Page 24 of My December Darling

“That’s what we all say before it happens.”

I blink twice, and he leans over the counter to clap me on the shoulder.

“Relax. Take it day by day and see what happens.”

Famous last words.

8

CATALINA

“Iwas hoping to catch you before you left for work.” My sister pops into my room and shuts the door softly behind her.

I turn around. “What’s up?”

“I wanted to talk to you about something I noticed at the holiday block party.”

“What?” My stomach drops.

“You and Luke.”

“What about us?”

“You two were…”

“Just playing nice,” I say a little too quickly.

She shoots me a look that sends my heart racing. “Cata.”

My legs threaten to buckle, so I take a seat at my old desk while my sister sits on the edge of my bed. “Nothing is going on between us.”

A line appears between her furrowed brows. “I saw the way you were both looking at each other.”

“And?”

“I’m worried.”

“About what?”

Her eyes roll. “Come on. Anyone with a lick of common sense can pick up on your interest in each other.”

I shake my head. “He’s attractive, but that’s all.”

“I’m not dumb.”

“And neither am I. Luke is the last person I should get involved with.” The words tumble out of my mouth.

“Why?”

“Because he’s Aiden’s best friend.”

She lets out a relieved breath. “Hence my worry.”

I abandon my chair and take a seat beside her on the bed. “I’m not going to risk hooking up with him or something if that’s what you’re scared about.”

“It's not." Her heavy breath fills the silence. “I just don’t want to lose you again when it feels like I finally got you back,” she whispers.

I blink a few times. “What? You never lost me.”

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