Page 70 of My December Darling

“Has she invited you over for Christmas Eve?”

“Um. No.”

“Huh.”

I shake off the feeling of self-doubt. “It’s fine. I was planning on spending the night watching a few classic movies and going to sleep early since I work the next day.” Months ago, I happily volunteered to take Aiden’s shift so he could spend the day with his and Gabriela’s families, and now I’m grateful for the distraction.

The holidays are always hard. I hate being reminded of how different my relationship is with my parents compared to other people like Aiden, and regardless of how hard I push to connect with my parents, they don’t reciprocate.

His frown deepens. “Seriously? Why don’t you come over to the Martinezes’ place with me? My parents are going to be there too since they’re flying in a few days early for the wedding.”

Usually, I spend the holidays with Aiden’s family, but since they’re spending it with the Martinezes, I feel more like a party crasher than a pseudo family member.

“Catalina and I might have gone on a couple of dates, but that feels a bit…serious.”

He swallows a laugh.

“What?” I ask with a frown.

“Hate to break it to you, but based on the way you both are acting with each other, I think things are already serious, don’t you?”

“I don’t know.” We haven’t defined what we are, and up until this point, I’ve been okay with it until Aiden opens his big mouth and asks a daunting question.

“So you haven’t thought about a long-distance relationship?”

“I didn’t say that.” My teeth grind together.

“That’s what I thought.”

“There’s no guarantee she will want one.”

“No, there isn’t, but I’m pretty sure she will be on board.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. I’ve seen the way she looks at you.”

I press my lips together to stop myself from pestering him for more information. Thankfully, Aiden shares his observation anyway when he says, “I’ve never seen her look at someone else like that, so whatever you’re doing, keep it up.”

My confidence grows from the compliment. “I want to take the next step, but I’m not sure how she will react.”

Aiden shrugs. “You’ll never know unless you try.”

“What if it’s a massive failure?”

“If there is anyone who can fix a problem like that, it’s you, Captain America.”

I salute him with my middle finger before promising to ask Catalina later tonight about Christmas.

I did not ask Catalina about Christmas because I never had a chance. She storms into the empty break room, looking like a hellion as she heads over toourtable where I’m currently seated. She looks down at me with her hands on her hips and a fire burning in her eyes.

“You’re planning on spending Christmas Evealone?”

Thankfully, we’re all alone or else I’d be embarrassed by the idea of someone knowing about my family situation.

I drag a hand through my hair. “Not exactly.”

“That’s not what Gabriela said earlier.”

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