Page 81 of Holiday Love
“Cool,” I say, careful not to push. He’s trying, and I don’t want to ruin it. I think I like this new Jamie. He’s more real, more himself.
Jamie nods like he knows exactly what I’m doing and he appreciates it. He leans against the rail beside me, the one I’m half-holding myself up with, and sweeps a glance over the deck, pride warming his tone. “Gotta admit, the boat turned out pretty great this year, don’t you think? Even thoughcertainpeople were total slackers.” He shoots me a mock glare.
“My leg’s broken!” I protest, rapping my knuckles against the rigid cast like that settles it. “You want a copy of the X-ray?”
“Excuses, excuses.” Jamie shakes his head, smirking.
“Whatever,” I huff, half-amused, half-annoyed, mostly with myself. Because the truth is, Idofeel guilty. Normally I’m the first one sketching out insane decoration plans, the first one dangling off the ladder to hang lights, the first to break at least three fire codes for the sake of holiday spirit.
Not this year. I’ve been so wrapped up in my leg and with Helen, I let Jamie and the crew down. He’s too cool and independent to say it outright, but he doesn’t have to. I felt awful the second I saw the boat, perfectly decorated without me. Another place I’m replaceable.
“I’m not getting Elf of the Year, big deal,” I mutter, way too defensive.
Anthony lets out a short laugh, the kind with no warmth. “You’re not gettinganyawardsthese days, Teddy.”
It doesn’t land like a joke. More like something he’s been waiting to say, like he’s talking about more than just decorating the boat. I flinch and hate that he sees it.
Jamie whistles low. “Damn, Grinch. Ease up on the coal.”
Anthony just shrugs, lifting his bottle in a mock toast. “Hey, I call it like I see it.”
Anger rises in me, sharp and fast. I push off the rail and take a step forward.
“Whatexactlyis that supposed to mean?”
I catch a glimpse of Anthony’s face hardening just before Jamie slips between us. “Hey, knock it off, you two. Santa’s watching.” A subtle nod toward Helen’s dad, Phillip, who stares at us from across the deck, too far away to hear what we’re saying over the thrum of the boat engine, but I’m sure our body language speaks volumes.
“Never mind,” Anthony mutters. “We’re done here anyway.” He turns and stalks off.
Jamie watches him go, then side-eyes me. “Damn, Teddy. That went well. Really brought the festive cheer. Nothing saysMerry Christmaslike a pissing match during a holiday parade.”
“Just toss me overboard,” I groan, dragging a hand down my face. Leave it to Anthony to remind me that no matter how far I swim, I’m still drowning.
“Oh no, not yet. I need to see how this slow-mo trainwreck ends.” He grins, showing off his teeth. “You, brooding on a boat, nursing your emotional wounds, while everyone else singsJingle Bell Rock? It’s givingHallmarkmeetsFight Clubvibes.”
Despite myself, I snort.
Gina cups her hands to her mouth and calls over, “Jamie! Your turn. I gotta pee.”
“Stop flirting with me, Gina, you siren of the sea,” Jamie deadpans, earning a glare from Anthony.
“Thanks for taking the heat off me,” I murmur, knowing exactly what he’s doing.
Jamie laughs and claps me on the back. “Merry Christmas,you tragic little elf. You’re lucky you’re pretty.” He’s still laughing as he walks away.
I turn back toward the rail, trying to catch my breath, emotionally, not physically, when I spot movement in my peripheral vision. Phillip’s making his way over, hands in his coat pockets, his expression unreadable.
“Teddy.”
“Hey, Dr. Chu.”
His gaze flicks between me and Anthony, who hovers near the cabin door, waiting for Gina to return.
“Everything okay?”
“Yeah,” I lie. “Just some stupid drama. We all used to live together, but lately things are different. I’ve outgrown them, or maybe they’ve outgrown me.” My eyes drift to Helen. “I don’t know. It’s one of those awkward shifting dynamics things.”
Phillip hums, thoughtful. “You know,” he says, watching the lit-up houses slide past on shore, mostly megamansions with professionally curated holiday décor. This stretch of waterfront is prime real estate, where the rich and famous show off. “One of the hardest parts of growing up is realizing not everyone is meant to grow with you. Some people are just a chapter in your life, and that’s okay. It doesn’t make them any less important. It just means their part of the story ends while yours keeps going.”
