Page 15 of UnLucky Christmas
“He’s alive,” I tease.
“Sorry to disappoint you,” he replies. “What’s up? Emme told me I needed to call you or else.”
I really love her. She’s the one person who can keep my brother in line.
“Um, hello. Why do you think I called? I wanted to talk to you about Mom and Dad.”
“What about them?” he asks.
I let out an exasperated sigh. “Stop being so annoying. I’m talking about them splitting up.”
He laughs. “Whit, it’s been a long time coming.”
Really? I must’ve been living under a rock all my life.
“Since when? They seemed fine at Thanksgiving.”
Ben starts rambling on about all the times he’s thought they’d separate.
“I’m surprised it took them this long,” he admits. “I can’t remember the last time they were happy. I think they tried to shield you from their misery.”
I sit on my bed and pull my robe tighter around my body.
“Well, they did an excellent job of that,” I say. “And what’s up with Mom wanting to date other men?”
The thought makes me a bit nauseous.
“Listen, I know it’s going to be weird for a while,” he says. “But we’ve got our own lives now. I have Emme, and you have what’s his name.”
I groan. My brother always referred to Pete as “what’s his name.”
“Not anymore,” I tell him. “Pete and I broke up.”
He’s quiet for a few seconds. “Aww…well there are other fish in the sea, sis, and you’re a good catch.”
“Thanks.”
“It’ll be okay,” he promises. “Christmas will be strange this year, but by next year we’ll be used to it.”
I lay down on my bed, my legs hanging off.
“I guess so,” I say doubtfully. “Let me know what you guys are doing on Christmas Eve and the next day. Actually—never mind, I’ll message Emme.”
“Good call.”
After I hang up, I drop the phone next to me. I have every intention of having a good time at Macy’s tonight. I need it.
I decide on a mini black, form-fitting sweater dress and a pair of red booties. I add some full waves to my hair and finish off my makeup with a smoky eye and red lipstick. I stand in front of the full-length mirror in the hallway and take in my reflection. I turn around and bend over just to make sure nothing is showing. My dress is short, but at least it covers everything important. I was going to ask Macy if I could invite Janelle but decided against it. Going solo will force me out of my comfort zone to meet some new people, otherwise I’d end up hanging with Janelle the entire evening. I’m a little nervous since I barely know Macy. Regardless it’s a night out, and I’ve earned it after the past few weeks.
* * *
I pullonto a street lined with stunning brick homes. The front yards are expansive and filled with large trees. I listen as my GPS guides me through the winding, hilly neighborhood to a dead end. The street is lined with cars, and people are walking up to a grand front door. The entryway is already decorated with garland, white lights, and small Christmas trees. It looks like a picture out of a magazine, not that I’m surprised. It’s Macy’s job to showcase this winter wonderland.
I pull up behind a white SUV and check my makeup in the rearview mirror. I touch up my lipstick and take a few cleansing breaths before walking to the front door.
It’s cracked open, and I hear “Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays” by N’SYNC coming from inside. A smile spreads across my face because I love this song. I step into a grand foyer filled with more small trees. Lighted garland is wrapped around the wrought iron staircase. A woman with curly black hair and a soothing voice is giving instructions to a few people. She’s wearing dark skinny jeans with an off the shoulder cream sweater. A few seconds later she turns to me.
“Hi, I’m Macy’s friend Jasmine. Are you Whitney?”
