Page 56 of The Merriest Christmas

"Thanks for that, Rose," I said dryly.

"Welcome."

June's eyes twinkled in a way that made me nervous."What the what, Emmy?Did you finally act on your crush?"

I swallowed.

Charlie lifted a brow and said, "That silence speaks volumes, O'Brien."

Honor sighed."Don't push her.She'll tell us when she's ready."

"Well, she did call this meeting."

"Don't worry," Maisie said."I'm a bartender, so it's hard to shock me."

"No judgment," Charlie agreed.

Rose sat up straighter."The book club is here for you, Emmy."

I took a deep breath then spilled the tea.

All of it.

I even told them our past history because they'd need the info to fully understand my dilemma.Everyone was silent for a beat once I was done.I had no idea what they were thinking.

"That's hot," Charlie said, breaking the silence.

"Secret relationships always are," Rose sighed.

June slowly shook her head."I can't believe you never told me," she said.

"I never told anyone," I said."Until last night."

"But I'm your best friend.I could've been there for you.I would've—"

"I didn't want to put you in that position.I knew how you felt about Baylor and couldn't ask you to lie to him."

"That's actually really nice of you," she said.

"Yeah, I have my moments."

"You do.It's why I love you.But…you were hooking up with Seaver and no one knew?"

I nodded.

"Did you two ever…?"

"No," I said with a blush, "but we came close, and there were several times I really wanted to.Believe me."

Including last night.

"So," Honor spoke up, "you're conflicted because he ghosted you, and now, he's back and seems to want to pick up where you guys left off."

"Basically," I said.

"Don't forget the hot Christmas Eve make-out session," Charlie put in then smiled."That's kinda naughty, Emmy.I didn't know you had it in you."

I rolled my eyes at that.

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