And I wish.
But when she steals a glance my way, I jerk my gaze elsewhere. Anywhere but at her.
As the guys keep wrapping, I count down the days till I can leave Evergreen Falls.
I’m thinking I’ll be out of town by the time the last bow hits the floor tomorrow.
51
MATCH THIS
ISLA
This sucks.
As Aurora and Eloise wrap a board game for Toys for Tots, Eloise nudges me. “So you’re going to the gala tonight with the new boyfriend?”
I wither.
Why didn’t I think of this teeny, tiny detail? The whole townthinkswe’re together. What now? I guess we’re doing thewe’re just friendsexcuse, but I left our failed date so quickly yesterday I didn’t think it through.
And really, I don’t want to think about it now. So…I improvise. I’m a problem solver, after all.
I cough. It’s an artful cough. A little barky. It has all the harbingers of Christmas crud in it. “Excuse me a sec,” I say, then wince. “I hope I’m not coming down with something.”
Their eyes pop in worry. No one wants to be sick at Christmastime. “I’ll be…right back.”
I dart down the hallway to the ladies’ room, texting Rowan as I go.
Isla: The town thinks we’re together. Are we still saying we’re better off as friends?
But as soon as I hit send, my annoyance spikes. Hedumpedme. I don’t need his permission to fashion an excuse. I write again.
Isla: Scratch that. I’m saying that. Consider this a heads-up.
Rowan: I’m sorry I put you in this position. Please say whatever makes it easier for you.
My heart aches from the kindness in his message. But also? Screw him for being thoughtful.
I march back to our table, chin up, smile tacked on all the way. “I’m fine. Just a little frog in my throat. All good.”
“You sure?” Eloise asks, concerned, and maybe a little suspicious.
“Positive,” I say, then I dial up the sunshine meter inside me. “But I’m not going to the gala. Rowan and I decided we’re better off as friends,” I say as breezily as I can. It’s not totally a lie. But it does work as a shield, and that’s what I need.
“Oh, you did?” she asks with concern.
“It’s for the best,” I say, smiling and smiling and smiling some more. “Oh, would you look at the time? Here comes the mayor to announce who won. Yay.”
That megaphone is a lifesaver—it distracts my teammates from any more questions.
Now, if I can only slip away without seeing Rowan again…
But you don’t always get what you want.
The Ice Queens take first overall, with us taking second, and Oliver’s wrapping is so creative that the Grinches win firsttodayand third overall.
That means it’s picture time.
