“Thanks.” That was sarcasm, in case you were wondering. “Mom, I’ve had two boyfriends, which means, before last night, I’ve slept with two people. Ask Gisele how many notches she’s got.” Closer to fifty, if I had to wager.
“Don’t.” My mom snaps back. “Don’t take this out on your sister.”
It’s the same old song. “Right.” I start walking toward Billy with Clancy in tow.
“Jo, wait.” It’s my dad this time.
“What?”
He’s beside me before I’ve got a chance to turn. “Let me talk to your mom.”
The only good part of all of that is I think he gets it. “Sure.” I smile weakly. “Just text me when….” When should he text me? To tell me that nothing has changed? “Merry Christmas, Dad.”
“Jo.” His voice sounds strained, choked. “You’ll be there in the morning, right? We have to spend Christmas morning together.”
“That’s not a good idea.” I pat his arm. “Be sure to let me know if you liked my gift.”
I turn and walk away quickly before I lose it.
“Jo,” he says louder. “Where will you be?”
Looking over my shoulder, I answer him with “I….” I don’t know. “I’ll let you know.”
Sliding into Billy’s car, I concentrate on holding myself together. This holiday has sucked more than usual. It’s always been hard with Gisele. So, maybe I need to look at this a different way. Perhaps I can turn this thing around?
“Clancy?”
“Yeah?”
“Would you mind if I stayed with Billy tonight?” I look at him. “To sleep.” Turning my head, I look my dearest friend in the eye. “I just want to sleep for about a year. My eye hurts. I’m not in the mood to celebrate. At least not right this minute.”
“Sure.” She sounds disappointed, but I’ll make it up to her. “I get it.” I reach my hand out to her, and she takes it. “I get it. I really do.”
“Thanks.”
Chapter Eight
“I’m not goingto lie. I was a bit surprised you said you wanted to stay with me.”
“Is that all right?”
“Absolutely. I get it. The room is quiet. You can rest. We can order in some food, watch a movie.”
“That’s all, though. Okay? Sex is off the table.”
“I agree. No sex tonight. We’ll just have a quiet night in.”
Why does that make it sound like we’re an old married couple. I snort, which draws his attention from the road. “Ignore me. I’m just tired.”
“Do we need to go to the pharmacy?”
“No, they gave me enough to last a couple of days. I’ll go after Christmas is over.”
“That’s good.”
Billy carries my bag, that was in Clancy’s car, up to the room. Walking up the steps from the first floor, he leads me down the hall. I see her before he does. Gisele is sitting on the floor, her back against the door to his room.
“Great,” I say, too softly for her to hear.
