Page 127 of Mistletoe Mischief

“Yes, I got the feeling that was what this sad phone call was about. So what’s the issue? He seemed to feel the same way.”

“He doesn’t though. He asked if I wanted to visit and stay with him and Jo when I was on break.”

“Who is Jo?” Neil asked.

“His dog.”

“That doesn’t sound like a bad thing. He’s respecting your job but asking to be a part of your life,” Neil said.

“No, he’s suggesting a situationship, and that is the last thing I want from him.”

“Did you tell him that?” Neil asked.

“No.”

“And why not?”

“Because if he doesn’t feel the same way I do, then I don’t want to know.”

“I will never understand how someone so smart could be such an idiot,” Neil muttered.

“Excuse me?” Ryler gasped.

“You would rather say goodbye to the man you love and get on a plane tomorrow than take a leap of faith and tell him the truth?” Neil huffed into the phone. “You’re a scared little chicken! Scared of owning the podcast, scared of embracing everything that is great about you, and furthermore, you are scared of professing your love for a man who, frankly, I want to punch in the face, but who is so obviously gone for you I will forgive him for being an unbearable asshat at times.”

Ryler choked out a laugh. “He really isn’t an asshat. I think he’s just jealous of you.”

“As he should be, for I am taller and flyer than he will ever be, but let’s focus on the facts. You took a chance on bringing me with you and seeing where a busted-up van could take us. You chased your dreams with your whole heart. Where is that girl now? If you want him, tell him. Otherwise, when you get on that plane tomorrow, you’d better not act like a mopey sack, because you will have only brought it on yourself.”

“While I really want to hit you with something, I’ve missed these talks.”

“Me, too.”

“Thanks for listening, Neil. It means a lot after everything.”

“I’ll always be your friend, Ryler. No matter what or who we’re with, that’s not going to change. But if that idiot does not immediately sweep you up and run away with you, I might find a mountain to shove him off of.”

“I appreciate the sentiment. Hug my cousin for me. Where is she, by the way?”

“Currently pouting in the bathroom,” Neil said, his voice exhausted.

“Why?”

“Because I got the wrong brand of cookie dough ice cream.”

Ryler laughed. “Oh, Neil.”

“Wish me luck?” he deadpanned.

“You don’t need luck. You’re Neil.”

“Thanks for reminding me. Whatever you decide, own it and be happy. Because if you lose your spark because of him, I’ll—”

“I get it. He’s toast.”

Ryler said goodbye, and as soon as she hung up, she called out for Kit. He poked his head in and said, “Yeah?”

“Feel like doing a little podcasting?”