Page 41 of Winter Break Up

“Ew, too much information. Jeez, ah, okay. Do you need me to get Mom or Dad? Do you need medication?” He looks pale and a little green.

“It’s been a few hours since anything came out either end.”

“Again, gross.” I shudder.

“Just saying, I think I might be past the worst of it. But there is no way I can go tonight, sorry, sis.”

“No, no, don’t worry about it. You don’t even look like you can stand at this point.” I feel his forehead, and even if it’s clammy, he doesn’t feel hot with a fever.

“The keys to the cart are on the kitchen table, take it. You should still go see the lights, they’re your favorite part of Christmas.”

Even if my brother acts like a doofus most of the time, he cares about me and what makes me happy. Of course, I am more worried about his illness and making sure he’s okay, but I am bummed about not seeing the lights with him. It’s much more fun to go together like we always have. Going alone feels strange and not very festive.

I’m sitting on the couch ten minutes later, debating what to do, when the doorbell rings.

Going to open it, I’m surprised to see the person standing on the other side. “Mercer?”

“The puke patient texted me that he was out of commission and you needed a chariot for the night. So I’m at your service.” He flourishes his hands like he’s my chauffeur.

“I’m not sure he would have called you had he known what’s been going on.” I lower my voice but allow Mercer to pull me into a hug.

“My gain, his loss, although he doesn’t know it.” Those full lips press into my temple and linger.

Per usual, whenever he’s around, my body lights up. Something about being in Mercer’s presence makes everything feel better and look sparklier.

“Should I go up and check on him before we go?” he asks.

I shake my head. “He conked out right after I took his temperature. I can’t believe he called you. That was really sweet.”

“Is it sweeter of your brother for calling me, or me for volunteering?” He loops an olive-green scarf around his neck and pulls the black beanie down over his ears.

He should not look so damn sexy in winter gear, but my God, if he doesn’t leave my mouth dry. Something about a hot guy in a beanie just does it for me.

“I’m sorry, are you trying to out-charm Charlie? Who is my brother and you’re in no way in competition with?” I make a grossed-out face.

Mercer shrugs, lacing his hand in mine. “I have to take my wins where I can get them with you. Anyway, you ready to go?”

My eyes darted up the stairs. “You think it’s okay to leave him? I just worry.”

A large hand cups my cheek and turns my face so that I am just inches from Mercer’s lips. “He wouldn’t have called me if he needed a nurse. Stop stressing. This is your favorite night of the holiday season and you’re not missing it. I won’t let you.”

Years ago, Mercer and I had ridden in the back of the golf cart and could barely keep our hands to ourselves on our first Christmas as a couple. Reliving that will be a highlight of this holiday season, even if our situationship has a timestamp.

“Okay.” For some reason, a shyness has enveloped my belly, leaving butterflies in its wake.

While we’ve been hooking up in private and maintaining a friendship-level working relationship on the tree farm, this is our first hangout alone since we’ve been back in Queenwood. It’s the closest thing to a date we’ve had. Before my anxiety attack, we were supposed to go out and talk about us, talk about the clear feelings that still exist here. Then Mercer had all but ghosted me until I propositioned him on the ski trip, and we haven’t talked about all that lingers between us since.

With him showing up to drive me around tonight among all the romantic, twinkling Christmas lights, this hangout feels more intimate than most. It might also give us some time so that I can confess everything I’ve been thinking. It will give me a chance to apologize for breaking us up all those years ago.

Mercer escorts me to the passenger side of the golf cart and leans over to check that I’m fully in the seat. “Have to make sure my girl is secure.”

His girl. My heart flutters like it’s the homecoming dance our sophomore year, and he’s slow dancing with me all over again.

“You’re really playing up this whole chauffeur thing, huh?”

“And the fact your brother is letting me drive the cart. He never lets me do this.” Mercer gives me a quick peck on the cheek.

Tonight, he’s being a little more brazen with his affection, but I guess it is dark, and no one else is around.

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