Page 7 of Holiday Situationship

Sam and Ryan grab our bags from the trunk. Julia loops her arm with mine as we take in the surrounding acreage. Glistening snow blankets the landscape as far as the eye can see. We follow the stone path to the front steps with Sam and Ryan falling in behind us. The door flies open, and a woman with auburn hair and green eyes welcomes us with outstretched arms.

The woman throws her arms around Julia in a warm embrace. Her shrieks of laughter echo through the crisp evening air. “You’re finally here!” she exclaims, her voice full of squealed delight. “It’s so good to see you. It’s been ages.”

“Oh, and look at you two lovebirds.” The woman peeks over Julia’s shoulder, her smile as bright as the twinkling lights. “I’m Hannah. You must be Annie and Sam. I can’t wait to hear all about you.”

A man appears inside the foyer. “Come on in. Make yourselves comfortable.”

We file in, each receiving a warm embrace from Julia and a firm handshake from the man who introduces himself as Gary, Hannah’s husband. As we step inside and remove our coats and boots, the heavenly aroma of roasted herbs and spices makes my mouth water instantly. I breathe in deeply, soaking in the warmth of the homey home away from home.

Despite the hiccups in the plan, I can’t help but feel like everything is going to be okay—the little white lie that led to my best friend being my fake boyfriend, and even the one bed we’ll share. We’re all adults. What’s a little coziness among friends?

Hannah leads us into the great room lit by a crackling fireplace and a floor-to-ceiling, towering Christmas tree decked in twinkling lights.

“Gary and I will get dinner on the table while you all freshen up. Julia, you and Ryan are on the second floor with us.” Hannah gestures to a spiral staircase leading to the upper floors. “Sam and Annie, we thought you two lovebirds might like a little privacy on the top floor—the lookout. It’s got a magnificent view.”

Sam and I exchange surprised glances, and a niggle of guilt pricks at my conscience. I protest, suggesting that someone else should take the top floor. Both couples dismiss my objections for a slew of reasons—Julia and Hannah want to catch up and their giggling into the wee hours of the morning would keep us awake. Ryan and Gary claim the extra set of stairs would be too much for their knees and back, though neither could be a day over fifty.

There’s no arguing with them, so Sam and I make our way up the spiral staircase. Each step I take feels momentous, as though I’m moving toward something that could change my life forever. The possibilities that Julia hinted at—the unknown changes at work—linger in my mind, mingling with thoughts of Sam and the week we’ll spend together. Sharing a room, a bed, a secret—it’s all so much more than I anticipated.

As we reach the lookout with windows in every direction and a vast landscape before us, I can’t help but feel it’s the blank canvas I need to finally confront the past and paint a new future. This week could change everything.

***

Sam

After stowing our luggage in our room and enjoying a delicious dinner, we gather in the great room. A crackling fire dances in the hearth, casting a warm, flickering glow across the room. The flames cast playful shadows on the walls, creating a cozy atmosphere, an inviting contrast to the snowy outdoors.

I hand Annie a glass of wine and take a seat next to her with a glass of whiskey for myself, ready for whatever our hosts have planned.

“What do you do for a living, Sam?” Gary asks as soon as I’m seated.

“I’m a software developer,” I say briefly, not wanting to delve into the complexities of my work.

“We didn’t get away for the week to talk about work.” Hannah waves her hand dismissively. “We want to know all about you two,” she says with a teasing smile.

Gary suggests a game to break the ice, pulling out a deck of cards. “It’s a fun way to get to know each other better.” He shuffles the cards with a mischievous grin. Something tells me he has a card up his sleeve. “We’ll take turns drawing cards and answering questions.”

“Ooh, I love this game,” Julia says eagerly. She jiggles enough to jostle her wine, nearly causing it to spill.

The questions start off light but quickly become more personal. When it’s Annie’s turn to answer a question, Julia draws a card. Her face lights up, eyes sparkling with curiosity.

“What’s your favorite way to spend a romantic evening together?” she reads from the card.

A twinge of anticipation pinches in my gut. I glance at Annie, wondering how she’ll spin this one. I half expect her to come up with something funny or clever, something I’ll have to store in my memory bank for later. But her eyes light up, and I’m anxious, struck by the possibility that her answer might reveal something unexpected.

She takes a sip of her wine, giving me a sideways glance, her expression impish. Her gaze holds mine for a moment as her lips curve into a grin. A sort of buzz zings between us, and I sense there’s more beneath the surface than either of us has dared to acknowledge.

“My favorite way to spend a romantic evening is a night under the stars,” she begins, glancing at me with a hint of nostalgia. “When we were kids, Sam would set up a little stargazing spot in his backyard. We’d spread out a blanket, and he’d point out constellations while I tried to remember all their names. Sometimes, when we aren’t together and the night sky is littered with stars, I stare into the night, knowing my best friend is always with me, no matter how far apart we are.”

I’m taken aback by the memory, surprised at how clearly she recalls those nights and what they meant to her then and now. It was something I’d always cherished, a quiet bond between us that felt special, but I never knew Annie felt the same way. Her answer is simple, yet it heartens me. If today’s surprises are a precursor to the week ahead, I could walk away with everything I’ve ever wanted—Annie.

“Aww...that’s so sweet.” Hannah bats Gary’s leg. “We should be spontaneous and do something like that.”

“Not here, it’s too damn cold.” Gary chuckles, then leans over and lands a smooch on Hannah’s pouty lips.

I glance at Annie, hoping we’re just like them years from now—bantering playfully and madly in love, taking couples retreats and still lying in the grass counting stars.

“That makes the lookout room even more perfect for you two,” Julia says. A devilish grin plays on her lips, and I get an odd feeling Annie and I aren’t the only two people in the room with a secret.

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