Page 96 of Hiding for the Holidays
I switch the blow dryer off and stare at my reflection. I couldn’t delay this any longer.
Taking a deep breath, I try to mentally prepare myself to break my own heart, and quite possibly a few others, too.
When I reach the kitchen, Leo is the first to see me. “Shortcake! What’s wrong?”
He runs over to me, cupping my cheeks as his eyes roam my face. “What hurts?”
“Nothing.” I shake my head and pull his hands from my face and take a step back from him.
I see a flash of hurt in his eyes that he tries to hide.
Fuck, this is going to suck.
“Can we, uh, talk?” I ask, glancing around at each of them. They glance at each other nervously before nodding and directing me into the living room.
“You three sit, I need to stand right now,” I tell them, gesturing at the couch as I start pacing.
The three of them sit side by side in matching poses, their elbows draped over their knees as they lean forward, eager to hear what I have to say.
“Ugh! You guys even listen well! Why do you have to be so goddamned perfect all the time?”
“Uhh… sorry?” Leo apologizes in confusion.
I pace the living room, unable to look at them as I start talking.
“I hope you know how much I appreciate everything you’ve done for me. I?—”
“Rosie—” Grant starts but I hold out my hand, stopping him.
“No, let me get this out, please,” I beg, and he nods, his lips pressing together tightly.
“I have loved every minute of working at Iron Oaks, of living here and just being with you three.”
“Why does this sound like a goodbye?” Asher growls.
“Because it is.”
All three abruptly stand and start yelling things out.
“You can’t just…”
“No fucking way…”
“Rosie, what’s…”
I wave my arms at them, and they grow silent.
“I’m sorry, but I can’t do it. It’s an impossible decision. Don’t you get it?” I know I’m probably not making any sense, but seeing the looks of confusion and heartache on their faces brings tears to my eyes.
“Can we talk now?” Grant asks carefully. I nod, wiping away the tears as he steps over the coffee table to stand in front of me. “First of all, Leo?” He gestures to Leo, who jumps over the coffee table, landing behind me and wrapping his arms around me quickly, locking my arms against me as he pulls me against him.
“What are you doing?” I ask in confusion.
“Sit,” Grant instructs as Leo backs us up and drops into the large chair, pulling me into his lap as he goes. “We just need to make sure you don’t leave.”
“Leave?” I ask, glancing between Grant and Asher.
“That’s what you were trying to do, right? Leave?” Asher asks, coming to stand beside Grant with his arms across his chest. I bite my lip, unsure how to answer.
