Page 55 of Praising the Pitcher

Reluctantly, I exhale. “Fine.”

Stepping around her, I follow Dallas to his truck, thankful for his silence because I’m not sure I could deal with the risk of being any more of a dick tonight.

Somewhere along the ride to my dorm, I pass out, and when I wake up, Dallas has my door open, looking ready to lift me out of the truck like a child.

“I’m good,” I mutter, holding my hands up and sliding from the seat. “No need to flex those muscles to lug me in.”

D doesn’t smile or even half smile. Instead, he closes the door behind me.

“If something gets you this worked up … there’s a reason for it,” he says, his voice low. “I just want you to get it figured out so your head is in the game.”

Dallas knows me better than anyone. He may be dating my sister now, but we’ve been best friends and practically family for our whole lives. When he says something, he means someone. And someone … is Gigi.

I take a few steps away from him, stopping and only half looking over my shoulder.

“It’ll be fine, I promise,” I say, knowing it’s bullshit but wanting to will it to be the truth. “Sorry I was a dick. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

I head inside, realizing I haven’t acted this stupid in my entire life. Even the night I found out my ex was cheating, I don’t think I was this out of control.

I just don’t understand one thing … how can a girl I was so sure was a friend be this far under my skin? And how the hell do I get her out?

TWENTY

GIGI

“I love this show,” Lilly says, taking a bite from these things called Toaster Strudels, and I’m pretty sure this is her third one since we’ve been sitting here. “It’s trashy and drama filled. So good.”

With Haven’s dog, Boston, against me, I scrunch my nose up. “It’s something all right.” I chuckle, because this show about a bunch of people dating each other on an island isn’t really my thing. I have to wonder who, if any, have genuine feelings. I don’t think many of them will be one day celebrating their fiftieth wedding anniversary, but who knows.

Wow. I’m so cynical.

Ignoring my reply, she continues watching, completely infatuated with her favorite reality show. But just as I bring my Kindle to my face, she stretches and adjusts her blanket, and I know she’s about to talk to me again.

I love Lilly, but I also really, really value my reading time.

“I can’t believe Christmas is in like … five days.” She yawns. “What are your plans?”

I knew someone was going to ask me, especially since all my friends know I’m currently not speaking to my dad and don’t plan to. The last thing I want is a pity invitation though, so I plan to play it off like I’m thrilled to be alone.

“Catch up on sleep,” I say, attempting a lighthearted chuckle. “And bury my nose in a spicy holiday romance novel or two.”

“That sounds … kinda sad,” she utters, picking at her nail polish. “You know, you could come home with me. Kolt and Paige would be so excited to have more company.”

“I’ll be fine but thank you. Really,” I say, tensing up because I hate saying no to people, but I don’t know Kolt and Paige, and while I’m sure they’re lovely—after all, they foster kids who need loving adults in their lives—I don’t want to spend Christmas with strangers.

Lilly and her brother Hendrix had a terrible upbringing, but now, Lilly’s been adopted by what sounds like the sweetest couple in the world. Kolt used to play for the NHL team the New England Bay Sharks, and Paige is a physical therapist. I’m so happy for Lilly, but she should spend Christmas enjoying them.

“Your loss.” She shrugs. “Kolt is deep frying a turkey, and Paige is so obsessed with Christmas that their entire house looks like Home Goods during the holiday season.” She smiles, and the expression on her face tells me everything I need to know.

She loves her family.

As she goes back to watching her show, I snuggle against Boston, staring at the screen of my Kindle pretending to read, but truly, I’m thinking about how much I miss my mom. Christmas was her favorite time of the year, and since she’s been gone, it’s turned into my least favorite because I miss her so much.

I inhale silently, trying to keep it together and not let myself get down. I have a lot to be thankful for this Christmas, starting with all the books I’ll get to read with my spare time.

And the fun I can have by myself while reading said books …

Suddenly, our newest roommate, Margo, rushes into the living room. She’s smiling—and for her, that’s unique. She’s the most serious, slightly scary person who lives here.