Page 60 of Blank Canvas

I arrive at Jonas and Autumn’s just after five. Several cars are parked out front, but not everyone is here yet. Unbuckling, I exit the car and scramble to the passenger side. Snag the gifts from the seat and head for the door with full arms.

When we all asked to bring something for the food, Jonas and Autumn insisted we leave it to them. So, aside from gifting them a small houseplant and matching fuzzy socks for everyone, I got them a gift card for the grocery store. Seeing as they pay for the majority of our gatherings, this is my way of contributing. I told Cora my idea and she agreed to buy them one too.

Spartan greets me at the door with paws to the chest and attempts to lick my face. Jonas apologizes profusely and I laugh.

“For some reason, he’s a little extra today. Probably because we spoiled him yesterday,” he says as he hugs me around the gifts. “Let me take that off your hands.” Jonas takes the gifts and parks them under the tree. He points a finger at Spartan. “Leave it.”

Spartan grumbles then trots off in search of Clementine, who lets him get away with more.

“How was Christmas?” I ask.

He leads me to the kitchen where everyone lingers around the island. “Good. Spoiled my girls more than ever.” The brightest smile lights his face. “How was dinner with the parents?”

“Good. Mom was less invasive than usual.” I keep the news of the artwork gift to myself. Sidling up to Cora, I hug her side. “Hey, you. Merry Christmas.”

She twists to face me head-on and hugs me tight. “Merry Christmas.”

Her hug lingers longer than normal and I wonder if everything is okay. She releases me, but the soft sadness on her lips tells me she wanted to hold on longer. “What’s wrong?” I ask.

The lines of her forehead deepen for a beat. Had I blinked, I would have missed it. Her eyes dart over my shoulder then back to mine. She either looked to my brother or Peyton. My guess… Peyton. And judging by her extended hug and careful attitude, she knows about Mom’s gift last night.

Really don’t want to talk about Devlyn with everyone here.

At the baby shower, I told every woman here that I was letting Devlyn go. Although I did when I sent the text, things are different now. And on Friendsmas, I get to bring them up to speed. No doubt the guys will overhear and jump in on the conversation.

SOS. This gal needs help.

“If you need to talk, I’m here.”

Closing my eyes, I let out a huff. It’s now or never. If I don’t speak up and tell her Devlyn and I are no longer on the outs, Cora will be hurt I kept it secret. We share everything—even the painful stuff. For the longest time, I was her shoulder to cry on. Now, she wants to be mine. It would be wrong of me to let her believe I needed one.

“Thanks, but…” I throw her a look, one we have shared over the years.There’s more. Just wait a minute.She nods subtly.

Once I give everyone a hug, I fill a plate with holiday-themed snack foods and a glass with wine. I sit in the end seat at the dining table and munch while I wait. Cranberry-peach glazed meatballs, cheesy-herb pull-apart bread, ham and Swiss pinwheels, four-cheese sausage quiche, and rosemary-garlic hasselback potatoes. There is plenty more I didn’t grab, but I will save them for later.

The chairs closest to me drag against the floor and fill a moment later. Without looking, I know it is the ladies, each of them with a plate and drink of their own.

“Sorry,” Cora mumbles, and I look up.

“No need. Never apologize for being thoughtful.” I bring the glass to my lips and take a sip. “Things have changed since the shower.”

“Changed how?” Cora asks before stuffing her mouth full of green beans and potato.

Looking around the room, I see everyone else chatting or otherwise occupied. After a deep breath, I explain what happened after I sent the infamous text to Devlyn. How twisted up I felt inside. How I couldn’t sleep. And the fact that Devlyn was on my porch in the middle of the night. At this, Cora and Autumn gasp.

Then, without spilling the intricate details of Devlyn’s past, I tell them about our talk. How Devlyn confided in me and explained why he shut down. The more I shared, the more my friends got dreamy eyed.

Did I tell them about the kiss? Of course, but more from ait made me meltpoint of view. They don’t need all the dirty details.

I share how much time Devlyn and I have spent together these last three weeks. How wonderful it has been to get to know each other better. And for some reason, as the words leave my lips, my stomach twists in knots. Somehow, this moment reminds me of high school. How others teased me for not having a boyfriend. How hungry I was for the inside scoop on all the things boys, but never asked in fear of embarrassment. The girl of my youth rejoices that she is finally experiencing those moments. That she gets to brag to her friends. But the woman I am now wants to zip her lips and keep Devlyn to herself.

Cora rises from her chair and hugs the air from my lungs. “So glad you’re happy. It’s about damn time.”

Couldn’t agree more.

“When do we get to meet him?” Autumn chimes in just as Jonas sidles up to her and says it’s time for gifts.

Halle-freaking-lujah!

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