Page 73 of Merry Little Hate Notes

“Don’t look so surprised.” She swatted my arm. “Besides, we have to live our Monica and Rachel dreams first.”

“Yeah, we do. Apartment shopping next week?” I held out my little finger, making the ultimate pinkie promise.

She hooked her pinkie with mine and held on tightly. “I wouldn’t miss it. Happy birthday, Holly.”

I hugged her fiercely. “Thank you for sticking it out with me the last several years and not running scared from my charts.”

She squeezed me tight. “You know, those charts saved me a time or two.”

“Worrying is my superpower.”

“Nah, loving is.”

Oh. Wow. That was probably the greatest superpower anyone could have. “I love you, friend.”

“I know. Now go be with your man. I have to torture my parents just a little more.” She flitted off, leaving me to laugh at her.

Brandon wasted no time coming to my side. “Come with me.”

“Where are we going?”

“I want to give you your gifts.”

Ooh. This sounded good. “All right.” I grinned.

Brandon took my hand and weaved us in and out of all the guests until we made it outside on his parents’ deck. “How do you feel about breaking the law?”

“Uh. Is this a trick question?”

He flashed me a sexy grin. “I thought we could sneak onto the golf course.”

“Oh, you did?” I said in my best flirty voice.

“I always wanted you to come with us.”

“I don’t know if I have your and Christian’s luck. We’ll probably get caught if I go.”

Brandon pulled me closer. “Not tonight. I promise you’ll be safe.”

I 100 percent believed him. “Let’s go.”

Brandon tugged on my hand, and we flew down the deck stairs. At the bottom of the stairs was a duffel bag and two blankets.

“Did you plan this?” I asked.

“For years.” He grabbed one of the blankets and wrapped it around my shoulders. “This will have to keep you warm for now.”

Oh, believe me, I was feeling heated already.

Like two thieves in the night, we stole across the Cassidys’ large backyard with several trees lit up by twinkling lights. They illuminated the snowy ground, making me feel like I was inside a snow globe. We walked through the back garden gate and out into what felt like the wild blue yonder.

A small creek divided the Cassidys’ house from the golf course. Thankfully, the creek had completely frozen over this time of year. I took a moment to look back at my old house. I wished I could tell the girl who used to live there that maybe life wouldn’t turn out how she planned, but it didn’t mean her dreams wouldn’t come true. Sometimes dreams just take a little longer and a little more work.

Brandon helped me across the frozen stream, holding on tightly and steadying me.

“I can’t believe we’re doing this.” I laughed.

“Me either.” He sounded as awestruck as I felt.

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