“You need to tell her,” I murmur into her hair. “You deserve to live a life that makes you happy. You glow when you talk about New York. It’s good for you. And I think you’re good for it too.”
She squeezes me hard, then lets her arms relax as she changes the subject. “I should get ready and head into town. Grandma wants to talk to me before her anniversary party tonight.”
“What can I do to help?”
“You’re already doing it.”
I might be.
But it’s still not enough.
Chapter 24
Amanda
For how Dane and I spent last night, every cell in my body should be chill as an ice-cream cone.
But all my afterglow has disappeared before I’ve been at the Gingerbread House for a full thirty seconds.
It doesn’t help that I’m alone. Lorelei called to request Dane’s assistance with a playlist for the DJ for the wedding.
Which is tomorrow.
But not.
Which no one knows yet.
So my fake fiancé is off picking a playlist for the wedding that won’t be happening while lying to his sister, who would probably understand, but who will find out with the rest of the town whenever we tell them.
Which needs to be soon.
Soonsoon.
But I’m not announcing the breakup the same way I announced the engagement. I need a plan, and Dane needs to be in on it this time.
“I heard you and your fiancé stormed out of his grandparents’ anniversary party” is how Grandma greets me.
Glee?
Glee hasnothingon her attitude this morning.
This is so far past glee that there might not be a word in the English language to express how thrilled she is.
“Don’t be a dick,” I tell her. “Dane’s hurting. Family shouldn’t be assholes about love.”
Her jaw hits the fake-gingerbread floor.
“Good morning, sweetheart.” Mom flies into the kitchen and smothers me in a hug. “You okay?”
I don’t have to look at her to know she’s glaring at my grandmother. Probably mouthing a few things behind my back too.
Likelythis is the last one you have left to take over so I can retire one day, too, don’t fuck it up.
Everyone’s getting more profane in my head right now.
Yay.
“I’m tired,” I answer honestly.
