Page 8 of Holidate Pursuit

“I figured it wasn’t necessary since I’m pretty sure you know his schedule better than I do,” Lily says innocently.

At that, Sebastian chuckles—something I rarely see.

“I assumed you’d be out with your brother since she asked me to come here. Sorry,” I explain as Sebastian stands next to Lily.

“No need to apologize. You’re always welcome. I’m headed out, anyway, so you can enjoy yourselves. Call me when you’re done, sweetheart, and I’ll come home,” he says to Lily before kissing her goodbye. He turns, directing his attention to me. “Don’t think I’m dropping this. We’ll continue this conversation at the office.”

“That won’t be necessary,” I state.

“I’ll be the judge of that,” Sebastian responds before walking out the door.

“Thanks a lot,” I tell Lily when we’re alone.

She snickers. “How did you even land the job? You would think they would have overlooked you for being overqualified, or at least considered you for another position.”

“I didn’t put my MBA on my resumé. The goal was simplicity, and that’s exactly what I got. I’m not looking to complicate my life or become my parents.”

“Are you just being stubborn? Because being successful doesn’t mean you have to behave like your parents.”

I shrug my shoulders. “Maybe. But after this weekend, I’m even more determined to distance myself from them.”

“Good luck with that now that you’re engaged.” Lily laughs.

I groan in frustration. “Oh my God. What am I going to do? They’ve already called and left two messages. One sayingthings got slightly out of hand—understatement of the century—and another suggesting I bring him with me at Christmas, that they’reofficiallyextending Justin an invitation for the holiday,” I say in my snootiest impersonation. “God, could they be any more pretentious? What do you think? Do I tuck my tail between my legs and say we broke it off?”

“Or… I have a better idea. What if you bring him home to meet them?” she asks slyly.

“Yeah, right. Except there isn’t anyone to bring.” She’s looking at me with one raised brow. “What? Should I run an ad for a fake fiancé?” I ask.

“Who says he needs to be fake? I mean, maybe the fiancé part, but the guy doesn’t have to be since there really is a Justin, who happens to be a bodyguardandhas no family to visit for the holidays—which means he could easily play the part.”

“Hell no. Not happening. He fricking ghosted me after getting me into bed. I’m never speaking to that jerk again.”

“You’re obviously still thinking about him since he’s the one you just happened to come up with for your fake fiancé,” she says pointedly as if she’s onto me.

“Only because I’m not good at improvising, and it was easier to use a real person. Otherwise, I don’t think about him.”That I’ll admit to.

“If you say so.”

“You did it again, Lucy. Another great Christmas party in the books,” Eli says, walking up to the bar where I’m sipping my drink.

“I can’t take all the credit this time since the hotel’s event planner did most of the work. Lily talked me into using her so I could have a good time with everyone else this year.”

Usually, I’m so busy with coordination that I don’t get to enjoy the party itself, but this is way better. Although, my chattiness is warning me to be careful with how much better it gets.

“Well, I’m glad. It’s about time you let loose with the rest of us. Where are Lily and my brother anyway?” he asks as he scans the room.

“You really have to ask?” I laugh. “I’m sure they’ll turn up any minute since they’ve been gone for about ten now,” I say, rolling my eyes and making him groan.

“Damn, those two are obnoxious.” He shakes his head with a smirk on his face.

“Eh, they’re cute. It’s hard to find that kind of connection, let alone with someone you want to spend the rest of your life with. I’m happy for them.”

“Yeah, you’re right. Maybe I’m just jealous.”

“Tell me about it.”

After that, we fall into an easy silence, sipping our drinks at the bar as we people watch.

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