Page 129 of Choosing You

Later that night she makes me watch a holiday-themed romance movie that’s on TV even though Christmas is still more than a month away. Harper loves those sappy romance movies. And now that she’s dating someone, she loves them even more.

“That was so sad, but so good,” she says when the movie’s over. She’s been sniffling for the last half hour. I don’t understand why people like movies that make you cry. Why would anyone want to intentionally do something that makes them cry? “Did you like it, Jade?”

“Um, yeah, it was okay.” I get up, stretching my arms out. “I need to go to sleep. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Hey, I saw Garret leaving your room this morning.” She gets this excited tone to her voice. “Did something happen last night? I mean, I know you guys do that sleepover thing sometimes, but he seemed even happier than normal when I saw him in the hall.”

“He did? Well, no, we didn’t do anything. Just slept.”

She seems disappointed. “That’s so weird. I don’t get you two.”

“But we did have our first date last night.”

She rolls her eyes. “Again. Weird. You two have probably been on about 50 dates by now.”

“I know. But as of last night we’re officially dating.” Saying that out loud to someone makes me smile.

“So he’s finally your boyfriend?”

Hearing her call Garret my boyfriend makes me smile even more. “Yes.”

“Well, it’s about time. Maybe we could double date.”

“Sure. I’ll mention it to Garret.”

“So when are you leaving for Thanksgiving?”

Before I can even enjoy the high of telling her that Garret is my boyfriend the dreaded holiday topic comes up again. “I’m staying here. It’s too far to go back home.”

“I’m from California. That’s way farther than Iowa. And I’m going home.”

“I know. But flights are really expensive over the holiday and it’s too far to drive.”

“So you’ll be here all alone?”

“No, I have plans.” I race to the door. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Who do you have plans with? Everyone will be gone.”

I don’t answer. I’m too tired to come up with a fake story she’ll believe.

“Are you going to the Kensington’s?” she asks cautiously.

“No. They’re going to some tropical island for Thanksgiving.”

“Then who? Or are you saying Garret is staying here? No way. His dad would never go for that, at least not if he’s like you say he is.”

She’s right. Garret is crazy to think he’ll get away with not going on his family’s trip.

“Harper, I just made that stuff up. I don’t have plans. I’ll be here for Thanksgiving. It’s just that I don’t like people feeling sorry for me being all alone. Because there’s no need to. I’m actually excited about getting some time to just sleep and catch up on stuff.”

She has her pity face on. She’s definitely feeling sorry for me. “Well, I’ll call you every day from California, okay?”

“Sure. Goodnight, Harper.”

As I’m unlocking the door to my room, Garret appears in the hallway. “Hey.” He kisses me. “I missed you today.”

“Garret, we’re not going to be one of those couples who can’t even go a day without seeing each other. I need my space.”

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