Page 42 of UnLucky Christmas
I bite my lower lip. “I guess.”
“And I’m looking forward to meeting all these people who have turned your life upside down.”
I scowl. “Thanks.”
We quickly eat our lunch, and Janelle heads back to work. After she leaves, I take my time. With good reason I’ve been a little spooked at my office. I haven’t stepped foot in the lounge and probably won’t for some time. When I finally walk outside, I come face to face with Pete. Seeing him throws me off guard, but surprisingly I don’t feel much of anything else.
“Whitney, hi.”
“Hey, Pete.”
“I was actually going to call you last night,” he says.
“Why?”
He runs his hand through his hair. “I texted you, and I didn’t hear back.”
I let out a sigh. “Pete, you ended this. I’ve moved on because you decided you weren’t ready for a relationship.”
He doesn’t say anything.
“There’s no reason for you to call me,” I continue.
A look of disappointment coats his face.
“You’re right. You deserve a man who can commit to you.”
I nod. “Yes, I do.”
“You’re going to make someone a very happy man.”
“Thank you,” I reply. “I wish you well. And I hope you find what you’re looking for.”
I’m overwhelmed with a combination of closure and relief. Maybe I needed to have this conversation with him to know it’s okay for me to move on. I’m ready for whatever my future holds. I have no idea what that is, so for now I’ll keep reminding myself to stay in the present.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Idon’t think there’s anything more magical than ice-skating to holiday songs. When I arrive at the rink, Janelle and Brian are already there. The festive music has filled the air, and I have a feeling it’s going to be an exciting evening.
“Whitney, you naughty girl,” Brian teases as soon as he sees me.
I shoot Janelle an angry look. “Really? You told him? What about a little thing called best friend confidentiality?”
She cringes. “Sorry. If it makes you feel any better, I told him to keep his mouth shut tonight.”
That doesn’t make me feel better.
“I won’t say a word,” he promises.
“More importantly, you look hot tonight,” Janelle says, studying my outfit. I’m wearing a pair of black faux leather pants and a fleece-lined black sweater. My hair is straightened under a black fuzzy hat.
“I can’t wait to meet Chad,” she says wickedly.
“Chad isn’t the hot office kiss guy, right?” Brian asks.
Crap. I’m doomed.
“Whitney,” a voice squeals. I look to my left to see Macy, Austin, Jasmine, and few other faces I recognize from her party.
