“Hey, Kassidy told me that Lauren, Miranda, and Freddie weren’t going to be home for Christmas Eve this year. She was a little heartbroken that the sleeping situation wasn’t going to cause a sleepover again.”
I laugh.
“Yeah, I guess Lauren is celebrating the holiday with Sam’s family. They’re back in Florida, so it just made sense. Miranda had to return to work in Ohio, so she decided to spend time with her dad and her extended family on that side. And I think Freddie just left. They did Christmas early.”
“That makes sense. I don’t know how they do it. I mean, they have divorced parents, but then they’re also married. I don’t know how you decide where holidays happen.”
“I think it’s easier when you all live nearby. Chase and Stella are spending Christmas Eve with us and Christmas with her family since they’re only about fifteen minutes away. And it works outbecause they’ve always celebrated on Christmas and not Christmas Eve.”
“Seems like a lot of work.” Tate grabs some wine off the shelf. “I would go crazy.”
“Lucky for you, you can spend the holidays with your best friend and your family since they’re right next door.”
“Is that lucky?” She raises an eyebrow.
“Maybe not.”
She laughs and bends down to pick up a case of beer. She drops it into the cart, and then we round the corner to get some vodka and a few fun, Christmas-themed drinks we see on the shelves.
“I think this is more than enough. Most of the people can’t even drink.” Tate grabs the side of the cart. “We might’ve gone overboard.”
“We’re spending the holiday with your parents, Tate; we’re gonna need this.”
“Fletch, my parents are going to—”
“Fletcher Reed?” We both turn toward the end of the aisle to see a short blonde staring at us. Tate and I exchange a glance as she walks toward us. “Oh, my goodness, I thought that was you. I heard Fletch and thought there was no way but…”
Her voice dies out, and I think she realizes the two of us are just staring at her.
“Sorry, it’s been a while. Casey, Casey Hill.”
Oh shit. I haven’t seen Casey Hill since the dance she attended with Tate’s ex, Lucas.
“Oh shit.” Tate’s eyes widen. “You look different. Good, different, I just never would’ve… I’m just going to stop talking now.”
“No, it’s fine. I went blonde freshman year of college and never went back. I think it really brings out the color of my eyes. My brown hair was just so… boring.” She laughs.
“It looks great.” Tate pats the shopping cart.
“Thank you.” Casey smiles. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt you guys. You look great. I always told Lucas the two of you would end up together.”
“Oh.” Our eyes dart toward each other.
“We, um, we aren’t, together.” Tate bites her bottom lip. “He’s just my best friend. Always.”
“Oh.” Casey takes a step towards me. “I bet you have all the girls chasing after you at school, though, don’t you?”
“Not really. Kind of just focused on college and hockey.”
“Smart.” Her eyes bore into me, and I don’t know whether to be uncomfortable or flattered.
Don’t get me wrong, Casey Hill is beautiful. She always was. And she’s right about the blonde hair really bringing out her features, but this is happening in front of Tate, which seems awkward.
“How’s Lucas?” I rock back on my heels, pulling the cart with me slightly.
“We broke up over the summer.” She shrugs. “He didn’t like the idea of me making more money than him. His loss.”
“What are you going to school for?” I lean forward, resting on the cart.
