Page 17 of The Mistletoe Bluff
“I don’t need more, Els. I’m fine by myself.”
“You can keep telling yourself that, but you know you’re just as lonely as I was before you forced me into that photoshoot. I’m not saying youneeda guy to make you happy, but there’s nothing wrong with desiring to have someone by your side, supporting you and loving you. It’s hard to put yourself out there, and you know I know that better than anyone, but it’s worth the risk, Maya.”
Her words had my insides squeezing. I was used to relying on me, myself, and I. I kept telling myself that I was enough and that I was content with that, but Elsie saw through me like no one else. I didn’t have to tell her I was lonely. She just knew.
But still. Oliver wasn’t the onefor me. We barely got along. Elsie had to be wrong. Itwasn’ta good thing for us to spend more time together.
I opened my mouth to argue further, but Elsie interrupted. “I need to go, though. I have to finish this round of edits and do tons of cleaning and packing before Jameson and I head to my parents.” Her voice wobbled the tiniest bit at the mention of them.
I imagined it would be hard for her to reconnect with them after being so angry after their sudden divorce, but it would be better for her in the end. Healing was hard, but it would make her stronger.
“I’ll talk to you later though?”
“Yeah, okay,” I whined.
Elsie laughed. “It’s all going to work out, Maya. It’s Christmastime, after all.” I imagined her wiggling her hands in the air as she gave her best attempt at an operatic voice and sang, “There’s magic in the air.”
“There’s no such thing as Christmas magic, Els.”
Her only response was a suspicious giggle as we hung up. I tossed the phone onto the bed and threw an arm over my face. If Elsie and Jameson couldn’t help me out, then I would be stuck with Oliver. I had a few other friends, but most of them were far enough from Meridel that it would be a nuisance to ask them for rides.
I opened the calendar app on my phone and counted all the days I’d be forced into Oliver’s presence. Thankfully, Dina closed the restaurant the week of Christmas—she liked to take her family on a cruise to get away from the cold for a while—so that eliminated seven whole days that I’d have to be around him.
I smothered my face with my lavender-scented pillow again, praying it would ease the tightness in my stomach.
It didn’t.
With a sigh, I resigned myself to texting Oliver and hit send before I could overthink it.
Me
If the offer still stands, I could use rides to work until my car is fixed.
No one else is available.
Not even thirty seconds passed before my phone buzzed.
Oliver Lewis
I’m glad you finally came to your senses.
Me
This doesn’t mean I like you.
You’re simply a means to an end.
I’d rather suffer your presence than walk to work in the winter.
Oliver Lewis
Glad to know I rank slightly higher than horrendous cold.
Me
I’d say you’re neck and neck.
Oliver Lewis
