“Buying a space heater was on my agenda for the day, you know.”
“That’ll drain your power so fuckin’ fast it’s not even funny. Besides, it’s been so damn cold, there probably isn’t one in stock clear through ‘til Machias. Now, stop being a stubborn dickhead, and get in the truck. I’ve got most of your shit packed up.”
“But… I told Gulligan I’d be here.”
Evan’s dark brows furrow. “Who?”
“My seagull.”
“You have a pet seagull?”
I shrug. “You have raccoons.Plural. Wait, did you bring them for Christmas at Ma and Dad’s?”
Evan rolls his eyes. “Yes, Noodles and Meatball are in my truck. Brooks’ moms agreed to bring the cats, so Snarf and Tigger will be coming tomorrow.”
“See? Full house, then. No room for me.”
“Funny, but no. Olivia and Lizzy rented a room at the bed and breakfast, same as Colt and Petro. Morgan’s staying at Taryn’s. Tally winds up in bed with Brooks and I half the time anyway, so thatdoesleave room for you. Now, get your ass in gear, before I stretch it out with my boot.”
Chapter Ten
I’m just ending a two hour long Christmas Morning video chat with my girls, when my ears perk up at overhearing Evan asking Taryn what Gordy’s up to today. I shouldn’t care, but I do. Which is dumb, because giving a shit about how I left things with him is definitelynothow to move on from him. I just haven’t been able to stop thinking about how he clung to me the other night. How, for the first time, I felt like he actuallyneededme back.
Nope. Stop. Stop thinking about him.
“Not really sure, actually,” Taryn explains. “I had to cover his shift for him yesterday, since he called out. Then Morgan and I tried to stop in before we came here, but he wouldn’t answer the door. His truck was outside though, so he’s there. Maybe he’s still sick…”
A feeling of dread washes over me, and I feel this intrinsic need to make sure he’s okay. Against my better judgement, I yank my phone back out of my pocket and shoot him off a text. So much for keeping him outta sight, outta mind… as ifthatwere even possible.
Me
I don’t want a lot for Christmas, but there is something I need…
To my surprise, his response is damn near instantaneous, filling me with relief.
Croot
To fuck off, just like that Mariah Carey song?
Me
No. Proof of life.
Croot
Still here, unfortunately.
Me
Why’d you blow off Taryn and Morgan earlier?
Croot
Not feeling holly jolly.
I snort.Shocker.
Croot
