Page 98 of Holly and Nick Hate Christmas
“Babe.” Lydia grabbed Ryan’s arm and tugged him backdown with a quick shake of her head. Next to me, Nick loudly cleared his throat.
“Grandma’s sick?” Mason and Janie exchanged panicked glances. “Are you going to the hospital? What about Christmas?”
“Whoa, Mrs. S. I had no idea.” Axel’s expression pinched with concern. “Can I make you some soup?”
Kat chuckled from the recliner.
“No one is sick, guys.” Dad held up both hands, his confident tone restoring order. He hooked one shoe on the stool footrest. “Let’s take a breath.”
Lydia nudged Ryan in the side, effectively shutting his mouth from whatever he’d been about to argue.
I reached across my chest to clutch Nick’s hand that was resting on my shoulder, releasing a shaky sigh. Talk about a roller coaster. “So, what is this about, then?”
“Yeah.” Ryan braced his elbows on his knees. “I know what I heard tonight.”
“And whatIheard last week.” Olivia raised her hand, nearly knocking Mason in the forehead.
“I kind of feel like I shouldn’t be here.” Nick’s words, so quiet I barely caught them, murmured into my hair.
I pulled back to look at him. “I promise it’s fine.”
“But I’m not family. All of this sounds like a family-only matter.” He shifted on the cushion, moving his arm back to his side. I immediately missed the warmth.
“Axel is here.” I nodded toward the sofa. “Don’t worry.”
But Nick lookedveryworried. Was he concerned about Mom’s health too? If so, that was really sweet.
But it didn’t seem like that was it.
“It’s time to tell the truth.” Dad cast Mom another glance and my nerves kicked into high gear. All around the room, my siblings’ faces registered various forms of discomfort and unease.
If it wasn’t about Mom, whatwasit about?
“I can explain.” Chloe edged away from Axel, sitting up straight and smoothing her short skirt over her leggings. “I don’t know how you guys found out about this, but…it’s me. I’ve been keeping a secret.”
Dad’s eyes narrowed. Mom tilted her head. “What is it, sweetie?”
Chloe lifted her chin, but I still caught the tremor. “I’m quitting UCLA.”
“What?” The word exploded from Dad’s lips, followed by the first half of another word he bit back after a quick look at his grandkids.
Mom laid a calming hand on Dad’s arm, much like Lydia always did to Ryan. “You’re quitting school?”
“Ha! It’shisfault.” Ryan pointed to Axel. Yep, there went Lydia’s arm, pushing Ryan’s down.
Axel flinched. “Myfault? I’d do anything for Chloe. This was her decision after I—”
“Chloe, you’re not quitting school. Don’t be stupid.” Kat released a huff from her chair near the sofa.
“Why not? You always tell me I am, anyway.” Chloe sniffed.
Kat’s eyes rounded. “I do not! I think you over-tan and under-apply yourself, but you’re far fromdumb.”
Chloe frowned. “Really?”
“I thought you said you were transferring.” Olivia frowned, pulling her legs up to her chest. “Quitting completely is very different, little sis.”
“Wait. You two knew about this and didn’t say anything?” Mom glanced between Olivia and Kat.
