Page 70 of The Jinglebell War
“What you want is moronic,” my father says. “You’re just trying to prove a point. Well, you’ve proved it, and it’s time for you to come home and start contributing to the family business.”
I’m so furious I can barely speak. “I knew it. I knew you suggesting I move my business back here was just a ploy to get me to work for you. How long were you going to let me run my own business before you forced me back?”
“Oh, now you’re just being dramatic,” Mom says. “Your father and I are retiring. We won’t be forcing you into anything. You would come back here and you’d see that working for the resort makes the most sense. You’d also see, if you just opened your eyes, that Avery is a wonderful woman. She’s educated, capable, and competent. She loves to ski, and she’s planning to stay here in Sugar Valley. I’m sure Blue is very fun, but she’s not the kind of woman to create a family with.”
Her words bring me right back to the mistake I made with Blue this morning. I might be starting a family much sooner than I ever planned, and it makes me go cold from my toes to the top of my head. But even in the middle of the terror, I know that if the worst happens and Blue is pregnant and she goes through with the pregnancy, she will be an amazing mother.
She’s loyal and caring, but she’s also fiercely protective of the people she cares about. Any kid would be lucky to call her mom.
And if my mother can’t see that, that’s her mistake.
“I’m done,” I say. “I’ve tried, but I refuse to stay here and allow you to manipulate me and be cruel to my girlfriend.”
My mother pales and grips the nearest chair like she needs help staying upright.
“You will not leave this house in the middle of our family Christmas,” my father says. “I won’t allow it.”
I shove my fists in my pockets so I won’t be tempted to shake some sense into him. “Hate to break it to you, Dad, but I’m not a little kid you can boss around anymore.”
Before I say anything I might regret, I walk out of that office and head up to the guest room. I pack up all our stuff and carry it out to the truck. Then I grab Barry from the backyard and get her settled in the truck.
The whole time, my brain is spinning over whether my parents are right and I’m being overly dramatic. I don’t come to any conclusion other than I can’t stay here. I just physically cannot be in this house a moment longer.
When I step back into the family room, no one seems to be aware of my impending departure. Even my parents look relaxed and happy, chatting with two of my brothers. They probably assume I’ve cooled down and will decide to stay.
They really don’t know me at all.
Blue and Avery must have finished sorting the gifts, because they’re together on a love seat away from the others. They seem to be deep in conversation and are both smiling.
I could easily join them and pretend everything is fine. I could pretend I have parents who respect my wishes and care about what makes me happy.
Maybe that’s what a better person would do, but I’m not that person.
I avoid a pointed stare from Hudson and go over to Blue and Avery. Blue looks up at me with a smile, but worry in her eyes.
Bending over, I whisper in her ear. “Come with me?”
She doesn’t hesitate. She smiles at Avery. “Looks like Garrick needs my help with something. It was great meeting you.”
Avery keeps her obvious confusion to herself. “You too. I’m definitely going to have to make a trip to Yuletide to see how much it’s changed.”
“Stop by the mayor’s office and say hi when you do.” Blue gets to her feet and follows me toward the door.
We’ve almost made it when my mother’s voice cuts through the happy chatter. “Oh, for heaven's sake, you aren’t seriously leaving, Garrick. This is overly dramatic, even for you.”
I look down at Blue, but she shrugs, like she’s telling me to do whatever I need to. She must see something in my eyes, because she nods and I just know she has my back, no matter what.
I turn to face my family. “We’re heading back to Yuletide. It was good to see you all. Thanks for the hospitality.”
“You’re leaving on Christmas?” Theo asks, completely bewildered. He sees our parents as warm, generous, and loving. He’s always blamed me whenever there’s been any kind of conflict between us. I don’t expect him to take my side this time.
I could lie and say there’s an emergency or that Blue’s family needs her, but they would all ask questions or want to help and it would get too messy. “I’m sorry to miss out on the gift exchange.My presents to all of you are under the tree.” I wave and pull Blue along with me before anyone can say anything else.
“This is unacceptable,” my father roars. It shouldn’t surprise me he expects me to stick around after the argument we had, but he never seems to expect me to rebel, no matter how many times I do it.
Blue doesn’t ask questions. She just walks briskly beside me through the house and to the front door.
“Garrick, hold up.”
