Page 72 of 10 Things I Hate About Mistletoe

“I see. So, when did he find out?”

“We were parked off of Highway 20 so I could get my water bottle and he saw us. He flipped the car around and the two of them got into it on the side of the road. I tried to talk to Anthony, to reassure him Pike would get over it, but I could tell he wanted to run.”

“Oh, honey.” Holly reached for her and Delilah laid her head in her best friend’s lap, sobbing. “How did you leave it?”

“I told him that he was a coward and I was done.”

“Are you sure that’s what you want?” Holly asked.

“No, but the whole thing is stupid! Pike and I weren’t dating, so why does Anthony have to ask permission?”

Holly shrugged. “I don’t think that’s what this is about, love.”

“What do you mean?” Delilah asked, sitting up.

“I talked to Pike a bit on Thanksgiving. I’m not saying you aren’t a catch, but I think Pike has a lot of insecurities when it comes to women and friendships. I think the problem is that Anthony wasn’t up front and hid it from him and it reminded him of his past relationships.”

Guilt twisted in her stomach. “We weren’t trying to hurt anyone.”

“Hey, you were both single and into each other,” Holly said reassuringly, squeezing her hand. “You didn’t do anything wrong. This is between the two of them and if Anthony needs a little time to mend his friendship with Pike, maybe you should give him grace. Pike not speaking to him would be like the two of us beefing.”

“Ugh.” Delilah buried her face in her hands and groaned. “Am I the selfish a-hole?”

“No,” Holly said, scooting closer to wrap Delilah into her arms. “You’re human and you’ve got your own relationship scars. I think that might have contributed to how you reacted to Anthony.”

“Maybe this whole thing was a sign,” Delilah said.

“What do you mean?” Holly asked, cocking her head to the side.

“I got a call today with a job offer.” She glanced away swiftly when she noticed the narrowing of her friend’s eyes. “This magazine I submitted an article to liked my writing and wants me to come write for them as their plus-size outdoor enthusiast.”

“You hate the outdoors,” Holly scoffed. “Besides, I thought you were waiting to talk to that editor. When is that happening?”

“Tomorrow.” Delilah’s heart sped up thinking about the talk and the possibility of leaving Mistletoe. She didn’t want to go anywhere, but writing opportunities were few and far between. “I just figured I’d keep this in my back pocket. I can fake it until I make it.”

“So, you want to take it?” Holly asked, her tone neutral.

Delilah shrugged. “I don’t know. They sent a contract and salary, but I haven’t looked.”

“What are you waiting for?” Holly said, waving her hand impatiently. “Pull out your phone and let’s see.”

Delilah got up and removed her phone from her purse, tapping on the Gmail app. Delilah clicked on the email and whistled. “Well, it’s more than I make subbing and writing combined.”

“Let me see.” Holly frowned. “Why is there a moving allowance?”

“The position is in Colorado.”

“Nope, no! Not a fan.”

“I need to at least consider it, Holly.” She took her best friend’s hands. “I love you more than anything, but I’m spinning my wheels right now. I feel like I’m in the limbo of waiting on good things to come to me. The whole point of my tirade and trip to Brews and Chews was to start my own inferno, but it turned into a dumpster fire. I’m just keeping my options open in regards to the job. I do have a favor though.”

“What’s that?” Holly asked.

“Will you teach me to snowboard?”

Holly arched a brow. “Is it for this potential job offer?”

“Yes.”