Page 86 of When the Fake Snow Falls

Before I even drop the blanket from my shoulders, I reach for my phone and order an Uber. I can’t sit in his car with the tension between us right now. Just the thought of painfully sitting in silence with him for the short drive home has my chest tightening. The car will be here in less than ten minutes, so I quickly change into the clothes he gave me. I have to roll up the blue and gray plaid boxer shorts a few times to avoid them falling off my hips, and the sleeves of the white undershirt go to my elbows, but it will work. They smell like him in the best way, and I try not to think about it.

I pick up my dress from the floor and hook my fingers into the straps of my heels, holding them by my side. Then, taking a steadying breath, I walk back into the living room.

He’s back in the kitchen, but he isn’t eating or cooking anymore. He’s just standing with his elbows propped on the counter, looking deep in thought. When the door opens, he liftshis head. And when our eyes lock, I know my cheeks betray me. His gaze dips, taking in the sight of me wearing his clothes. Chase definitely finds me attractive. I just need more.

“Candace, I . . .”

“I ordered an Uber.”

He blinks. “You did?”

“Yeah.” I look down at my phone. “They’ll be here in less than five minutes, so I should probably head down.”

Chase stands up straight, and I hate how the sight of him shirtless has such a dizzying effect on me. I need to keep my head focused if I’m going to get out of here.

“I could have driven you.” He runs a hand over his head. “We could have talked or tried to . . .” He stares at me for a beat too long before shaking his head and rubbing his hand over his face. “I’m sorry.”

I don’t know what he’s apologizing for, but I gave him a weak smile. “It’s okay. I knew what I was signing up for.”

“Yeah. Me . . .” He hesitates, his eyes searching mine for something. Maybe to check if I’m okay? Eventually, he just sighs. “Me too.”

I try to hold my faint smile because it’s the best I can do right now. No physical goodbye feels right. A kiss feels too intimate, a hug just feels weird, and a handshake might as well be a slap in the face. So, I don’t walk toward him. Instead, I walk to the front door, and he follows but hangs back a little like he isn’t sure what to do either.

The holiday is still a few days away, but I say, “Merry Christmas,” because it’s easier than saying goodbye and a little more heartfelt than sayingsee you around.

The corner of his mouth quirks, but not in its usual way. There’s a hint of sadness behind his eyes too, but he says, “Merry Christmas,” and I know this chapter has ended.

forty

Thankfully,the Uber driver doesn’t give me a second glance. I’ve been holding it together, and I think a lot of it has to do with how little this woman regarded me. She didn’t even give me a knowing look in the rearview mirror for wearing men’s boxers and holding my heels. I don’t think I’ve ever screamedwalk of shamethis loud with my appearance, but she didn’t even question it. I don’t Uber often, but I’ll make sure to leave her a high rating. She deserves all the stars.

On the way over, I sent Nicolette a response saying she had nothing to worry about and that Chase and I were just friends. I haven’t gotten a response. I guess she doesn’t have much to say about her victory, but I know someone who will haveplentyto say about this situation. And he’s on the other side of the door. The empty hall of our apartment feels like the one thing going my way today. At least the neighbors won’t see me like this.

Taking a steadying breath, I unlock my apartment and walk inside. The space is clean and quiet, and I let out a sigh. I’m ready to collapse on the couch and wallow for the nexthour before I go into work. I’m still working a half day today. I figured we might be out late because of the party, so I didn’t book anyone this morning, but if I had known things would end like this, I might have taken the day.

I drape my dress over the back of a kitchen barstool, but I don’t make it to the couch before Miles rounds the corner, his face brightening as soon as he sees me. “Hey, slut!” I must look as bad as I feel because before I can respond, his face falls. Rushing over, he wraps me in a hug. “What did he do to you?”

There’s something about being hugged by someone you love when you’re on the verge of falling apart that makes the floodgates open. My face crumples against his chest, and even though Iknewthis would eventually happen, it hurts to say the words out loud. “It’s over.”

Miles pets my hair, his arms squeezing around me tighter. “I’m sorry.” He pulls back to look at me but keeps me in a tight embrace. “Did he at least make you breakfast, or do I need to put on an apron?”

I huff a laugh and break away to wipe a fallen tear. “He did, but we were interrupted.”

Miles cocks an eyebrow. “Are you still hungry? I was about to whip up some avocado toast if you want to spill the tea while I cook.”

“That sounds great,” I say with a sigh as I take a seat on the empty barstool. I don’t have much of an appetite, but if I don’t eat before work, I’ll regret it.

Miles claps his hands and starts gathering everything he needs from the pantry and fridge. With the first cut of his avocado, he glances in my direction. “Do I need to fight him?”

I laugh and wipe my eyes one more time for good measure. “No. It’s not his fault really.” Smoothing my hair back, I try to collect my thoughts. “His boss is Nicolette.”

He pauses. “Who the hell is—” He locks eyes with me,understanding dawning on him. “Oh!Bougie Lady?YourNicolette?”

I nod. “The one and only.”

He mirrors my nod but slower. “So . . . who cares?”

His reaction gets a feeble laugh out of me. “The whole point of Chase needing a date was because his boss has a thing for him. Nicolette has been trying to win him over for a while, I guess.” I rub my hands over my face. “I don’t really know all the details, but she threatened me and basically told me to back off.”

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