Page 18 of Snowed

“Are you kidding? You look hot!”

“I have to go to my ex’s wedding straight from here.”

Her eyes widened. “Well, that explains the dress.” She shook her head. “But wait…a wedding on Christmas Eve? Who the hell plans a wedding on Christmas Eve?”

“Selfish, self-absorbed people.”

“I was gonna say…” She sighed. “Hey, I’ve been meaning to ask, what went down at the cabin between you and Cade? You and he were kind of quiet this week. And it’s been so busy, I haven’t had a chance to talk to you.”

Cade and I had exchanged many glances during our shifts together since returning from the retreat. But with the holiday rush, the shop was so busy. He and I had never had much chance to talk. My shifts ended before his, so he was always still working when I went home.

“The cabin was a good experience. We have a new respect for each other. Let’s just say, your plan worked.”

Billie chuckled. “What did you guys do, though? Obviously, we sent you with the wrong box of activities. I felt bad about that—even if it took me a while to stop laughing about it.”

“Believe it or not, we were quite resourceful. We made the best of the truth-or-dare-like game and used it to get to know each other better.” I shrugged. “The alcohol helped.”

“Well, I’m proud of you guys for working things out.” She laughed. “I’m glad I don’t have to fire either one of you, because you’re two of the best talents I’ve ever had.”

“Thanks.” I smiled. “Do you happen to know why Cade called out today? I thought he was on the schedule.”

“I don’t know. He just said something came up. He only had one client booked, and I’m not gonna get pissy at him on Christmas Eve.”

“Okay,” I muttered. I just hoped he wasn’t avoiding me now that we were back to reality. Was he thinking better of that last amazing kiss we’d shared before we left Vermont? I couldn’t stop thinking about it. I shook my head, needing to snap out of it and not analyze why he was out today. It was Christmas Eve, and the shop had closed early anyway. Cade probably took the day off to see family. Or maybe he had to travel somewhere.

“Anyway, I hope you have an amazing Christmas, Billie,” I said as I approached the door to leave.

“You too! Colby and I are hosting friends tonight. Try to have a good time at the wedding—or at the very least, give your ex hell in that dress.”

As I stepped out into the cold air, I decided to walk a couple of blocks before calling a car. I had a little time to kill and wanted to savor the feel of Christmas in the air as last-minute shoppers whizzed by me on the streets.

But with every step I took, I doubted more and more why I was even bothering with this wedding tonight. For some reason, I’d felt differently about attending since my time with Cade at the cabin. His surprise over the fact that I’d planned to go had made me question it myself. I didn’t need to prove anything to anyone. It was Christmas Eve, and I’d be better off spending time with my family than with two people who had hurt me.

In that moment, my brain made an executive decision on behalf of my heart. Instead of calling a car to take me to the church, I hopped on the subway and went to my cousin’s house, where I knew many of my family members would be getting together later. My family would probably give me shit for the sexy dress I was wearing on Christmas, but at least it was red, right?

***

Two-and-a-half hours later, I was standing by the punch bowl that was sitting on my cousin Maureen’s red-linen-covered table when my phone chimed with a text.

Did you decide not to go to the wedding after all?

It had come from an unknown number. I texted back.

Daria: Who is this?

Cade: It’s Cade. Billie gave me your number.

My heart came alive as I typed.

Daria: Oh! Hey! Yeah, actually, I didn’t go. Listened to your advice. Decided they didn’t deserve my presence. I’m at a family party.

Cade: Ah.

Daria: Wait…how did you know I decided not to go?

Cade: I’m at the reception and couldn’t find you.

Oh my God.