Page 44 of My Favorite Holidate

I sigh contentedly, enjoying the compliment so very much. Those were rare with Brady too. And he never really treated me to anything. But I don’t want to get too lost in the Cinderella fantasy. I return toagenda items, as Wilder likes to call them.

He’ll definitely want to know that Brady’s coming to the shower, especially after his PDA review at work today. He clearly wants to make sure we don’t miss a beat. I don’t want Brady to catch on either. No way am I giving that rat bastard the satisfaction of thinking he’s hurt me.

Before I can even tap out the details, there’s a new text from Wilder and the wordsThought you might enjoy this. It’s a snippet of his daughter performing at her school concert and it’s absolutely delightful.

Fable: I love it! It’s your favorite song. Did she pick it for you?

Wilder: I think so. She also sang because her mom sings. So, I think it was a gift for both of us.

Fable: That is too much! My heart is full! You two get along? Her mom and you?

Wilder: Yes. We’re friends. We stayed friends. I’m lucky like that.

Fable: It’s not luck. It’s work and effort, and this kiddo is worth it.

Wilder: She is. She’s pretty amazing. But enough about me. How was the shower planning?

Fable: Yes! And Charlotte wants to do something kind of fun for the shower.

Wilder: More fun than a co-ed shower with the maid of honor? I’m on pins and needles.

Fable: I see what you just did.

Wilder: What did I do?

Fable: Co-ed. Shower. Like save water, shower with a friend.

Wilder: I didn’t realize my Christmas girlfriend had such a naughty mind.

Heat spreads across my cheeks. I shouldn’t flirt with him. But he’s the one who mentioned a naughty mind. I hop onto the bus and reply once I sit down.

Fable: Maybe I do have one.

Wilder: That is very good to know.

And he’s flirting right back. My stomach flips again, and I tap out a reply—Do you?But then I backpedal, erasing it. Just because we practiced kissing doesn’t mean we need to practice sexting. I returnto the shower.

Fable: Anyway, her idea is that we’re all going to dress as characters from Christmas movies.

He’s silent. For several minutes, my phone doesn’t buzz or beep as the bus chugs through the city toward my little apartment where I’ll work on some of my own jewelry designs tonight.

I check my phone again. There aren’t even three dots dancing. I can hear the dread loud and clear, though, in his eventual reply.

Wilder: We are?

Fable: We are!

Then there’s the sigh of resignation.

Wilder: We are.

Fable: It’ll be fun!

Wilder: If you say so.

A good girlfriend, fake or real, would make things easier for her guy. I hop off the bus and head to my apartment, replying as I go.

Fable: I can help you come up with an idea for your costume if you want. Maybe this is how I can thank you! I’m pretty creative.

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