Page 17 of Oh My Secret Christmas Baby
“Thanks,” I tell her, letting out a deep sigh.
“You’re a good egg, Hollis. It’s why I allowed you to become mayor.”
Again, I’m not sure if she’s messing with me or not, but I have a gut feeling if Kindred didn’t care for me, then I wouldn’t have been mayor. She is the town's sweetheart.
Why isn't my mom all over hooking Kindred up with someone? That might be next on her list.
"I'll see you in the morning." I drop my phone down on my desk and myself into my chair. I've been pacing.
My mind might be going in a million directions, but a smile takes over my face. I rub my jaw. I don’t do that as much as I used to. The town likes me, but they all still think I’m stoic.
This is right. I know that down to my soul. I don’t know what brought that precious girl here, but now she and the baby she’s carrying are mine. I just have to convince her of that.
If I’m good at anything in life, it’s negotiations. This one will be the biggest and most important of my life.
Chapter Nine
CANDY
There is only so long that I can hide in the bedroom. At least I slept well. I was sure I’d toss and turn, but the second I lay down and closed my eyes, I was out. For being in a strange place, I feel oddly comfortable here.
“What are we going to do, little one?” I rub my hand across my stomach. “I’ll have to come clean at some point.”
There isn’t much of an option. I’m not sure how I’m going to do it. Hollis has been so kind to me, and Kindred too. I should probably reveal the truth sooner rather than later. I know I’m being selfish, wanting to stay here as long as possible.
Max is likely super pissed at this point. The more distance I put between him and me, the more I’m seeing things clearly. I was hungry for friends and connection when I entered college. I hadn’t known anyone when I started, and I found it harder to make friends than I had expected. I’d spent most of my life keeping to myself and not making waves. I was and still am shy for the most part.
My stomach growls, and I know I need to go downstairs. Am I going to plan a party or word vomit all over Hollis? I would rather have morning sickness vomit, but I don’t get to pick.
I check myself over in the mirror. Thick leggings and a knitted red sweater. I hadn’t packed much, but I have enough for a few days. Hopefully by then I’ll have more plans laid out.
I brush my hair out and put a low braid in it before I put on my lip gloss and mascara. Knowing this is as good as it’s getting, I make myself leave my room. My attention goes straight to the double doors to Hollis’s room. They’re both standing wide open. I’m sure he’s been up for a while. I can’t believe I slept till ten.
When my feet hit the bottom step, I freeze at the sound of raised voices.
"This isn't working, and you know it." Oh crappers. That's Kindred. "We aren't in love, and to top it off, you're not in it."
Are they breaking up? I should turn around and go back up to my room, but I can't move.
"You're right. I'm not in love with you, and I don't see you that way."
"It's making things awkward for our working life. I knew this was a terrible idea." Kindred huffs, but she doesn't sound as mad.
I find myself creeping toward Hollis's office. He gave me a small tour of the home before leaving me at my door.
"Then, it's over," Hollis says. It sounds mutual.
"I knew that the moment Gwen showed up. You have never looked at anyone the way you did her yesterday."
Oh. My. God.
I’m a homewrecker. An unintentional one, I might add, but still one. I’m definitely getting a lump of coal or better yet, a sack of it for Christmas.
"She's special. Precious." That's the second or maybe third time he's called me precious. I don't know why my insides melt when he does. I suppose because I have never felt as though I was either of those things to anyone before. It brings me so much joy that I can be seen in such a light.
"She's a sweet girl." Kindred’s words soothe me. She's not pissed and doesn’t sound hurt. It’s strange because she almost seems happy for Hollis, which to me is crazy. It tells me they were never really in love.
That doesn’t stop my eyes from stinging with tears. I’m a mess inside that I might have played a role in this, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t also over the freaking Christmas tree that Hollis might feel something for me.
