Page 24 of Not Like Christmas At All
“Awake. Stable. Slightly less annoying than usual and therein lies the problem, Miller.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Genesis!” Her name falls from my lips in a hiss of frustration. “I may have crossed a line with her.”
Miller doesn’t bother hiding his exasperation. “What kind of line?”
“Who is it?” Zee’s groggy voice comes through the phone, accompanied by a hearty yawn.
“It’s Linc.” Miller mirrors her yawn, and his breath obnoxiously blows into the receiver.
“Did I wake you guys? It’s only”—I glance at my watch—“eight thirty.”
“How’s Gen?” Zee asks with concern at the same moment Miller clarifies, “You’re on speaker, and no, but we were watching a movie.”
Talking over Miller again, Zee rapid fires questions at me. “Has she woken up? Can I talk to her? When can she go home?”
“Take a breath, Zee. She’s alright. Awake, sipping on water, nursing her headache.”
She sighs in relief. “Thank goodness. A Christmas miracle.”
I wouldn’t call it that, but sure, a Christmas miracle it is.
“I’ve been so worried all day and have feltsuperguilty for enjoying my Christmas while my friend’s in the hospital. Have you called her parents yet?”
“Not yet. Honestly, it should be Gen’s doctor who calls them, but I will after we hang up. But first I need to speak with Miller.”
“I’m here.” Static filters through from the phone being passed off.
“As I was saying, I screwed up.” Walking down the hall of the hospital, I step into a quiet alcove and lean against the wall.
“How so,” Miller grumbles. There’s a faint sound of bedding being shuffled, then footsteps. “You’re not on speaker anymore. I’m in the other room.”
“Appreciate the discretion, although it’s not really needed. I’m sure Zee will hear about it soon.”
“So what’d you do?”
“I came onto her.”
A nurse passes by, catching my eye. She gives me a small wave, and I nod politely before shifting my body, closing off any chance of conversation.
“What do you mean you came onto her? I didn’t even know you had a thing for her.”
I exhale slowly. “Well, I guess I’ve done a damn good job at concealing it then.” Bitterness fuels me, and I rub my hand over my jaw in frustration.
“Seriously?” Miller asks, still in disbelief. “How long have you had feelings for her, man?”
I pinch the bridge of my nose. “Since the day Zee introduced us.”
“Why haven’t you said anything?” I can practically see my cousin mouthwhat the fuckto himself as he paces.
“What is there to say?” Leaning my head back against the wall, I close my eyes briefly. “Youfinallyfound someone who makes you happy. I’m not going to jeopardize your relationship by dating her friend.”
A long silence settled between us, and with it, I could hear the crackling of the fireplace on the other end of the phone. I was right, he’s still at my parents’ house.
I should end the call and let him get back to his Christmas.
“How would you dating Genesis putmyrelationship in jeopardy?”
