Page 16 of This December

I shook my head and walked away because I was afraid of what I’d say if I stayed there another second.

Chapter 6

The next few days passed in a blur of grocery deliveries, avoiding my family, and spending my evenings with Cole. We’d trade off cooking for each other, but we always stayed at his house—we never went out. We spent our nights watching goofy holiday movies or dancing in the moonlight. And having sex in every position and place in his house, of course. Needless to say, I hadn’t been home, aside from changing clothes and showering, since my run in with Aspyn.

Which was clearly my first mistake.

“You can’t miss tonight.”

My mom had cornered me when I came home from Cole’s to change and get ready for work. I really should’ve packed a bag or something, but that felt awkward and presumptuous. Although it would’ve saved me from this uncomfortable interaction. “What’s tonight again?”

“It’s day seven.”

I stared back at her. She might’ve had her insane Twelve Days of Christmas itinerary memorized, but I certainly didn’t.

She sighed like I’d deeply disappointed her. “We’re caroling in Incline Village tonight. You already missed our caroling in Truckee. The littles are starting to notice you haven’t been around.”

I groaned and dropped my head against the wall behind me. Singing wasn’t my forte, but I felt bad about disappointing the littles. Despite my run-in with Aspyn, I didn’t want to miss out on Christmas with the kiddos. It was the best part of this holiday. “Okay. What time?”

“We’re leaving from here at five thirty.”

I nodded. “I’ll be here. And I can drive a car if you need it.”

Mom waved a hand. “Don’t worry about that. But um, you can bring your friend if you want.”

“What?” My eyes widened in surprise.

“Do you seriously believe we haven’t noticed that your bed hasn’t been slept in the last few nights? Especially since you’ve missed days eleven through eight?”

I shrank into the wall in abject horror. I so didn’t want to have this conversation with my mom.Ever.

Mom rolled her eyes. “You’re an adult woman. Who you want to spend your time with is your business. I know you had a run-in with Aspyn, and we’ve already had a conversation with her. Your father and I donotagree with her views on how you’re living your life.”

I smiled in relief. “Thanks, Mom.”

“But please stop avoiding family time because of what happened. We love you. We want to see your pretty face again. That said, we’d really like to meet this new person in your life. Eventually. Make sure they’re worthy of you.”

I took note of her lack of gender pronoun use and laughed. Only my mom. “I can’t make any promises. They’re not exactly open about their private life. They might have some…reservations about being out and about with us.”

This time her eyes were the ones that widened. “They’re not married, are they?”

“Mom.”

“That’s not a no.” She raised her eyebrows.

I sighed. “No, they’re not married.”

“Okay. Good. Fine. Just…be careful, okay? I worry about you getting your heart broken on top of everything else you’ve been through. We just want the best for you, that’s all.”

I smiled and closed the distance between us, wrapping my arms around her. “I love you guys too.”

Her arms squeezed me tight. Then she stepped back, rubbed my shoulder, and gave me a tender smile. She patted me one more time then walked away. But I noticed that she had to swipe at her wet eyes too.

Damn, I loved that woman. My mom was the best.

And I really wished I’d been a fly on the wall when she’d handed Aspyn her ass.

I dried my eyes and got ready for work, but before I left, I pulled out my phone to text Cole.

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