Page 22 of My XOXO Holidate

“Yeah.” I suck the cola from my drink cup.

“I think you would’ve known long before this if she’s as awful as you think she is.”

“Maybe.”

“Well, if you ask me—”

“Well, I didn’t ask you.” I grumble.

“Ruby burned you. You’re not going to get over that and it’s always going to be there. I get it, but I don’t think you’re giving Amelia a fair shake.”

“Why didn’t she tell me her financial situation? How can I trust her?”

“Brother, why didn’tyoutell heryourfinancial situation?”

“That’s different.” I pop another fry in my mouth.

Steve shakes his head. “You’re being unreasonable. She hasn’t done anything wrong. Has she done anything wrong?”

I sigh. “She hasn’t.”

“Except she hasn’t told you about her financial situation. Well, you haven’t told her about yours.”

“I see what you’re saying.”

“Did you ever tell her about your secret notes?”

I chuckle. “No.”

“Why the hell not?”

“I don’t know.” I shrug.

“Well, you better get your shit together or the best thing that’s ever happened to you is going to slip right through your fingers because you’re being a stubborn bastard.”

“The best thing that’s ever happened to me?” I scratch my head. “How the hell do you know?”

“Because you’ve been walking around here like a lovesick dog for the past few weeks.”

“A lovesick dog? Really?”

Steve tosses his wadded-up burger wrapper at me. The paper hits my shoulder.

“Jerk,” I mumble.

“If nothing else, you owe her an apology for running out on her. If you decide you want to be with her, take things cautiously.”

I let out a breath. “I just can’t go through what I went through with Ruby. I misjudged her and sheusedme.”

“Her father was a swindling crook. This is totally different.”

“I’ll think about it.”

As much as I hate to admit it, my brother is right. I don’t want to lose Amelia. If she wanted to keep her finances a secret, she would’ve hidden her paperwork. Deep down I know Amelia would never be the type to do to me what Ruby did.

Amelia

I’m finishing dinner and there’s a tap on the front door. I check the peephole, and no one is out there.

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