Page 4 of Holidate Pursuit

“Again, Lily, he works for the same company. It’s bad enough that I’ll be seeing Tom all the time.”

“Yeah, but you’re not even on the same floor as Jordan. And as you can see, I brought Patrick instead of Tom. I’ll keep doing that when I only need one of them.” She nods toward the guy near the café’s entrance. Sebastian insists a guard is always with her, but for special occasions, he requires two. I’m guessing that coffee with me was small enough to warrant only one.

“Thank you, but it’s still too close for comfort with Jordan. It would be uncomfortable if things ended badly, which is my track record lately. And if it did work out, then it could get awkward. It’s a double-edged sword.”

“Or it could be a win-win. Look at me and Sebastian, it’s not awkward, and we get to see each other more.”

“Totally different. He owns the fricking company and makes the rules. Plus, you guys are engaged, not dating. And by the way? News flash—it’s definitely awkward now and then. Don’t think I don’t know what you’re doing in his office half the time. You’re lucky I love you.” I point my spoon at her as she guiltily looks down at her cup.

“I’m going to pretend I didn’t hear that and feign ignorance. As for being engaged, we didn’t start that way. We dated. Just like you need to do”—she points her spoon back at me—“to find Mr. Right. Any other excuses before I get the ball rolling?”

“Ugh. Fine. I’ll go on one date,” I say, rolling my eyes and shaking my head.

A smile lights up her face, and she opens her mouth to respond, but I cut her off, holding my hand up before she has a chance.

“Hang on. How do you even know he wants to take me out—have you talked to him? And why hasn’t he already asked if he’s so interested?” I ask suspiciously.

“Okay, I haven’t actually talked to him yet, but you’re both single and good-looking, so why not?” She shrugs.

“I’ve been arguing about a hypothetical this whole time?” I roll my eyes.

“Hey, at least I got your permission first. You’re lucky I’m not Cici. That girl does what she wants, when she wants, and doesn’t think about asking permission from anyone for anything. I seriously can’t wait for you to meet her.” She beams.

“Me too. Hopefully I’ll get to before the wedding.”

“I hope so too. Especially since you’ll be working on the fun stuff together.” She wiggles her brows.

“I wouldn’t get your hopes up about the fun part. Sebastian has his own definition of fun, and I’m pretty sure he’ll have a lot of say in what Cici and I put together.”

“I have faith she’ll get what she wants when it comes down to it.”

“We’ll see about that. Anyway, back to this Jordan thing, keep me posted, okay? I don’t want any surprises.” I give her the stink eye.

“I will. Promise. In case it leads to something, what are your plans for the holidays?”

“I’m going home. My parents allowed me to move a thousand miles away on the condition I come home for Thanksgiving and Christmas. It was a bargain, trust me,” I say, taking a sip of coffee to wash down my distaste for the topic.

“Oh,” she says in surprise. “I feel bad that we’ve never talked about your family. I’m so used to not talking about mine that I forget to ask other people about theirs. I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be. I prefer not to, honestly.”

“Okay, spill. What’s the scoop? Less than perfect parents, I’m assuming?”

“Oh no, that’s the problem. They’re so perfect that no one is good enough for them, and they won’t be happy until I marry the perfect man, have perfect babies, and live in the perfect house on the perfect street while my perfect brother gets the moon handed to him. Get the picture?”

“Sounds perfect to me,” she deadpans, causing us both to crack up.

GIVE THANKS

Lucy

The door to the town car swings open, and Darryl, my parents’ butler, gives me a welcoming smile.

“Head on in, and I’ll bring your luggage to your room. Nice to have you home, Lucy,” he says, slightly bowing as he does.

“Thanks, Darryl. Not sure I can say the same, but check back in a couple of days.” I smile up at him.

He chuckles knowingly. “Will do. Try to enjoy your visit, miss.”

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