Page 229 of Accidentally Under Your Tree

I wanted to pull her tight again, to tell her I didn't care. But my choices affected Rose too. I should have been more aware of my actions. I felt small, letting them both down in so many ways.

We should come clean. The thought sparked in my mind like the flip of a switch. The show and the fans be damned. But it wasn't a decision I could make on my own. Maybe Rose would at least consider telling her parents. It'd help to stop lying to them.

To be absolutely truthful with myself. With Lizzy.

Lizzy

Three nights before Christmas

Will and I arrived home from shopping just before Rose. I hurried to my bedroom to stuff my bags into the closet. As soon as she stepped through the garaged door, she began flitting around the kitchen.

"I found this recipe for a Christmas sangria. I'm gonna throw it together. You want some?" she offered her voice muffled from the other side of my wall.

"Should we get ready for the thing at the school?" Will asked.

"We have time. I could use a drink."

"Everything okay?"

"Yeah." She called out, "Anne, you want a glass?"

A smile split across my face. The delight of being included by her was still very real. I didn't have to tamper it when no one could see me. "Yes, please."

I stepped into the hallway to find Rose bright faced and energetic, a little frantic.

Will and I hovered around the kitchen island while Rose poured ingredients into a pitcher. He rubbed circles on my back, and I closed my eyes, savoring his touch, even if my parents could walk into the room at any moment. I wanted to live in the bubble where it was okay for us to be affectionate for a while longer.

After pouring three champagne flutes, Rose immediately lifted hers to her lips downing the contents then stared into space. I sent Will a questioning glance, but he just shrugged.

"I'm gonna go get ready." He placed a kiss at my temple before leaving.

I felt it in the safety of my rib cage. A seed that had been sowed and sprouted but was now beginning to bloom. My emotions were too tender. I wanted this too much. It would hurt too badly for it to fall apart.

Rose glanced down the hallway after the door closed behind him. "I assume Mom and Dad aren't home?"

"I don't think so."

Whatever veil was draped over her slipped away. Her eyes brightened with a mischievous glint. "So, you hung out with Bill?"

I bit my lower lip, looking down at the countertop. "Yeah, Mom sent us off Christmas shopping. Is that okay?"

"Why would you need my permission?"

I narrowed my eyes at her. "I don't wanna blow your cover."

She snorted. "It's cool. I want it to work out for you two."

"Thanks." A swirl of butterflies flitted around my heart. "Is he really as great as he seems?"

"He is."

"Why didn't you two…"

"You haven't noticed the lack of chemistry?"

I rolled my eyes. "I saw that kiss the other morning. Haunting. But like, why?"

"Bill and I are just not it, you know?" In one big gulp, she downed her beverage. "I seem to only have fuck buddies and platonic friendships."

---