“No. You have to leave today.”
“You said leave. You did not say when. Plus, I do not feel like driving around with a messed up bumper trying to find a hotel during the holidays. It is crazy business this time of year.”
“Or I could kick you out for trespassing.”
“How? When I have proof I am supposed to be here, unlike you. Why are you not celebrating somewhere else? Did your plans fall through?”
I must have hit a soft spot because she looks like she wants to cut my head off.
“Alright. Ten thousand. Five thousand now. Five when I happily kick you out tomorrow,” she smirks.
Goddamn that smirk. Showcasing all her dimples.
“Deal,” I say, fighting my grin.
We exchange information. Seconds later, I get the notification.
Heaven Oakley sent you 5,000.
“Thank you for doing business with me.”
She rolls her eyes and stands from the couch to head upstairs. Even though I will not bother her, I would not mind her bothering me. That short conversation alone got my panties wet as hell.
I cannot help myself. I ask the question anyway.
“Why do you want me to leave so bad? I am not trying to mess up my blessings.”
“Your presence is a lot.” She stops at the bottom step and turns slightly toward me.
“My presence?” I raise my eyebrow. “What about my presence bothers you, Heaven?”
She steps down the last stair and comes closer. The air shifts. Her scent, oak and cinnamon, wraps around me.
“I am not in a jolly mood.” She smirks. “Not everyone wants to be around or look like Christmas threw up on their hair.”
I turn my head to the mirror hanging beside the fireplace. My reflection stares back. Freshly silk-pressed hair dyed in fiery reds with copper highlights against my brown skin. I could not choose between copper or red, so I chose both.
“Oh, now we are talking about looks, Nia Long, huh?”
“Are you flirting with me, Ms. Snow?”
“No. I am defending my hair choices. At least I am original while you are cosplaying as the Grinch.” I tilt my head like I am confused.
“Goodbye, Sutton.” She turns quickly and walks upstairs with her phone in her hand. Whatever, or whoever, has her attention is not me, even though her gaze lingers on me a second longer than necessary before she looks back at her screen.
I walk back to my room for the next two nights. Maybe I can still enjoy these two days without being a bother.
Maybe my holiday plans are still alive.
But the real question is why is she alone for the holidays?
4
BLACK MARTHA STEWART
CHRISTMAS EVE
Fuck me.
