Page 107 of Perfectly Complicated
“Probably.” I let out a hollow laugh. “But maybe that’s what she needs—to be angry at me instead of scared of Nick.”
“That’s a terrible plan,” Brax says.
“Well, it’s the only one I’ve got.” I push away from the table, realizing I’m not getting anywhere with this conversation. “I should go. Need to get settled at the condo.”
Brax follows me to the door. “Hey, I don’t know what you’ve got planned for Christmas, but you’re always welcome at our house.” He lays a hand on my shoulder. “Jaz would insist.”
I nod once. “Thanks, man.” I’m honored that he’d invite me. But I know I’d only be the third wheel in their family gathering. “I might head out of town for Christmas. I think I need some space to think things over.”
He presses his lips together. “Okay, but the door’s always open if you change your mind.”
I step off the porch and head down the walkway. Across the street, Christmas lights twinkle in the neighbor’s window, reminding me of the night I decorated Janie’s house when she wrapped me in lights and kissed me like wehad forever.
She tried to convince me Christmas could be different—that it didn’t have to mean disappointment.
I should’ve known better. Here I am, spending Christmas alone again, just like every year before her.
I’m almost to my car when my phone buzzes in my pocket. I hesitate—seeing her name on my screen will only make this decision that much harder. But then I give in and pull it out.
Janie
When will I see you?
I stare at those five words longer than I should. Because the answer I want to tell her isrightnow. I could drive to her place, walk through the door, and say that we’ll fight this together.
But that’s not what’s best for her.
Rourke
My condo is done. Away games all week. I’ll be back for the pageant.
Three dots appear. Then disappear. They appear once more before her text comes through.
Janie
The kids will be counting down. And so will I.
She has no idea what those words do to me—that she's counting down the days until she sees me again.
Janie
I miss you already. Can’t wait to see you at the pageant.
I close my eyes and sit in my car. This is killing me. But for one more night—the pageant—I can be what she needs.
I force myself to type back:
Rourke
Wouldn’t miss it for the world.
THIRTY
Janie
I arrive at school before the pageant starts, feeling the kind of nervous exhilaration that makes me either want to throw up or scream loudly into a pillow.
Both would be mildly inconvenient right now.
