Page 20 of Storybook Christmas

After the hug from my parents, Eleanor finishes her speech. As she exits the stage, Harrison and his parents are standing and ready to hug her before they take their seats.

I’m wondering if I should go hug her too, but that’s the last thing I want to do right now.

My bottom lip quivers as I look at Finn. “Okay, I’m not fine.”

Finn rubs my back. “You know what? You owe me New York-style pizza.”

“I do, don’t I?”

“What if I demanded you pay up? Right now?”

“I’d say I have no choice. Lacy Callahan honors her debts.”

We stand, and I look at Lincoln. “Well, you made it longer than we did.”

“I don’t blame you.” Lincoln shoots my sister a glare. “But get yourself a drink on your way out. They’re serving top-shelf stuff.”

“We’ll do that. Good luck at Callahan & Callahan, Lincoln. You’re gonna need it.” I flash a smile before joining Finn, who’s beelining it to the bar.

As we’re waiting to order two scotches on the rocks to-go, I snatch the entire bottle of Glenlivet off the counter.

Then I grab Finn, and we make a break for it.

# # #

TWO SLICES INTOa meat-lover’s pizza at Mo Cheese, I say, “This is amazing.”

“It is. But you have something…” Finn points to his chin. “Right there.”

I touch mine to discover a piece of string dangling off of it. I grab it and slowly drop it into my mouth. “Don’t wanna miss one morsel.”

“That’s how it’s done right there.”

“I can’t believe my sister didn’t tell me she was having a baby.” I blink.

“I’m sorry, Lacy.”

I wait for him to say more, and when he doesn’t, I say, “Thank you.”

“For what?”

“For not saying something like, ‘Well, she was keeping it a surprise from your parents, so don’t feel bad.’” That’s what Joshua would’ve said, and it never made me feel better.

Finn puts his slice down. “I don’t tell people how they should feel. And logic doesn’t provide comfort, which is what someone needs when their heart’s aching.”

“Exactly.” I manage a weak smile. Clearly, Finn is much more in touch with the feelings and emotions of others than Joshua, and I didn’t realize how much I needed that until just now.

Plus, I can’t believe Finn put into words something I’ve always known subconsciously, but I could never verbalize:

Logic doesn’t comfort the illogical.

Feeling vulnerable about just how much Finn’s getting under my skin, I need to shift the topic away from me. I say, “So, tell me about you. Any brothers and sisters?”

“Only child.” He looks away, and when he returns his gaze, his green eyes are a shade darker, the streaks of gold splintered like glass. “My parents died in a car accident when I was little. My grandfather passed before I was born, but my grandma raised me.”

My breath stops, and I croak, “Finn.” Guilt chops through me like a guillotine. “I’m so sorry.”

I regret complaining about my family. I regret being ungrateful. I regret everything.

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