Page 71 of Perfect Boy

I didn’t know that.

But maybe, one day, I might believe it.

The craziest part was reading that she had sent me a Christmas gift with a letter. My eyes almost bugged out of my head when I read that. I guess I’ll have to wait and see if she was bluffing.

For so long, I felt like a plant someone bought that they forgot to water or put in the sun. Dried up and dead. But now…I feel like I’ve been brought back to life.

And it has nothing to do with my mother’s message. It’s all because of the guy sitting next to me right now.

Watson

With a few bags in my hands, I walk around the mall. The first forty-five minutes, Ryann let me walk around with her. But then she kicked my ass to the curb. And even though I told her not to get me anything for Christmas, I knew that was why she wanted to be alone.

When I passed by one of the many ornament stands, I couldn’t help myself, and I got her a personalized newlywed one. It’s corny. With two gingerbread people kissing. But it has our names and the year on it with the word newlyweds above it. It might scare the shit out of her, but I did it anyway.

Standing next to the giant Christmas tree in the mall, I shoot her a text, letting her know there’s no rush, but I’m here when she’s ready.

Leaning against a large beam, I slide my phone back in my pocket. This place is packed today. And the mall’s a pretty interesting place for some people-watching. Actually, it’s sort of one of my favorite guilty pleasures.

“Watson?”

A familiar voice comes from the side of me, and I look to find my ex, Rosie.

Stopping right in front of me, she smiles. “It is you! Hi!”

“Hey,” I answer, holding my hand up and doing my best to give her a polite smile.

Years ago, I would have lit up like a Christmas tree to see this girl. Now, it’s different.

“How have you been?” She tilts her head to the side in an almost-flirtatious sort of way. “I hear you’re a big shot hockey player at Brooks these days.”

“I’ve been good.” I nod. “And I don’t know about all that.”

Touching my arm, she giggles. “Still so humble, I see.” She bites her bottom lip. “You look good, Watson. Really good.”

Nervously, I drag my hand over the top of my head. “Uh, thanks…”

For a moment, it’s like she’s waiting for me to tell her she looks good too. She does look good. She’s a beautiful girl. But she isn’t my girl.

And honestly, I’ve never been more thankful that things didn’t work out until this moment while I wait for my wife in this mall.

“Well, I should get going,” she mutters. “Are you going to be at the tree lighting ceremony later?”

The ceremony is something our town has done every year on Christmas Eve for as long as I can remember. It’s a way to bring the town together. They close down the streets to car traffic, play Christmas music, have tons of food, and then they light the huge tree. I haven’t put a lot of thought into going, but I don’t want to overwhelm Ryann either.

“I’m not sure.” I shrug. “We’ll see, I guess.”

Disappointment flashes on her face. I know that’s what it is because when you date a girl for most of your high school years, you get to know her quite well.

“Well, I guess I’ll see you if you decide to come.” Looking nervous, she suddenly throws her arms around me. “It’s really good to see you, Watson,” she mumbles into the cloth of my hoodie. “I meant what I said, by the way. You look handsome. As always.”

Standing on her tiptoes, she kisses my cheek. And even though every cell inside of my body wants to shove her away from me, I don’t want to hurt her feelings. So, instead, I count the seconds until she finally pulls away. And then I sigh in relief.

As she walks off, my eyes land on Ryann across from me, in front of a candle store. She simply stands there, rooted to the floor.

I head toward where she’s standing and stop just before her. “That wasn’t what it looked like, I swear.”

“It didn’t look like anything,” she says quickly, but I can tell she’s stunned. “Are you ready to go? I think I’m all set here if you are.” She shifts around on her feet.

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