Page 7 of A Not So Merry Kiss-mas
“No. Not at all. I can’t imagine how I would’ve handled what you went through. But I miss the old version of my grumpy best friend. She at least knew how to have some fun.”
“Hey!” I squawk. It’s been over a year since Lucien, and I’m not sure I remember what it even means to have fun. Between a broken heart and work, enjoying myself has been put on the back burner.
“Let me and Cole set you up with Mike.” My eyes all but roll into the back of my head. Here we go with the matchmaking again. “He’d be perfect for you! He’s kind, funny, and Cole’s best friend.”
I shake my head at her persistence, but the hardness that usually shuts down this idea is softening.Huh, that’s new. There’s a tiny crack in the sheath that has been protecting my heart. I run my hand over my face and groan.
“Please.” She begs. “Just come to the party and meet him. If you don’t like him, fine. No pressure. But I want to spend time with you. Cole wants to see you.”
I stare out at the people walking across the street, and watch a couple laughing as they walk to the Christmas tree stand on the corner. A pang of sadness grips my heart. I want that companionship, to feel joyful again. Am I afraid? Yes. And I’m pretty certain I’m not ready for a real relationship. But just meeting someone?
I can do that.
“I’ll g—”
A scream through the speaker threatens to burst my eardrum, and the people around me are starting to stare.
I shrug, but feel my cheeks start to heat. And then I shiver in response to the cold. Pushing off the bench, I begin the walk back to my apartment.
“Noelle!” Cole’s voice pops up on the call. “Is everything o—she’s coming?”
“She’s coming,” Noelle giggles.
“Yes,” Cole responds, and I hear what sounds like a palm slap.
“I’ll let you two celebrate while I head back home. Please don’t make me regret this.”
“You won’t,” they yell in unison.
I start to worry my lower lip, already uneasy with saying I’d go. “We’ll see,” I mutter as I disconnect the call.
Blue eyes and a bright smile cross my mind again, causing my heart to skip a beat.
It’s safer to keep people at a distance.
Even when they refuse to stay there.
Chapter Four
Mike
Slipping a Cedar Vale Fire Department hoodie over my head, I close my apartment door behind me and walk over to Mrs. F’s place. I’m on my way to the Nicholses’ to help with theparty decorations. Whenever I leave, I like to stop at my elderly neighbor’s to see if she needs anything while I’m out.
I raise a fist to knock when her door swings open.
“Michael!” She gives me a wide grin, with a sparkle in her eyes at the surprised expression on my face. This happens almost every time. “You know the walls are—”
“Thin. I know, I know.” I laugh with her, and being that there are only three doors on this floor, it’s pretty easy to know when someone is coming or going. “I’m going out for a bit and wanted to see if there’s anything I can pick up for you.”
“You’re a sweetheart.” She smiles at me the same way my grandmother would, but there is a mischievous glint in her eyes. “Melanie stopped by a short time ago and is picking me up a box of hot chocolate and a bag of marshmallows.”
Ahhhh, that glint makes sense now. A smirk crosses my lips. “How is Melanie doing today?” I ask, having to live vicariously through the neighbor that Melaniedoeslike.
“She seemed a bit brighter today. Maybe because she got some sleep without there being loud music to wake her up.” She chuckles, and I snort, shaking my head. We both know that plan was hers. But I was taught to respect my elders, so I don’t bring that tiny detail up. Mrs. Fletcher adds, “Did you see she left the mug at your door?”
“I did,” I say, running a hand through my damp hair, heaving out a sigh, “Guess the plan didn’t go so well.”
Her eyebrows shoot up, and the smile on her face widens. “Since she knocked on your door first and only placed it by the threshold when no one answered, I’d say we made some progress.”
