Page 50 of UnLucky Christmas
Grant smiles and nods. “I told you the food was good.”
“It was good, but the location was shady as hell.”
Macy stands up and pulls Grant over to where’s she’s sitting on the opposite side of the couch from me. She makes him sit down next to her, which he does with hesitation. Janelle looks at me and raises one eyebrow, but I pretend not to notice.
“The owner of the restaurant was the father of one of my college roommates,” Grant tells us. “Anyway, I brought Austin there and gave him the third degree. He didn’t back down, and I realized he truly loved my sister. That’s when I started to tolerate him.”
“Yes, but it still took you some time to love me like a brother.”
“The jury is still out,” Grant jokes.
“The feeling is mutual,” Austin replies, one corner of his mouth turned up.
A few minutes later Janelle yawns and pats Brian on the leg. “We should probably get going.”
I stand up and start helping Janelle clean up. We bring the platters and cups into the kitchen.
“What’s going on? You need to spill and fast,” she whispers.
“I know.” I exclaim. “I—"
“Whitney, are you taking off too?” Macy asks, interrupting us.
I should probably leave with Janelle and Brian, but I feel like I need to talk to her.
“I can hang out for a bit longer.”
“Great,” she says. “Chad’s staying too.”
Janelle purses her lips. When she gives me a hug good-bye, she wishes me luck.
“Thanks. I’m going to need it.”
Macy and I return to the living room where Austin, Chad, and Grant are still sitting. They’re all looking at their phones.
“Okay, it’s time to put the phones away,” Macy demands.
They all look at her as if she’s lost her mind.
“That sounds funny coming from you,” Grant says. “Your life is your phone.”
She shakes her head. “No, it’s my job. My life is my family and friends.”
She reclaims her seat between Austin and Grant. Chad is still sitting in the same place on the other side of the couch, so I sit down next to him leaving a bit of space between us. Grant lifts his eyes from his phone and watches me. This might be one of the most awkward moments of my life.
“What should we do?” Macy asks.
“Nothing,” Austin says.
“I like that idea,” Chad says. “I’m already sore from skating.”
“Did you skate?” Grant asks.
Austin snickers and Chad shoots him a dirty look.
“Sorry, man, but he’s got a point.”
Chad sighs. “Fine. I’ll admit that I hate ice-skating. Sorry Macy.”
