Page 7 of UnLucky Christmas
“Sorry,” Macy says, typing something on her phone. “Family can be exhausting sometimes.”
I snort. “I know the feeling.” The image of telling my mother about Pete and my new Christmas tree flashes through my mind.
Macy and I continue to chat as we wander through the aisles. She asks my opinion before continuing to snap photos of various items.
“Do you want to grab a tea at the café next door?” she asks as we make our way to the check-out counter. “I have some time to kill before an appointment.”
I nod. “Sure. I’m technically still on my lunch break.”
Today I just chose shopping rather than eating given I don’t really have an appetite.
We order our drinks, and I find a table while Macy visits the restroom. As soon as I sit down, my phone rings and I see my mother’s number flashing on the screen. She must have been reading my mind. I hit ignore because I’ll never be able to get her off the phone.
My phone rings again. Hmm…maybe it is important.
“Hey, Mom. Can I call you back?”
“Whitney, I’ve been trying to reach you all day.”
I roll my eyes. She’s called me twice in the last minute. That’s not exactly all day, but I don’t say that out loud.
“Sorry. I’m having coffee with a friend. What’s so urgent?”
Knowing my mother, there’s probably nothing wrong.
“Nothing. Your father and I were hoping you could come over tonight. And bring Pete with you.”
The mention of Pete causes a stabbing in my chest.
“Um, I don’t think he’s available. But I can be there.”
I’d much rather tell her in person that Pete will no longer be coming over.
“Okay, well tell him I’ll make him my cranberry cheesecake next time he comes over.
Ugh. I wish she’d stop mentioning Pete. I put my hand to my forehead.
“Sure, Mom. I’ll see you later.”
“Are you okay?” Macy asks when she returns. She places her cup on the table and puts her shopping bags on the empty chair next to her.
I sigh. “Yes. That was my mother, and she was asking about my boyfriend. What she doesn’t know is that he’s now my ex-boyfriend because he broke up with me three days ago.”
Macy gasps. “Oh no. I’m so sorry. How long were you together?”
I tell her about Pete and the little surprise he sprung on me.
She shakes her head. “Damn, that’s awful. But if it makes you feel any better, I really admire you. You’re holding it together so well.”
I snort. “You should’ve seen me the other day. Especially when I ordered ice cream from the grocery store. The delivery boy didn’t know what to think.”
She holds her cup in the air. “I’m making a toast. To new friends, a fresh start, and to the most wonderful time of the year.”
I touch my cup to hers. “That sounds good to me. Cheers.”
Macy is showing me some posts on her Instagram page when a deep voice startles me.
“Are you planning to keep me waiting all day?” the voice barks.
