Page 104 of UnLucky Christmas
“Wow. You’re probably exhausted.”
“What’s the matter? I can tell by your tone that something’s bothering you.”
I tell him about my mother’s phone call.
“I’m sorry,” he says. “I guess it’s a good thing we already have plans to go to Macy’s.”
I’m quiet for a few seconds. Neither of us has brought this up since our argument about it on Christmas.
“So, you do want to go to her party?”
“Not really.” He pauses. “But I know you do, and Macy would be upset if we didn’t make an appearance. I have no interest in upsetting a pregnant woman.”
I smile to myself. “You’re a good brother.”
“Not really. But I’m going to do better.”
Grant and Macy may have their differences, but I know they love each of very much. They’ve been through a lot together, and that has bonded them forever.
“Anyway, she then asked about New Year’s Day, and I just didn’t have the energy to argue with her,” I continue. “We don’t have to go if you don’t want to. I’ll gladly come up with a good excuse.”
“I’m fine with whatever,” he says. “At least we’d get good food, and maybe we can continue the tour of the house.”
I laugh. “But we’ll have to sit through another food lecture with Chef Bill.”
“As long as I’m with you, that’s all that matters.”
Hearing him say that makes my heart swell because I feel the same way.
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
“I’m not wearing that hat,” Grant says defiantly.
“You have to,” Macy demands. “It’s New Year’s Eve, and you promised you’d join in all the festivities.”
“I never agreed to the hat.”
I glance at Austin, who gives an eye roll. Macy and Grant have been arguing about a sillyHappy New Yearhat since we arrived. Macy wants us all to wear them so she can post a big group photo on her page. It’s not a big deal, but Grant really enjoys pushing her buttons.
“You better not make me cry, Grant Carlisle Williams,” she wails. She’s brought out the middle name, so she definitely means business.
“Just wear it,” I beg him.
He shakes his head in frustration. “I don’t stand a chance with you two teaming up.”
Macy smiles and holds up her hand to give me a high five. I take another look at her, and I notice an adorable baby bump beginning to pop slightly through her short red dress. She’s tall and slender, so it’s noticeable.
The guests are starting to arrive, and everyone is happily putting on their hats. Grant has been the only one to object so far. In his defense, he wasn’t exactly excited to be here in the first place.
“So, if I escape to Macy’s office, will you come looking for me like you did last time?” he asks, putting his arm around my shoulder. His seductive gaze runs over me.
“I’d say it’s a possibility.” I reach my arms around his neck and stand on my tiptoes to give him a kiss.
A few seconds later, Chad arrives with a girl I don’t recognize. Admittedly, I was a bit nervous about seeing him again. There’s still a part of me that feels bad about how things went down.
“Oh, it looks like sweet Chad has a date,” Grant says mockingly. “Good for him.”
“You promised Macy you’d be nice,” I remind him.
