I know you don’t want to, but we need to talk about the family.
Zack had to push down a stab of jealousy, reminding himself this wasn’t about him. “Who’s Jason?”
“My brother.”
Relief flooded him. It made sense then if her brother wanted to discuss their family. Zack didn’t need to get involved in the middle of their feud. He saw enough of those at work, and he knew how ugly they could get because relatives had the power to hurt each other more than anyone else. But Holly needed support in whatever she decided to do about this.
“I notice you haven’t responded.”
She let the phone drop onto the couch cushion, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.
“Hey.” Zack extended an arm but left it up to her if she wanted him to hug her.
She slid into his embrace. As soon as Holly rested her head against his shoulder, the tears came. Zack said nothing, hoping if she cried it out, she might be ready to speak about it.
“I’m sorry,” she finally said, straightening.
He grabbed a box of tissues from the end table and held it out to her.
She took three and used them to wipe her eyes. Once she’d also blown her nose and tossed them into a small trash can, Holly must have decided she was ready.
“I was having such a good day too. I got another present for my Secret Santa, and it was just the kind of thing I needed.” She reached into her pocket and pulled out the small book he had purchased. “The quotes fit my mood perfectly, and Dr. Miller and I had a great chat—” Holly’s cheeks pinked, and she shot Zack an embarrassed glance.
They must have been talking about him. “Now I’m worried.” He grinned, hoping to lift the mood. “He said something about me, right?”
“Did you know he delivered you at a barbecue?”
“That old story.” Zack leaned back. “I swear every new person who moves into town ends up hearing it.”
“He had a lot of good things to say about you.”
“That was kind of him.”
“No. It’s the truth.” Holly said the words so simply and with something indiscernible in her voice that he’d not heard before. Was she finally willing to look at him as something besides a friend?
“Well, that’s kind ofyouthen.”
She gave him a weak smile but then glanced at the phone on the cushion near her leg and picked it up.
“You mentioned talking to your brother before Thanksgiving,” Zack said carefully. “Do you two speak much?”
“Usually a few texts a month. We mostly just check in with each other to be sure we’re okay. He’s in his first year of law school, so he’s pretty busy.” Holly turned the phone over in her hands. “This is the first time he’s mentioned them since the blowup last year.”
“Do you think they would like to make amends?” Zack asked.
“I don’t know.” Holly’s tears started again, so he handed her the entire tissue box.
“You’re not alone in this,” he said once she calmed enough, he thought she might listen to him. “If you would rather not talk to me about it, I get it. I’m sure Kathy would understand. Her parents are at war, and she can never be in the same room with both of them without there being a fight.”
“I don’t want to burden you?—”
“Stop right there.” Zack held up a hand. “I’m here for you too. Whatever you need. And not just as a friend.” He hadn’t meant to say it. Now she would think he wanted something from her. Which he did but only if she wanted it too.
She watched him, and he could only hope that her not crying anymore was a good sign. She held up the small book. “Did you give this to me?”
Busted. He let out his breath and then nodded.
Holly surprised him then by shifting onto her knees and moving so her face was close to his. Her flushed cheeks brought out those delightful freckles. The sudden blaze in her eyes made his heart pound, but was she going to yell at him or?—
