Page 40 of UnLucky Christmas
The lights flash, indicating the show is about to start. Chad asks if I want anything to drink, and I shake my head.
“Maybe at intermission.”
The show begins, and I’m mesmerized by this classic story. Chad leans in closer to me without making any kind of move, for which I’m grateful. At intermission we wander to the bar, and I order a glass of wine. I don’t have any intention of drinking all of it, but a few sips should help to calm my jitters.
“I’m bummed I couldn’t make it to the restaurant the other night,” he says. “I heard the food was excellent.”
I take a sip and nod. “It was—I can’t remember the last time I ate so much.”
“Free food always tastes better.”
I laugh. “It really does.”
“I’ll have to check it out,” he says. “Although it’s an entirely different experience going places with Macy.”
“I know,” I exclaim, practically shouting. “It’s like being with a celebrity.”
He chuckles. “You eventually get used to the constant taking of photos. And make sure she gets her shots before you start eating. One time she yelled at me for cutting my chicken before she took a picture.”
“That’s her job,” I say. “She’s good at it, and she’s likeable, which is why she’s so successful.”
“Macy and Austin are the best,” he tells me. “They’d do anything for their friends.”
I force a smile and try to swallow the bile that’s threatening to come up. I’m so nervous that Macy is going to have a bad reaction when she finds out I kissed her brother and then accepted an invitation from her husband’s best friend. The lights flash, so we head back to our seats. I’m trying to just be in the moment and enjoy myself. Chad is so easy to talk to, and he makes me feel comfortable. I can’t let that one kiss interfere with other possibilities. I intend to keep an open mind and let things happen the way they’re supposed to.
As soon as I sit down, I hear my phone buzz from inside my clutch. It’s a text from Macy. My entire body tenses up as I read it.
Grant told me he saw you at work. I can’t believe his company is working with yours—small world. See you tomorrow.
I get dizzy as soon as I see Grant’s name.
“Are you okay?” Chad asks.
“What?” I ask absently. “Oh yeah, fine.”
He gives me a concerned look, and then the lights go down.
The second act of the show is excellent. I do everything I can to stay focused and enjoy being here. Everything else can wait until tomorrow.
When the show ends, the audience rises to give a standing ovation.
“That was excellent,” I say to Chad.
We walk outside together, and I pull my coat tightly around me. The trees lining the street are lit up with twinkling lights, and it’s absolutely magical.
“I had a great time,” I say as we walk toward my car.
“I’m glad,” he says. “Honestly, I was hesitant to ask. I don’t want to rush you.”
“I appreciate it. Life has been interesting the past few weeks.”
When we reach my car, Chad runs his hands up and down my arms.
“It’s chilly,” he says. “Thanks again for joining me tonight.”
I tense up as he leans in and kisses me gently on my cheek. Relief washes over me. I’m not sure why I had such strong reaction. It’s not that I don’t want to kiss Chad. But maybe tonight isn’t the right time.
“I’ll see you this weekend,” he says.
