Page 27 of UnLucky Christmas
* * *
Baking,a holiday movie marathon, gingerbread house decorating. These are all the things Pete and I talked about doing together. When I find the list, a wave of sadness falls over me. Thankfully, I have friends who should be more than willing to indulge in all the festive seasonal activities. I add Janelle and Macy to a group chat I nameSanta’s Favorites.
It takes about a minute for Macy to reply. This doesn’t surprise me since she’s always on her phone.
Hi Janelle! I’m excited to meet you at lunch this week. I love the name of this chat—this will make a fun post on my page.
I giggle. I’m not a holiday influencer, but I guess everything could be considered potential content. Even a group chat titled Santa’s Favorites. Hmm…maybe I could be an influencer. I send another message.
I have a long holiday bucket list to tackle. And since I’m officially a single gal now, who’s willing to join me?
I’m sure they will both humor me, but Macy has a husband and Janelle has a boyfriend. I certainly don’t want to third wheel it with them and their significant others.
Group dates are always fun, and you’re welcome to hang with Austin and me any time.
I groan after reading Macy’s text. Yep, I’ll be the third-wheel friend. My phone buzzes again.
Although I can think of someone who would love to hang out with you. Wink.
A smile creeps up on my face. I know she’s talking about Chad.
It’s still work hours, so Janelle hasn’t chimed in yet. She’s not a fan of group chats, so she’s probably irritated with me for adding her to one. I’d bet my next two paychecks she’s already silenced the notifications from Santa’s Favorites. She won’t say anything on the chat though.
Macy sends another text.
I’m excited about our ice-skating outing. Janelle—you should join us.
I decide not to send any more texts on the chat. I should probably let Janelle catch up first.
I’m one my way home when my phone rings. I answer with my Bluetooth.
“Hello.”
“Hey, girl, what are you doing right now?” Macy asks.
“Just heading home from work.”
“Perfect timing. Don’t go home,” she demands. “This new Italian restaurant wants me to promote them on my page. They invited me and a few friends to come check it out. Jasmine is on shift at the hospital so she can’t make it. Austin will be coming late, and I’ve texted a few other people to join us.”
I glance in the rearview mirror. My makeup could use a quick touch up, but otherwise I look decent.
“Sure. I’ll come. Thanks for inviting me. I’m looking for any excuse to get out of the house these days.”
“Listen, I’ve been where you are,” she says softly. “That transitional period when you just get out of a relationship can be difficult. I went through an awful breakup shortly before I met Austin. It was so hard, but then I met him, and everything changed for me. We only dated five months before we got engaged, and I knew he was my soul mate after two dates.”
I smile to myself.
“I’m sorry. I get so passionate when I talk about Austin and me,” she continues. “I’ll send you the address right now.”
“Don’t apologize,” I say. “Hearing your story gives me hope.”
We get off the phone, and she sends me the address to the restaurant. As soon as I get to a stoplight, I enter it into my GPS. I wonder if Chad’s going to be there. I’m sure inviting the two of us was part of her plan, which is fine with me. I’m looking forward to getting to know Chad. I made the promise to myself I’d be open to all possibilities.
CHAPTER TEN
Hanging out with Macy is probably the closest I’ll ever get to hanging out with a celebrity. When I arrive at Ciao Italian Kitchen, Macy is doing a live video promoting the restaurant and telling her fans to come in and mention her page to get a free dessert. She’s like a walking billboard except more entertaining. As soon as she finishes the video, she takes some photos with the head chef, and the staff.
“Whitney, you’re here,” she exclaims as soon as she sees me. She grabs my arm and introduces me to the chef, who has a sexy Italian accent. He kisses my hand and says something super swoony in Italian.
