Page 37 of This Christmas

“Are you going to ask about last night?”

I shake my head. “I am not. That’s between you and Caryn, and we’re not friends.”

“Aren’t we?”

After cutting another piece of the roll, I stab it with my fork and stick it in my mouth. Anything to prevent having an awkward conversation about how Zane and I aren’t friends, how I shouldn’t be here with him right now, and how he should’ve called someone else last night. I chew my bite a little longer than necessary, sighing while doing so, and avoid looking at the man across the small table from me.

“Eve.”

I can’t stop myself from rolling my eyes.

“What?”

“We aren’t friends?” he asks quietly.

“No, we’re not,” I tell him. “Friends means we talk about what’s going on in each other’s lives, and I don’t want to be involved in your drama.”

He leans forward, glancing up as Alma approaches with more coffee, then focuses his attention back at me as he holds his cup out to her. “Thanks, Alma,” he says after she’s refilled his cup. I haven’t even touched mine.

“My ‘drama’?”

I throw my hand up in annoyance. “You know what I mean. You said she gave you an ultimatum. It’s probably something you should discuss with her.”

Zane nods, and takes another sip of his coffee. “She did. A rather nasty one at that.”

“Don’t tell me, I don’t want to know.”

“Oh, I’m going to tell you because, unlike you, I do think of you as my friend. But I get why you don’t want to be mine. I’m okay with that for now but, don’t you worry, I will make a concerted effort to change your mind.”

Fat chance.

“It seems Caryn doesn’t like Deer Ridge and has told me to get back home, and then she kindly reminded me that she can ruin my life.”

“I’m sure she’s just upset.” Although, I don’t know why. She wasn’t here for long, and as far as I know, no one ever said anything to her about me, except for Zane’s dad. Even so, everyone in town spoke highly of her.

Did they?

I could’ve sworn I heard someone talking about her, but now that I think about it, maybe not. I don’t really know. If I’m honest, I’ve tried to filter out any mention of Zane and his beautiful fiancée.

Noelle’s voice filters through my mind. “None of my business.”

“She’s the reason I was at the bar last night.”

“I figured as much when you asked meif she had called.”

“Sorry about that.” Zane looks at his mug and sighs. “Caryn’s complicated.”

“Zane,” I warn.

“No, I get it, but I need to talk, and my dad isn’t going to want to hear this. And I know you don’t either, but I don’t have anyone else to talk to. About women.”

I groan and hang my head. I should’ve stayed home.

“Fine.”

“She’s very spoiled.”

“No way,” I say mockingly.

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