Page 84 of Lucky in Love
Alex sighed, knowing this conversation was unavoidable. There was no way the others hadn’t already filled Holly in on what they knew, and Alex was fine telling her everything they didn’t.
“It seemed like a good idea at the time,” Alex said, referring to her “let’s take a break” suggestion. “I thought it was best to just get it over with. You know, before things got too far along.”
“But now you’re having second thoughts?”
“Honestly, I assumed it’d be an out-of-sight, out-of-mind situation. It didn’t occur to me that I’d think about himmoreafter breaking up. I just need more time, and he’ll be out of my system.”
“I don’t think love works that way. Have you heard from him?”
Alex didn’t bother to refute the L-word. Holly knew her better than anyone, and denying it would be pointless. “A few texts and calls at first, nothing in the last couple of days.”
“I’m sure he’s busy taking care of his mom,” Holly said diplomatically. “What will you say when he comes back?”
“Beats me.” Alex shrugged. “All his stuff’s still in the cabin. Lauren said he paid for another week via the website. I told her to email him and ask if he wants us to box up his belongings and ship them to him, but I don’t know if she’s done that yet.”
“Christmas is coming,” Holly said, elbowing her. “Maybe some holiday magic is what you need.”
“I don’t believe in magic.” Alex laid her head on Holly’s shoulder. “I am glad you’re here though.”
“What are you gonna ask Santa for?” Since they were both basically parent-less—Holly’s dad was in jail and her mom on the other side of the country—they’d taken to buying themselves presents and joking that they were from Santa. Since marrying Cole, Holly didn’t have that problem anymore.
“I think I’m finally gonna break down and get a treadmill,” Alex said. “You know how much I hate running in the cold.”
Holly hummed. “That’s a good idea.”
Faith and Tess brought out dessert, and everyone flocked to the coffee table for raspberry cheesecake and cranberry mojitos. They talked and teased, ate and drank until late that night.
Two days later, Alex was once again gathered with her posse around the TV in Faith’s living room, waiting for Maddie’s show to start.
“Alex, where’re you going?” Faith said. “Sit down.”
“I’m just getting a refill,” Alex said. Her four friends, who’d been cagey since she arrived, stared at her. “Why are you guys acting so weird?”
“We’re not,” Juliet said. “But you sit. I’ll get it.” She grabbed Alex’s glass as Tess cranked up the volume on the TV.
Alex turned to complain, but stopped when Brody’s face popped up on the screen. She froze as he began to speak.
“I’m Brody Collins, and I’ve been all over the world.” As he spoke, images of endless blue oceans, deep green rainforests, and sandy deserts flashed in the background. “But one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been is a little town nestled in the White Mountains of New Hampshire.”
The pictures switched to images Alex recognized—Main Street at dusk, the falls in the height of “leaf” season, a solitary duck on the lake at dawn.
“It’s more than just a picturesque place in the woods. It’s an environment made to heal. Too often these days, we lock into our phones and don’t take the time to look up, to connect with those we love. I found a place that makes all that possible. Whispering Pines.”
Alex’s mouth fell open as Brody continued.
“Friendly staff, roomy, clean cabins, spectacular views, and best of all, no Wi-Fi. Book your visit today, and unplug to recharge.”
At the end, the website address for Whispering Pines flashed across the screen.
Tess turned the sound down again as Alex jumped up from the couch. “Did you…? What the…? Why would he…?”
“I had to make up for the bad review,” Brody said.
Alex spun around, her heart flying into overdrive. She noticed her friends were not at all surprised by Brody’s sudden appearance.
“You’re back?” she said lamely.
“I’m back.” He walked to her and took her hands in his.
