Page 10 of The Christmas Romance Wish

My busy brain is also familiar with that. Every year, I’ve made the same wish for my parents to return. It’s never come true.

“I wish you’d forget about Alex and let me embarrass myself in peace.” Folding my arms in front of my chest, I huff.

“Careful what you wish for.”

I shoot Dylann a look. But I can’t stay mad because she’s glowing with that certain seasonal light and she’s right. Christmas is a time of hope, but I left mine down south, a long time ago.

I have my reasons for being a Grinch.

It’ll be cold in Utah, so after a warm shower, I put on a pair of fitted jeans, one of my many sweaters, this one with a cowl neck, and thick socks. I packed last night and fit the bagels into my carry-on.

After tucking away a few of my personal items, I close my bedroom door. The movers will be here to pack up my things—Royal insisted—and when I return to Manhattan, I’ll have the key to his penthouse.

I’ll probably end up staying with Dylann at her parents’ place half the time.

For now, it’s time to shine, in a professional way that has nothing to do with the perfect eyeliner I applied, the dusting ofeyeshadow, or the demure red lip. I pop them and pucker up, posing for a selfie with Dylann for her digital scrapbook.

“Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and jolly-weekend-of-meeting-the-man-of-your-dreams,” Dylann says.

“I hope you get coal in your stocking.”

We both laugh because she knows I don’t mean it. Mostly. I don’t want to think about how this is our last official moment as roommates, so with another hug, I whisk out the door.

While waiting to board the airplane, my brother CJ calls as he does every week.

“Any chance you’ll be home for Christmas? We have a surprise for you.” Excitement fills his voice.

“Royal said you’re married.”

There’s a pregnant pause. “That’s true information.”

“For a while now...”

“Also factual.”

“CJ, why didn’t you tell me?!” If we were in person, I’d kick him in the shins and then we’d hug because I can’t stay mad at CJ for more than thirty seconds. We’ve tested it. He’s the teddy bear of the bunch. Magnus is a grizzly. Royal is a lovable grump and Ryan is a lovable goof.

“Surprise?” he says more as a question and less like he just jumped out of a giant cake.

“I’ll do my best to be ho—there.” I was about to sayhome, but I’m not sure what to call Coco Key.

All my life, I’ve been homesick, but not for a place. For a pair of people. For my parents. They are a person’s first home and I didn’t get much time with mine—at least not that I remember. I would hardly be able to pick them out of a crowd.

“Ho, ho, ho?” my brother asks.

“More like bah humbug.”

“Seriously? I thought you’d grow out of your dislike of Christmas.”

More accurately, it’s an avoidance that’s more easily expressed by being Grinchy about it. “CJ, those soundlike fighting words.”

“Alright, alright. I’ll let up, but the others won’t. If you’re not here by New Year’s, Magnus will track you down, Royal will charter a plane, Ryan will pick you up kicking and screaming?—”

“And what will you do?”

“I’ll sit back and laugh.”

Of course, that’s what my surf bum brother would do. The loudspeaker crackles, announcing the flight is boarding.

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