Page 38 of Holidate Pursuit

I’m no closer to choosing what to do now than the beginning of the night. I’ve been staying in the shadows, watching, trying to decide, but the more I see, the more it appears she’s doing just fine without me. Richard seems to have no problem making her laugh, that’s for sure. Who knows, maybe he was simply young and made an immature mistake.

Seeing her laugh at that dick again makes me want to hurt someone, and since the only thing I’ve accomplished tonight is feeling like a stalker, I decide it’s time to bow out gracefully. There’s nothing here for me, and the Dubrees have plenty of security in place with their two bodyguards and my number one on-site.

I’ll make sure Sam knows I’m heading out and then drown my New Year’s sorrows alone. The last time I saw him, he wasfollowing Sebastian and Lily out of the room. Those two taking off is a common occurrence from the stories I hear.

I’m still searching twenty minutes later. It feels like I’ve been all over this place without catching sight of anyone when I round the corner and stop short at the scene near the end of the hallway. Richard is there with Lucy, backed up against the wall in a passionate embrace. Fucking great—that’s the last thing I need seared into my brain. But as I turn to backtrack, something catches my eye. The woman’s hair isn’t blonde.What the fuck?

When I’m close enough, I take it upon myself to interrupt. “Hey, man, seems like you’re having a good time tonight.”

Richard leaps back at the sound of my voice, guilty as hell. The woman takes one look at my face and hurries off, leaving the two of us alone.

“Justin. Hey. I didn’t know you were here tonight. Lucy said you guys had called things off.”

“What’s your deal, man? You figure sampling the goods is the best way to get back into Lucy’s good graces? Just like old times, huh?”

“Sometimes shit happens. Lucy’s great, but we don’t have that spark like we used to.” This man-to-man talk isn’t cutting it with me.

“Does she know that, or were you planning on double-dipping? What she doesn’t know won’t hurt her?” My anger is rising, and keeping my temper in check is difficult.

“Come on, man. Lucy and I are just getting reacquainted. Who knows what’ll happen between us?” His shoulders shrug as if it’s no big deal.

“I do, so let me fill you in. You’re going to go in there, say goodbye, and tell Lucy you’re not mature enough for a relationship. Or I can take care of it for you. What’s it going to be?”

“I’ll say goodbye. I didn’t mean any harm. Sorry, man.” Richard raises his arms, palms out in defense.

My head jerks in the direction of the main room. “I’m not the one you should be apologizing to. Hurry up before I change my mind and decide to handle this with my fists.”

Lucy

This New Year’s officially sucks. Eli and his date took off earlier, Sebastian and Lily disappeared thirty minutes ago, and Richard still hasn’t returned from the bathroom. I’m trying to stay positive… Oh, who am I kidding? I am not at all positive. If this is any indication of how my year will go, I may as well tuck my tail between my legs and sneak out.

The waitress arrives with my drink, their specialty: a raspberry gimlet with a fired orange on top. She hands it to me, the orange still flaming. I figurewhat the hell, and close my eyes, before opening them and blowing out the orange. It’ll take a miracle to make my wish come true. Bottoms up to that.

“Lucy, sorry I was gone so long.” I’m interrupted with half of my drink left.

Lowering my head and moving my glass down, I see a guilty-looking Richard.

Lifting my gimlet in a mock toast, I respond, “No worries, I had company.” I nod towards the drink and smile.

He cringes remorsefully. “Hey, so, I think I’m gonna take off. Thank you for bringing me tonight and introducing me to Sebastian, but I think I’m going to call it a night.” He glances at something over my shoulder and continues, “I don’t think I’m ready for a relationship, and you deserve more than what I can give you. I’m sorry, Lucy.”

What. The. Hell? My eyes narrow when I notice remnants of lipstick around his mouth. How do I continue setting myself upfor disappointment? Once a cheater, always a cheater. I should have known better. “Sure. I’m glad you realized that now instead of later. No sense wasting our time.” I can’t help my snarky tone, or how familiar that sounded.

He leans in for a hug that I reluctantly reciprocate. “Happy New Year, Lucy. And for what it’s worth, I hope you find your happy ending. You shouldn’t give up on Justin just yet.”What the actual?

“Uh, where did that come from?” I ask as we pull away.

“It’s just a feeling. Anyway, enjoy the rest of your night. I’ll see you around.”

He walks off as I stand there dumbfounded. I’m so unbelievably lost right now. What did I do to deserve this shit luck? I seem to be in the habit of repelling men at this point.

Since I haven’t been watching the time, I’m surprised when the DJ announces to find a partner for the final countdown to the New Year. Great. I lift my drink in salute, figuring that since I was interrupted last time, there’s no time like the present to drown my sorrows. The crowd begins to shout.

Ten…

Nine…

Eight…

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