I just hope that she’s also been falling for me, the same way I’ve been falling for her.
CHAPTER 13
HOLLY
It’s the twenty-third. The last day of work until the new year. I don’t regret my decision, though, I’m not sure what I’ll do with myself.
The last time I had more than two days off in a row was… actually, I don’t know if I’veevertaken a full week of holidays.
My mind has felt heavy today, and my heart has had a constant ache in it. As much as I try to push the thoughts away, reality can’t be ignored so easily.
It’s almost Christmas Eve.
It’s almost time for this fling with Felix to come to an end. Which it needs to…I think. I mean, it only makes sense for it to end.
He’s so cheerful, so perfect. I may be perfect too, but in different ways. I don’t see the world the same way as him.
I don’t find the joy in all the little things.
There’s no way I could make him happy for the rest of our lives. I told him this from the beginning—in less words and detail, but I did.
But if it’s the right thing, why does it hurt so much?
There’s a knock at the door, Joy opening it moments later. “Hey boss, just wanted to say bye before I left.”
“Okay. Have a nice night.” I nod, but for some reason, my stomach twists slightly.
She takes a deep breath, her lips thinning as she begins to close the door. “You too.”
Ah,fuck me.
“Joy,” I call out, and she opens the door wide again. “Happy holidays.”
Wide-eyed, she looks over her shoulder, her mouth slightly agape. “You too, boss.”
I swallow the slight lump in my throat. “You can call me Holly.”
With a smile, she nods. “See you in the new year, Holly.”
She gives me a wave before exiting the office, leaving me alone with the faint electrical hum of the lights above.
I should get going too. There’s nothing more for me to work on until the new year, since everyone and every business isalsooff.
I guess it’s just time to relax.
And spend the holidays alone. A thing that never bothered me before, but leaves a faint twinge of pain in my chest.
No, it’s not that. It’s probably something I ate, or heartburn. I’ll just sleep it off, and I’ll be fine.
I turn off my computer, hitting all the light switches as I make my way out of the office. There’s a certain peacefulness to the silence and emptiness, but it also feels…not right.
Shaking my head and pushing away the looming thoughts, I lock up and head home.
There’s a knock at my door, and I frown. I’m not expecting anyone today. It’s Christmas Eve, and I spend it alone.
By choice.
Even now is…by choice.
