Page 89 of That Time We Kissed Under the Mistletoe
“Why? You heard the doctor. I’m perfectly safe to be on my own now. After Ryan Detweiler finalizes things with Platinum Stays, you’ll be free to go back to the city. Home for Christmas Eve. Isn’t that what you want?”
I swallow hard. Iwantto say yes, but I don’t think that answer is entirely accurate anymore. And I’ve had enough of wondering what’s true or not. “The thing is, you can’t drive yet,so there’s no way I’m abandoning you now. Which means I’m not going back to the city tomorrow.”
“But you’ll miss the Hathaway Gala.”
“To be honest, I don’t really mind that. What I’mnotlooking forward to is telling my parents. Talk about a difficult conversation.” I cough out a sad laugh. “If only I could get them in a car so we wouldn’t have to look at each other.”
“Sara, no.”
“No what?”
“You can’t skip out on the gala.” Three’s voice is firm. “Or your birthday. Your mom and dad won’t understand.”
“I’m not skipping out.” I scoff. “I’m just fulfilling an obligation. To you. And theywillunderstand, because I’m going to tell them exactly why I’m staying here. Besides. If my parents didn’t have respect for you ten years ago, why do you care about them now?”
“I care about you. And the fundraiser. You’re the guest of honor for a cause your family’s supported your entire life. It’syourstory that gets all those people donating. You’re the big draw. And I don’t want to be the reason Children’s Village gets less money this year.”
“Well, I don’t see another solution,” I say. “I promised Ford I’d take care of you until you could take care of yourself. So abandoning you to spend Christmas Eve and Christmas stuck at your house isn’t?—”
“Then I’ll go with you,” Three interrupts.
“What?” My eyes fly open. “Where?”
Three shifts in his seat to face me directly. “Take me to the gala.”
Chapter Forty-Two
Three
Sara’s jaw drops, and I can’t help thinking Ford and Nella would have the same reaction. Sure, they both seemed to support me reconnecting with Sara these past few days, but going to the Hathaways’ fancy fundraiser in Manhattan?
That’s a whole different ballgame.
Also of note, I volunteered to jump into the lion’s den, when I don’t even know if Sara believes what I told her about her parents. Still, judging from the long breath she just drew in, and the tremble at her jawline, I’m guessing I’m about to find out.
“I can’t take you,” she says. Her voice is quiet, but edged with something rough.
“Come on.” I nudge her shoulder. “I’d actually love to see the look on your mom and dad’s face when I make a donation in person.”
“No.”
“Why? Because you’re embarrassed to be seen with me?”
She frowns. “Because that would mean at least six hours in the car round trip, which can’t be good for your concussion.Not to mention, after the gala, I’d either have to drive us all the way back to Abieville in the middle of the night, or we’d be stuck staying at my parents’ place. Would you really be comfortable waking up on Christmas morning with Katherine and Charles?”
I gulp, then my mouth falls open and shuts again, wordlessly. I wish I could say I’d be cool with a sleepover at the Hathaway penthouse, but I just don’t know, and I won’t lie to Sara.
“See?” Her shoulders slump in the wake of my silence. “I can’t take you with me. And I’m not leaving you either.” She takes a beat. “Not until you can safely drive yourself or until family gets back. Whichever comes first.”
“Then I suppose we’re at an impasse.”
“We aren’t. I’m staying in Abieville.”
My chest goes tight, hearing those words. “You have no idea how much I’d love for you to stay. But only if you have different reasons.”
She eyes me sideways. “Like what kind of reasons?”
“Like if you actually loved this town. Or if being here for the holidays meant something to you. But you only ever spent summers in Abieville, and I can’t have you sticking around now—over Christmas—out of guilt.”
