Page 12 of Merry Kissmas

He meets me at the trunk, pulling out my bag and handing it to me.“Merry Christmas, Brynn.Enjoy your time with your family.”

My shoulders slump because I’m really being a grinch this holiday season.What’s wrong with an Uber driver who wants to talk and sing carols?Absolutely nothing.

“Thank you, Butch.You too.”

I tip him extra for the holidays, and because he didn’t get the best version of me, and make my way safely to the curb.

Going through check-in and security is agony because even TSA pre-check is busy.Deciding to find my gate first, I realize I have hardly any time before we take off.The beautiful holiday decorations are lost in the sea of busy travelers hustling as if it’s Black Friday, and they’re out to score the latest door special.

I don’t catch a lot of smiles.In fact, most people look annoyed or pissed off.

Finally, I reach my gate, and I completely forgot until now that Kenzie and Andrew will be on my flight.Shit, I’m not in the mood to socialize.And although I don’t have to worry about Andrew on that front, Kenzie is a talker.Normally I enjoy it, but I’m mentally drained from the mix of a huge interview and having Pierce floating into my mind every time I have a quiet moment.

On second thought, Kenzie is perfect.She’ll keep my mind on things that don’t include hot English guys.

“Kenzie,” I say, waving and breaking the distance to where she and Andrew sit by the window.

Andrew is leaning back, his legs crossed, reading a book, while Kenzie’s head is buried in her phone with her head on Andrew’s shoulder.I assume the stroller next to them has their little guy in it.They really are one of those couples single girls get jealous over.Kenzie found her one and only, but I’m still searching for mine.

She lifts her head and says something to Andrew to make him lower his book and follow her line of vision.“Hi, Brynn.”

Kenzie is dressed in jeans and a T-shirt that reads, “I’m so Elfin’ cute.”

“Love the shirt,” I say, stopping in front of them.

She stands and extends her arms.“Andrew’s early gift to me,” she says, looking down at it.“It’s an inside joke.”

I wrap my arms around her, and she squeezes me hard.

Once she releases me, Andrew sets his book on Kenzie’s empty chair and hugs me.“Brynn, wonderful to see you again.”

I politely hug him, but not nearly as tightly as I did Kenzie.When we all part, I take the seat across from them.

“Is Nolan sleeping?”I ask, pointing at the stroller.

“Yes, and if we’re really lucky, he’ll sleep through the flight.”Kenzie crosses her fingers.“But he’s pretty excited to see his girlfriend.”She laughs, and Andrew rolls his eyes.

“Still trying to make sure they marry one another?”I giggle at the fact that Tessa and Kenzie have been swearing their children will marry one another someday whether they want to or not.There are only two months difference between them.

“Of course.And then we’ll really be related.”Kenzie’s voice is so loud that a few people glance over.

“What brought you to New York City, Brynn?Kenzie never said,” Andrew asks.

Her head whips in his direction.“Yes, I did, but your head has been buried in that book since the moment you bought it.”

He shrugs and looks at me for an answer.

“Oh, I had a job interview.”

“That’s funny,” he says and glances at Kenzie.

“Not really.There are how many businesses in New York City?”Kenzie laughs and playfully smacks Andrew’s shoulder.

He nods.“True.”

“What am I missing?”I ask, looking between the two of them.

“Andrew’s cousin was in town for an interview too.People must be trying to get them in before the holidays.”Kenzie wiggles in her seat, crossing her legs.

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