Page 12 of Holiday Situationship

I keep a brave face, though I’m falling apart inside. This week’s starting out disastrously.

“Tell the poor girl before she has a heart attack,” Hannah prods, as if she can sense the panic attack building inside me.

“There’s more,” Julia says, her tone careful, as if she’s treading on delicate ground. Her eyes search mine for an indication of what I’m thinking, but even I’m at a loss at what to think or feel. I want to be happy for Julia and Ryan, but I’m terrified about what this means in the long term for me. “I discussed an opportunity with a friend of mine who runs a tech company in New York. I thought you’d be perfect to manage their sales and marketing department. It’s a great position, and I know you’d excel there.”

My heart sinks further. The thought of leaving everything and everyone behind to start over in New York only adds to the turmoil. But before I can make sense of anything, Julia continues.

“She’s available for a video call this week if you’re interested in the position.” Julia glances at Hannah for a moment. Hannah’s face brightens as she nods her head encouragingly. “The internet is spotty here, but I checked around town and there are several businesses that offer access to their internet.”

“Move to New York?” My breath catches in my throat as the room spins.

I never imagined something like this, not in my wildest dreams. But along with the excitement comes an overwhelming sense of pressure. Am I ready for something this big? And what about Sam? What does this mean for our friendship, for everything that’s happened—or hasn’t happened—between us?

And what happens when Julia finds out the whole relationship that she and Ryan have seen between Sam and I is the biggest lie of them all?

“Of course, there’s no rush to make a decision. This is a big commitment and only you know if it’s something you want,” Julia says, her voice warm and encouraging—something I don’t deserve with the charade I’ve been leading. “No matter what you decide, you’ll land on your feet.”

Of all the times I need Sam’s strength, now is it. I wish more than anything I could lean on him for advice. But deep down, I know that this decision could change everything—not just for my career, but for my entire life. As much as I want to embrace opportunity, the thought of taking such a huge leap is terrifying.

The sound of boots stomping on the front porch echoes through the wood flooring into the kitchen. Sam will step through that door any minute. I need time to let Julia’s offer settle before I even think about mentioning it to Sam. Will he be relieved if I choose to take a job in New York?

“Thank you for the recommendation,” I say, my voice steady despite the storm of emotions rumbling inside me. “I really appreciate this, Julia. I’ll definitely think about it.”

***

Sam

I brush the snow off my jacket and move toward the kitchen. My pulse quickens, my heart pounding against my ribs. Each beat echoes in my ears, drowning out the flood of thoughts racing through my mind. Fear gnaws at my gut. The thought of losing Annie as a friend terrifies me, but the idea of never taking a chance at something more with her is even worse.

As soon as I step inside the kitchen, Annie turns toward the doorway and our eyes lock, hers wide and distant, a million miles away. She’s usually the light in the room, always a smile for me. This is all my fault for pushing her away and running off like a fool this morning. I want to wrap her in my arms and open my heart to her. I’ve always been able to tell her anything, except for how lost I feel without her.

“Annie, I—” My breath catches in my throat.

“Sam, I—” Annie says at the same time. Something in her expression causes my chest to tighten. She rests a hand on my arm as her eyes dart around the room. “I need to talk to you in private,” she whispers. “It’s important.”

My heart sinks. “You go first.”

But before she can respond the room erupts with activity. Julia and Hannah straighten the kitchen, placing dishes in the sink while carrying on a conversation that’s little more than white noise. Ryan and Gary’s laughter echoes from the living room and I catch snippets of words, but the words I want to hear are Annie’s.

“Our sleigh ride to Winslow Farm is here.” Ryan’s voice booms from behind me.

As activity swirls around us, Annie’s expression softens, disappointment flickering in them. She bites her lower lip, and my chest tightens.

“We’ll talk later tonight after everyone’s called it a night.” I give Annie a small, reluctant nod, acknowledging our bad timing. Her gaze lingers on mine, and for a second, everything else fades away—the noise, the rush, the day ahead. But I know we have to let our talk go, at least for now. The uncertainty of what hangs in the air between us clings to the back of my mind.

We pile into the horse-drawn sleigh bundled up under thick blankets, gliding smoothly through the snow with bells jingling to the rhythmic clop of hooves. Snowflakes drift gently from the sky, landing on our lashes, noses, and cheeks. Annie and I huddle close for warmth as the cold crisp air nips at our faces.

The simple act of being near her with our shoulders brushing and her familiar scent filling the gap between us, brings a sense of comfort and hope I can’t quite put into words. Despite the unspoken words that linger between us, being here reinforces what I know in my heart. We’re right for each other. By her side is where I’m meant to be.

“I can’t wait to see the ice skating pond,” Julia says, her eyes twinkling as she snuggles next to Ryan. “I heard it’s like something from a fairytale, surrounded by pine trees and twinkling lights.”

“Sounds magical,” Hannah agrees, pulling her scarf tighter around her neck. Gary wraps an arm around her shoulders and pulls her into his side. They’re a natural fit, like Annie and me. “Don’t forget Santa’s Workshop. I’ve always wanted to make my own Christmas ornaments. It’ll be like we’re kids again.”

Hannah grins at Gary, her eyes playful and young. She tilts her chin and kisses his lips in a show of affection that’s genuine and heartwarming.

“Anything your heart desires, my love.” Gary grins, his breath puffing out in little clouds of steam. “I’m looking forward to the grub. The brochure mentioned they have the best sugar cookies in the entire state. They’ve won multiple blue ribbons at the state fair. I’m planning on eating my weight in cookies today.”

“Ooh. I’m saving room for hot chocolate piled high with whipped cream.” Julia scrunches her shoulders and closes her eyes as she breathes in a long anticipatory breath.

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