Page 84 of Clause & Effect
“I thought we could spend Christmas together, like when we were kids.”
He looks at the tree and smiles.
“I can’t believe you put a tree up,” he says.
I shrug.
“It felt right this year,” I say.
“It’s perfect, Char Char,” he smiles at me. “I have a feeling this is going to be the best Christmas ever.”
“Why is that?” I ask him with a smile even though I already feel a shift in energy from his presence.
“I have some news,” he looks sheepish and shy suddenly.
He grabs the box of eggnog, reads the almond milk label, and puts it down.
“What is it?”
“I’m engaged.”
CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE
“TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS…”
Ethan shoots down a glass of champagne then reaches out and grabs the voluptuous red-head that is about to become my sister-in-law.
I like her.
A lot.
Her name is Annie and honestly, given the fact that both her parents have that fiery red hair like her makes them assholes like mine for giving her such a heavy name. It means we get each other perfectly. Leave it to my brother to find someone actually capable of putting up with his bullshit in a loving way.
Annie and red hair will be synonymous for life and I’m here for it.
In addition to having incredible hair and this sexy boho style that I love and wish I could pull off without looking ridiculous, she’s pretty damn awesome. She’s been staying with us for the past week and her presence has livened up everything up. I can’t afford to be depressed in front of her.
I’m still trying to make a good impression.
“God, I love him!” She says to me as he kisses her on the mouth again and leaves the room to check on the vegan Christmas dinner he’s been preparing.
He made me replace almost all the sweets with healthy alternatives, citing worry over my cholesterol. I don’t have the heart, no pun intended, to argue with him, so I’m letting him have his way while he’s here.
Afterall, he’s five years younger than me and engaged.
Wonderful.
“Since I’m buzzed, I’m going to have to ask you a question that I’ll probably regret in the morning,” Annie says as she moves over to plop next to me on my couch.
“What’s that?” I smile.
She stares at me long and hard.
“Who is he?”
My breath hitches.
“No one,” I shake my head and speak in that small voice you use when you’re lying and Annie’s no dummy.
