My phone rings again, interrupting my thoughts, and I slam my eyes shut before peeking through my fingers, checking the screen.Blair. She’s called at least twelve times since I first messaged a couple of hours earlier, and if I don’t answer, she’s likely to fly her ass over here.
“Hey, B.” I keep my voice peppy, but there’s no point. She knows it’s a lie, made obvious by the loud sigh that plays in my ear.
“Jenna, thank God. You’re back?”
“I am. I was getting in the way and—”
“Don’t do that,” she interrupts. “I want to be here for you, and I can’t if you’re lying.”
“How do you know I’m lying?”
“Because getting in the way is your thing. You’re Jenna Brooks. The star of the show. If anyone’s getting in the way, it’s them.”
“Damn you for knowing me so well.”
“It’s a blessing and a curse. Sometimes I know too much.” She giggles and the familiar sound chips away at some of my tension. I’m lucky to have her in my life and yet here I am, allwoe is me. Acting as though my life is empty when I have two beautiful friends in her and Hayley.
“Thank you, B. You’re a true friend.”
“Uh-oh. It’s worse than I thought.”
“No.” It’s my turn to laugh. “I mean it. I don’t think I tell you enough how amazing you are. I’m lucky you walked into my life that day.”
“I think you walked into mine. And I’m lucky too. You gave me the kick I needed with Zane. Now I’m here to return the favor.”
“It’s a looong complicated story, but I promise I’m okay.”
“I’m coming over.”
“What?” I laugh again. “It’s Christmas time and you’re in Florida.”
“It’s not Christmas Eve until tomorrow, so technically it’s not Christmas yet. Zane would understand.”
“I’m sure he would, because he’s obsessed with you. What about your family? No matter how I’m feeling, I’d never take you away from them. And I promise, I’m not that bad. I’mfine.”
“Jen—”
“I’ll meet you in San Francisco when you get home in a few days. I’ll tell you everything then. Okay?” I hold my breath, hoping she’ll accept my deal, and when she sighs, I relax.
“Are you sure?” she asks and while she’s still worried, some of the concern has left her tone.
“I am.”
“Okay. But I don’t like it.”
“I know. That’s why I love you. Enjoy your Christmas. I’ll call you tomorrow.”
“Thank you. You better, or I’ll be on your doorstep by nightfall.”
“I don’t doubt that. Bye, B.”
I hang up and sink back into the couch, rubbing the heels of my palms into my eyes, a hollow laugh escaping.
Voices ring out in the hallway outside my apartment seconds before the distinct sound of Michael Bublé floats through the air, his smooth voice telling me “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot like Christmas,” rubbing it in.
It may look like Christmas, but other than my day with Mason, it hasn’t felt like it this year. And as sad as that is, the worst part is that I miss him. It’s been less than twenty hours and I miss him. Five days ago, we’d never met. Now there’s an emptiness welling inside me, as though I left a part of myself in Australia. A part I never even knew existed.
My chest tightens as I imagine him and Jack waking up for Christmas morning tomorrow, and a fierce protectiveness takes over.
