I deleted all his text messages to me, including the one in which he promised a surprise.
Yeah, some freaking surprise.
Then I blocked Matt’s number and deleted his contact information.
I contemplated ordering another breakfast sandwich while the latest raffle winner was announced.
“Number 5632. If you have that ticket, step right up to claim your prize of a giant stuffed Christmas cat.”
“It’s me, it’s me!” My mom ran up onto the stage to accept her prize and pose for pictures.
Yeah, I’m definitely going to need another breakfast sandwich—maybe two—and another spicy orange juice, I decided as my mom, beaming, came over to my table.
“There you are, Jingleball.” She set the giant stuffed cat in the seat across from me.
I rested my head in my hands. “Hi, Mom.”
“Aww, Jingleball.” My mom stroked my hair, picked out a piece of frosting, and tossed it on the ground. “I told you not to take up with a man like your father.” She sighed.
“Matt wasn’t. He’s not like Dad,” I said irritably.
“Uh-huh,” my mom said. “You know what will turn that frown upside down?”
“Cake soaked in booze?”
“Close. A Christmas party! I’m throwing another Christmas party tonight.”
“Really?” I said, annoyed. “Really? Another Christmas party.”
“You love Christmas. Yes, I know you told everyone last night you hated Christmas, but I know you love the holiday. I have been on the phone all day telling everyone you didn’t mean what you said, that you were under a lot of stress.”
“Mom.”
“We’re going to have a fun Christmas party tonight,” she barreled on, “with pin the tail on the reindeer, snacks, and Aunt Bettina’s punch. I invited lots of people.”
“The whole town just wants to show up and gawk at me.”
“We’re going to show everyone that you are a hundred percent back to your old Christmas-loving self,” my mom said pointedly. “You don’t want people to blacklist your shop, Merrie. And think of all the feral kittens! I can’t have a daughter who is anti-Christmas in Harrogate. My gosh, Christmas is the whole economic engine of this city.”
“I think it’s actually farming and the medical technology sector.”
“Think of the cats, Merrie.” My mom patted the stuffed animal.
“I’ll be there.” I sighed loudly. “Not that I have anywhere else to go.”
“Of course you will, and I made you a special outfit.” My mom was giddy. “Come early so you can get dressed.”
I scowled. “Just give it to me now. I refuse to be in the same house as Brody.”
My mom looked embarrassed.
“Brody and I have decided to part ways,” she said.
“I hope it’s not on my account,” I replied, licking a bit of cheese grease off my breakfast sandwich wrapper because that was how far I had sunk in life.
“He found someone else.”
“He’s such a player.”
