Page 81 of A Very Snowed In New Year
I’m trying to rewrite those storytelling rules. I think that’s why I love Nora Ephron’s movies so much. The heroines aren’t insecure. They don’t have flaws. The kissing books I’m writing for tween girls aren’t going to romanticize angst. I mean, I love a good downbeat montage. And I think it’s really important to teach girls how to navigate the bad and the sad stuff. But there’s so much darkness out there. Why shouldn’t I be the one who shines a light on the swoony good stuff? Like happy coincidences and nice guys with nice butts.
This is my fight song LOL.
I just hope my nice guy with the very nicest butt stays hydrated tonight and makes it home in one piece.
I’m going to go clean the entire bathroom for him now, just in case.
Chapter Twenty-Four
That Night
HOLDEN:Hey, babe. So far so good. Billy rented a party bus, but our first stop was bowling at Chelsea Piers. Me and your dad and Eddie against Declan, Nolan, and Billy. And I don’t want to brag or anything, but we won because your boyfriend is legendary when it comes to rolling a strike. We’ve only had two drinks each, so maybe they’ve all slowed down now that they’re parents.
HOLDEN:Oh, and I have a nickname! Billy calls me Haircut. But I don’t think you have anything to worry about. I might even be home before midnight.
PIPER:I am SO happy to hear this!
EDDIE:Bro. Do not drink anything from the bar in the party bus. I brought us a six-pack of Guinness with twist-offcaps. I filled them with Yerba Maté. You and I will be the only ones drinking from these bottles. Do not let on that we aren’t drinking alcohol. Just act a little drunk, you know?
HOLDEN:Hey, man, that’s a great idea. I mean, I have a pretty high tolerance for alcohol, but I like the idea of pacing ourselves. Appreciate it.
EDDIE:I’ve been partying with these bozos for years, so I’ve learned a few tricks. The pretty boys must stick together.
HOLDEN:Okay, so Nolan and Billy figured out Eddie and I were drinking herbal tea from the Guinness bottles that Eddie brought, so they’re making us shotgun the Guinness they brought. Needless to say, thanks to four years of college, I am holding my own. You have nothing to fear.
Also, now I understand why you asked me if I liked Tubthumping because I have heard it five times tonight.
PIPER:That is mostly good news, I guess! Love you!
HOLDEN:Love you so much, Poops. Gotta go. Nolan’s opening a bottle of Jameson and pointing at me.
HOLDEN:Hey!!! I’m on a butt!!!
HOLDEN:
HOLDEN:Boat!
PIPER:
BEX:Did Holden or your dad send you the pic of them on the boat?
PIPER:What?! No! Show me!
BEX: I think it was very kind of your boyfriend to let your dad be the Jack to his Rose.
PIPER:Wow. They look so happy together.
PIPER:Wait. What flag is that behind them?
PIPER:Are they in Bermuda?!
BEX:Shit. Not again.
PIPER:Again?!
BEX: It’s fine.
BEX:It’ll be fine.
