Page 17 of A Very Fumbling Merry Christmas

“Wow! Really? When have I ever shamed you for anything? Throwing my virginity at me is a low blow.”

“I’m sorry. You hit a nerve, that’s all. I didn’t mean to be a bitch. Forgive me?”

“Yeah, but I might Secret Santa your ass with something humiliating.”

“I’ve had enough humiliation. Whoever is sending the gifts on this trip has my vote for being the winner. Awesome, thoughtful presents. I wasn’t expecting that.” I’m about to tell her about the package I received earlier today, but then I remember that the note said not to.

“Can I ask you a question?”

“Does it matter if I say yes or no? You’ll ask me anyway.”

“You don’t seem yourself lately. Is everything okay? Are you not happy with Coop?”

“I don’t know. It’s weird because you’re married to his best friend. If we stop seeing each other, then I’m not going to see you as much.”

“You’re my best friend, Zee. You’re going to be a part of my life no matter what. Dating Coop for the sake of easy social gatherings isn’t a reason to stay with him.”

“I guess.”

“If you’re not feeling what’s written all over his face, then you shouldn’t let it drag on. It wouldn’t be fair to either of you.” She leans her head on my shoulder, letting out a long sign.

“I think maybe you’re reading too much into his face, bud.”

“He’s crazy about you. Anyone can see that.”

“Can we not talk about this? I just want to enjoy our last day here, looking at the snow falling and hanging with my bestie.” I wrap my arm around her shoulder, eager to comfort her.

“I’ll shut up for now, but when we get home, you and I are having a proper talk about this. Okay?”

“Sure.” As if on cue, the boys arrive back from skiing, their cheeks red, and when Hunter comes over to plant a kiss on me, his skin is freezing cold.

“Hey, love. Do you want me to put the water on for a bath? You must be chilled to the bone after all this time.”

“Only if you’re going to join me.”

“Barf!” Zee fakes shoving her fingers down her throat.

“Sounds like a good idea. You want to join me in a bath, Zee?” I don’t care what Zee says—Coop is hook, line, and sinker for her.

“Why not? We need to start getting ready for dinner, anyway.” Coop’s brow furrows ever so slightly.

“Don’t do me any favors, Zee. Fucking hell, you’d think I just asked you to put your neck on a chopping block.”

I take Hunter’s hand and pull him away from the car crash we’re witnessing right now. It’s best to let them argue without an audience. When we get to our room and close the door firmly behind us, Hunter is quick to prod me for details.

“What the hell was that all about? Are they having problems?”

“I can’t betray Zee’s confidence. She’s my best friend.” I head into the bathroom, desperate to say no more on the subject. This could get messy if we stick our noses where they’re not wanted.

“And Coop is my best friend. He has a right to know if there’s something going on.”

“You’re right. I’m not disputing that. But it’s not our place to meddle. They have to find their own way, and I don’t want it coming in between us. If it doesn’t work out, they’ll still have to see each other when it comes to us. They won’t be able to put it behind them and just move on.”

“Is that what’s going on? Zee doesn’t want to be with him? I thought they were getting along. Sure, they bicker, but lots of couples do.” I turn the faucet and let the hot water drown us out for a few moments.

“They need to work this out themselves. We just have to be supportive friends.”

“Okay.”

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