Alright, that's notallI want to do.
But the fact is, he’s so good, so perfect. Oliver likes to smile at everyone he meets. He even chats up my hookups sometimes. He has his dream career. He let that information slip two months ago when I wouldn't stop teasing him about his lack of bedroom action. He has a loving family.
Someday, he’ll find a nice man. Maybe even the guy on the eighth floor.
Anger spikes down my body at the thought.Okay, maybe nothim.
Even though I don't want to think about him with anyone else, I know he will have a good life. He deserves it.
Oliver sips his coffee while I come to a decision. I will burn down this world to make sure Oliver doesn't discover our secret.
My phone buzzes with a text. I’m about to ignore it, but then I see it’s Nick.
What do you want to do for Christmas Eve? We can’t drive home until Christmas Day.
“I’m throwing a Christmas Eve party,” I say abruptly. Look who’s full of ideas today!
Oliver tilts his head. “You are?”
I nod to myself. More distractions, that’s what I need!
“I need your help arranging it.” I make myself look as helpless as a six-five, all-muscle dude possibly can. “My friends rotate the Christmas party organization duty, and this year it's my turn. But I can't ask them for help because I told them that my party would be better than Bree and Camilla's last year. But I don't know what to do, and I'm so busy with work. Now it’s almost here, and I feel like I’ll ruin their Christmas Eve,” I finish. Not gonna lie, I made myself proud with this one.
Oliver looks so confused, so I double down. “Most of my friends can't go back home for Christmas because of work. Will you help me?”
I attempt to replicate the puppy dog eyes he made earlier. They must be effective because Oliver nods quickly. “Sure, we can do Christmas. I'm not going back home anyway. My parents are going to Bali.”
“So, you’ll help me?” I ask again, breathing out a sigh of relief.
“Of course,” he says, a little checked out. “We need to make a list. We don’t even have a week.” He takes out his phone, opens the notes app. “We have to get the tree, groceries, and ornaments. Do you have ornaments?”
I shake my head.
“I have multiple recipes I wanna try. Get me a list of allergies and preferences.” He’s not even looking at me anymore.
Wow! Did I just release a monster into the world? Ah, well, collateral damage. I pat myself on the back for the successful distraction technique.
“Alright, we can get started tomorrow.” He finally looks up from his phone. “When’s your next shift?”
“Not until day after tomorrow.”
He nods. “We can go tree shopping tomorrow.”
“Perfect,” I smile.
“And tonight, I’ll go upstairs to talk to other neighbors after work,” he continues.
My smile drops, and I sigh an aggrieved, internal sigh. Small steps, Matt. He’s already thinking a little less about Dalton.
“Will you come?” he asks, hesitantly.
“Of course, I will. Just come by when you're back, and we'll go.”
“Awesome,” he says, his face turning everything sunshine and good. His eyes crinkle at the corners, the blue looking lighter somehow. His entire face shines.
He clears his throat. “I'll see you in the evening then.”
I nod as he walks away, trying not to outright frown.
