Page 18 of UnLucky Christmas
She gives me a grateful smile. “Thank you. We used to do this with our family when I was young. My mom had been sick for a few years so we stopped, but I promised I would continue the tradition.”
I can feel emotion fill my chest and tears prick my eyes. I was upset about my family’s traditions coming to an end. Shame on me. My situation is nothing like what Macy has been through.
“I’m sure your mom is very proud of you.”
She gives my shoulders a squeeze. “I appreciate that. Thank you.”
We walk to the tree, and I pick out a large gold snowflake ornament from a nearby bin. Remembering how short my dress is, I step up onto the ladder’s lowest rung and add it to the tree. Macy snaps a few pictures as the branches are beginning to fill. I turn around and spot Chad standing with Austin and another man. Chad smiles when we make eye contact, and I return his smile.
After chatting with Jasmine and another friend of theirs, I sneak away to the bathroom. The guest bath is down a hallway off the kitchen. I dig in my clutch purse for my lipstick. When I check my phone, I have a message from Janelle asking how the night is going.
I text her back with a single heart-eyed emoji.
Not even two seconds go by when my phone rings.
“That’s all you’re going to text?” she exclaims. “A stupid emoji? I need details.”
I laugh. “I don’t have any details to share, yet.”
“Ohhh, I’m intrigued.”
“I promise to call you later,” I tell her. “I’m in the bathroom. You can see updates on Macy’s Instagram page.”
“I’m going there now,” she says. “But you’re enjoying yourself, right?”
“Yes.”
“That’s what matters.”
I finish up and make my way back to the festivities.
CHAPTER SEVEN
As soon as I walk into the living room, I spot Grant off to the side leaning against the wall. He’s wearing a light gray suit over a white shirt, not a hair out of place. One of his hands is in his pocket and the other is holding a rocks glass containing brown liquid. He looks completely out of place amongst the other guests in holiday and dressy casual attire. He takes a sip of his drink as he scans the room, his eyes landing right on me. Something stirs inside me—maybe its curiosity or annoyance. Possibly both.
Every interaction I’ve had with Grant has been less than enjoyable, so I quickly turn away. I exhale and look over at the tree. Chad is now at the top of the ladder, adding ornaments for some of the guests. A few girls are talking about fear of heights, so I’m assuming Chad is taking one for the team.
“How’s this?” he calls.
“Right there,” a girl in a tiny red dress says. “You’re so sweet to do that for us.”
Chad gives a little bow at the top of the ladder.
I decide to visit the dessert table again and fill my plate with mini pastries. I pop a cream puff into my mouth, and when I turn around Grant is standing right behind me. My four-inch heels bring me closer to his height, but he still has several inches on me.
“Oh, hi,” I say, my mouth full.
“Hello.”
I cover my mouth and swallow my food.
“I didn’t expect to see you here,” I say, wiping the corners of my mouth with my napkin. “This is the ultimate in festive holiday cheer.”
He sighs. “I know. Macy begged me to stop by, so I made an appearance for her.”
Macy’s speech runs through my mind, and I realize that Grant has also suffered the loss of his mother.
“You’re a good brother,” I tell him.
