eve must have already talked to her.
Mike
See what happens when you actually tell people what's going on?
Wes
Meeting at my place later?8pm, I'll get pizza.
Me
I'll be there.Maybe, Eve, too.
Through the window, I spot Eve returning, red scarf bright against the snow, juggling two coffee cups and a bag from Rosie’s while Dorothy prances around her feet.Blanche walks calmly beside her, LoverBoy perched on her back like a tiny king on a throne.
For years, I've been the person everyone leans on.The reliable one who fixes everything without complaint.
But there's strength in this too.In letting people in.In admitting I don't have all the answers.
I pick up the big pickle I’ve been working on, with the Santa hat, turning it over in my hands.Its uneven stitches and awkward shape somehow make it more perfect, more real.Kind of like us—imperfect, a little damaged, but somehow fitting together anyway.
I set it back on the nightstand and head downstairs to help Eve.
I'm not alone in this anymore.
Maybe I never was.
Chapter thirty-six
EVE
Aftertwodaysspenttrying to find solutions for the funding and waiting to hear back from the position I applied to, work has been taking almost every minute of my time.That and filing a complaint against Chuck for mishandling of my case in the ER.
My phone buzzes as I’m hanging a string of paper snowflakes made by Megan’s class.“Massachusetts number” flashes on the screen, and my stomach does a pirouette filled with hope.And yes, Hallmark movies make me more sentimental.
Also, Adam may have started reading out loud to me again.
“I need some air,” I tell Liz, gesturing to my phone.“I’ll be right back.”
Outside, Pine Creek is in full Christmas glory.The town square glitters with thousands of lights, every lamppost wrapped in garlands with red bows.Shop windows display miniature Christmas villages while families wander between stores, hot chocolate in hand.
I answer the call, stepping in the alleyway near the clinic.“This is Eve.”
“Hello, Eve.”Chuck’s voice slides through the speaker, jarringly out of place in this picture-perfect scene.“I see you’re still hiding out in the middle of nowhere.”
“And you’re still calling from a different number.”
Across the street, Adam appears in the veterinary clinic window, taking LoverBoy, Blanche and Dorothy for a walk.They’re prancing around like they’ve adopted him.
“I’m not hiding, Chuck.I’m working.”
“Working.”He scoffs.“Is that what you’re calling it?”
I watch Adam talk to my dogs.And is he laughing?
“Did you actually need something?”I ask, distracted by the way Adam crouching to bring Dorothy and LoverBoy in his coat to warm them up despite their sweater.
