Page 52 of Christmas Crisis
“Look, to be honest, when Stone initially asked me, I was hesitant but on board with it. Now that it’s out in the world, I’ll admit it makes me a little nauseous. Seeing them like that. All the fans gushing in the comments. I don’t know if there’s any way I could have prepared myself for it. ButI agreed, so there’s not much I can do now. Other than be okay with it.”
“Have you said this to Stone? That it’s bothering you?”
She shook her head. “There’s no point. We can’t put the genie back in the bottle. At least he’s doing everything he can to show me I’m the one he actually cares about. I’ve also texted withNaomi, and she’s made it clear I have nothing to worry about on her end.”
“I still think—”
“Leo, you have to be alright with this. Because I mostly am. But in order to get all the way there, I need to know you have my back.”
Vomit threatened. Stone was lucky enough to have her, and this was what he did? Put her in this position? It sucked that she had to settle for this bullshit. I didn’t want her to settle. Not for anyone. Ever.
“Panda, you know I’ll always have your back.” My voice pitched higher. “I just want you to be treated like the treasure you are.”
For the millionth time since I’d met her, I cursed the universe that I wasn’t something else. That I didn’t have more to offer. Why couldn’t I give her everything she needed?
“Oh, Leo,” she hushed. “I’m okay. I promise.”
She was perfect. Vulnerable and joyful. With a huge heart.
Stone had that all in his grasp, and he was going to…date Naomi.
I hung my head. “Okay isn’t good enough for you,” I said in a broken-down rasp. “You deserve more.”
She sucked in a breath, and the phone went black for a moment before her face sprang up again. “What do you think I deserve?” she whispered.
“You deserve…”Someone who loves you as much as I do.“I don’t know,” I finished lamely. “More than this.”
Her face turned away. She scraped her hand through her hair, and I registered the rise and fall of her shoulders as she inhaled raggedly. The silence stretched, thick and uneasy in a way it rarely was between us. Finally, she gazed determinedly at the screen.
“You don’t need to worry. I get more from Stone than you know.” Her attempt at both gravitas and clever innuendo rang hollow.
My insides clenched. “You’re honestly okay with this?”
She nodded wordlessly. Unconvincingly.
“Well, then, as your friend, I think you should tell Stone how you’re feeling. At least be honest with him that you’re having mixed emotions. It might help him make better decisions.”
Her features wilted. She knew I’d never give her my full endorsement of this plan.
I could love her and be there for her, but I couldn’t lie and say I thought Stone treating her this way was acceptable.
“I already told you, Leo. Putting that on Stone isn’t an option. I gave my word.”
“Panda—”
“I can’t talk about this anymore. I hope you can support me. See you at Christmas.”
She hung up.
I didn’t see Miranda again untilI showed up at Marley and James’s house on Christmas Day. Miranda had rented a car and driven to Coleman Creek from the airport since I’d had to stay in Tacoma for work until December 24.
My parents and I drove together and checked into the Hampton Inn near the highway. When we arrived, the hotel had boxes waiting for us. Marley insisted we show up on Christmas Day wearing footie pajamas.
Mom and Dad looked at this development with amusement, commenting that there was nothing they wouldn’t do for their “delightful future daughter-in-law.”
“At least yours are dignified,” I grumped, envious of their blue snowflake onesies. “I look demented.”
Heaving my massive frame into the gingerbread men-patterned zip-up bodysuit was a challenge, and my reward was having my parents pull out their phones to snap pics and laugh at me.
