Page 42 of Nick and Noel's Christmas Playlist

“I’m asking her a simple question. What does she think of you?”

Noel glanced between the two of them, her gaze lingering on him briefly before she answered, “I think he is a really good friend.”

“Boring,” Merry scoffed. “I mean, do you ever think of him as a man? Like the two of you could ride off into the sunset together?”

Noel’s face turned cherry red and Nick growled, “For the love of God, Merry, shut up.”

“No, it’s okay.” Noel went to the fridge and grabbed a water inside, obviously over her initial embarrassment. “I think your brother is handsome, intelligent, fun, stubborn, annoying, and my best friend.”

Merry’s face fell. “So, no attraction then?”

Nick caught her nervous glance. “We’re just friends.”

Friends don’t kiss like we do, he thought.

Thankfully, his sister didn’t pick up on the tension between them and huffed. “Fine. I figured if you two could make a love connection, then all your problems would be solved. Nick could find a great girl to settle down with and we could officially call you a Winters.”

Noel’s eyes glistened for a minute and Nick knew his sister’s words hit a sore spot, no matter how unintentional. “That is really sweet.” She cleared her throat. “I need to use the bathroom.”

Nick glared at Merry, who stared back, eyes wide. “What did I say?”

“You don’t talk about family with Noel.”

Merry’s eyes lowered, abashed. “Oh. I didn’t think. It’s been so long…”

“Not for her.” Nick squeezed Merry’s shoulder as he passed. “I know you meant well, Mer.”

He made his way down the hall to the bathroom and leaned against the opposite wall, waiting for Noel to come out. When she finally did, he wasn’t surprised to find her eyes red and teary.

“It’s a compliment, you know. She loves you.”

“I know,” she said, wiping at her tear stained cheeks. “I love everyone in your family. I just don’t like feeling as though I’m replacing my parents.”

Nick pulled her into his arms and held her close. “You’re not and no one would ever think that.”

Noel returned his embrace, sniffling against his chest. “I feel that way.”

He squeezed a little tighter. “I understand, but please know, my parents and sisters aren’t trying to make you forget your parents.”

“No, I do that all on my own because it hurts too much to think of them.”

“If you feel that way, then why are you doing the Christmas concert?”

“I didn’t want to disappoint your mom. Plus, it’s been ten years…a concert shouldn’t render me catatonic, right?”

Nick hesitated, putting himself in Noel’s shoes. Would he be over losing his parents at sixteen? Just imagining it hurt, but the reality of it would be devastating.

“I don’t know. I’m not you, so I can’t tell you how to feel.”

“I feel…so lost sometimes, you know?” Her teary eyes lifted to meet his. “I threw myself into the army, then college, and work…kept busy so I wouldn’t have to think about them. Miss them. I don’t fall in love, because every new person I invite into my life reminds me of the empty places they left behind in my heart.” Noel hugged him harder, burying her face in his shirt again so her voice came out muffled. “God, I don’t know what is wrong with me. This is the second time I’ve gotten weepy in the last week.”

“Noel, I don’t want to upset you, but I’m worried.”

“About me? Why?”

“Your barren apartment, for one thing. There isn’t a trace of your parents anywhere. I know you went through grief your own way when they died, but maybe you should talk to someone.”

Noel pushed back a bit, frowning at him. “Your mom made me go to a therapist, Nick. Remember? Standing appointment every Wednesday until I left for basic.”

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