Page 15 of A Not So Merry Kiss-mas
Almost a week after meeting ‘Mike’ at the Nicholses' holiday party, we’ve been texting incessantly, with the occasional phone call sprinkled in here and there ever since.
It’s our work schedules, rather than us, that are in conflict this week. And tonight will be the first time I’ll have an opportunity to see him for more than a quick ‘hi’ or ‘bye’ since he walked me to my door last Saturday night and left me with a kiss on the cheek.
Raising my hand to my face, a fluttery feeling spreads from my core and surges around my body before I give my appearanceanother examination in the mirror. Outfit number three is a red cowl neck sweater that sits on my hips with a pair of faded blue skinny jeans.
I tug at my lower lip with my teeth and tilt my head to inspect my reflection. Smoothing my sweater, I huff out a sigh.
‘No. It looks like I’m trying too hard,” I grumble to the girl with the uncertain expression staring back at me. Turning away from the mirror, I grab the bottom of my sweater and pull it over one side of my head when the phone starts buzzing.
Rushing to the phone, one arm hanging out, my stomach sinks when I see Noelle’s name.
“Hi, Noe,” I answer, slightly out of breath.
“Were you hoping this call was from someone else?” Noelle teases, and I snort.
“No. I was just in the middle of doing something,” I scoff, shoving my arm back in my sweater and pulling it down.
“Oh, did that something include getting ready to go buy a Christmas tree?” My brows shoot up.
“What? How did you—”
“Cole was talking to Mike a few minutes ago.” An involuntary smile spreads across my lips, and my stomach quivers. “You'd better be ready because he should be knocking on your door any minute.”
A knot grips my core, and I suck in a breath. “Ugh. I can’t decide what to wear!” I pace back and forth between the bedroom and living room, picking up some of the clothes strewn around the furniture.
“Mel, I’m sure you look beautiful. You always do. Plus, unless I’m mistaken, he’s already seen you at your worst.” I scowl at the phone, knowing she’s referring to one of the many times I’ve banged on Michael’s door right after rolling out of bed.
“But I didn’t care what he thought of me then.” I retrace my steps and head to the closet, flipping through my sweaters.
“Melanie,” Noelle’s laughing voice pulls me out of the worry engulfing me. “Mike has been interested in you for a while. Even when you yelled at him, he thought you were adorable.” My pulse races and I clutch my chest. “I’m positive he’ll think you look great in whatever you’re wearing.”
“Do you really believe that?” I chew on my bottom lip thinking of the times I went to Mike’s door and told him to keep it down. “And he totally deserved it.”
“No, I don’t believe it, I know it! You’re amazing, and beautiful.” I find myself back in front of the mirror staring at my reflection. For the first time in over a year, I’m excited about the idea of dating again, and the possibility of what that can bring. But what if it all goes south like last time? “I can hear the gears in your brain grinding.”
Shaking my head, a puff of laughter escapes. “You know you’re really creepy, right?”
“That’s what best friends are for!”
Rolling my eyes again, I plop on the couch and rest my head back. “But what if it doesn’t work out?”
“Do you remember what Mrs. Claus said? Keeping your heart closed is—”
“A fate worse than death. I remember.”
“Opening your heart is the win, regardless of what happens.”
Chewing on my nail, I contemplate her words. There’s a quiet certainty settling deep inside me. From what I know of Michael, he is nothing like Lucien. Lucien didn’t care about anyone other than himself.
For a moment, I listen to what my body is telling me. A steady heartbeat strums through my veins, and a calmness settles in my being. Whatever happens, he’s worth taking a risk on. I can feel it.
I’ve been through challenging experiences before and have made it through them all. This will be no different.
There’s a knock and my head whips toward the door. “Noe, I have to go. I’ll talk to you later.” I leap off the couch and race to the door.
“Make sure you—” Noelle starts but I’ve already disconnected the call.
Standing with my hand on the doorknob, I take a few deep breaths and try to calm my racing nerves.
