Page 66 of A Very Addicted Christmas

My mom scrutinizes us like she’s making sure we all have our fingers and toes intact. Her motherly concern is better utilized for Xander or Luna. Maybe even Moffy. I don’t need it.

“I’m fine,” I say. “We’re fine. Nothing would have been broken if the T-Bags didn’t show up, so we can all redirect the blame onto them.”

Mom nods strongly at first and then she pauses. “Nonono. You four threw this party without anyone knowing. And I will be getting all the details once we’re home.” She motions for me to gather my things.

I don’t want to leave Audrey. “Where’s Uncle Connor and Aunt Rose?” I ask, not moving off the couch.

“On their way,” Uncle Garrison says. “I’d like to talk to security before they get here. Soyou…” He points to Vada. “Will be heading over to Ryke and Daisy’s while I sort things out. I’m going to wait with you until they’re here.”

Vada and Nona share a smile.

“No,” Uncle Garrison snaps. “This isn’t a sleepover or summer camp. You’re not going to have fun.”

“No fun will be had, Dad,” Vada nods. “Got it.”

Uncle Garrison glares at the ceiling. He stands up. “I’m getting too old for this.”

“You’re the youngest of us,” my mom practically gasps.

We’re all trying to stifle smiles.

“No, that’s Willow,” he says.

“Younger thanmostof us.” She stands too and gestures to me. “And we’re going home. Let’s go find your brother.”

“What about Audrey?” I ask, not budging. She’s still slurping on her water, not causing too much attention.

My mom frowns. “This is her house. She’ll stay here with Ben until Rose and Connor arrive.”

Audrey waves me off. “I’ll be fine,” she whispers. “Go.”

I don’t want to cause any alarm. So far no one has told our parents that Audrey got sick from drinking too much party punch. I hope to keep it that way, but it’s hard to leave. It’s hard to not feel like a bad friend by following my mom out the door.

But I do.

I stand off the couch, abandoning Audrey’s side, and I leave.

All the while, I think maybe this is a sign. Maybe the universe is meant to dole out karmic justice. Maybe if I were a better friend, my love life wouldn’t be such a mess.

Maybe if I were a better person, the people I love would stop leaving me.

FOURTEEN

SIP-IN-SNOW CRASHERS AFTERMATH: PART THREE

JANUARY 2040

AFTER CHAPTER 56 IN FEARLESS LIKE US

We listened to "Every Night" by Josef Salvat while writing this scene.

Character List:

Connor Cobalt - 51

Rose Calloway - 50

Ben Cobalt - 17

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