Page 51
“Do you want company after?”
“I might.” I bite back a grin and Henley finally smiles again.
“Okay. Change of subject.”
“Actually, before we do. I’ve decided to open the store on Christmas Day. I’ll celebrate Christmas over the weekend with Ava and then I’m going to pretend the twenty-fifth is just another day. It might also help others alone over Christmas. Either that, or we can cash in on anyone that needs a last-minute gift.” I offer her a tight, toothy smile, and Henley levels me with a stare, unamused.
“You don’t have to be alone on Christmas. You can still come to our family lunch like you do every year. We don’t invite you just for Ava’s sake.”
“I know. I just don’t think I’ll be the best company.”
“Beckett might be there.” The air leaves my lungs at the mention of his name, and I write it off as a byproduct of my current emotional state. It doesn’t matter that for the first time since I’ve been attending Christmas lunch with Henley and her mom, Beckett’s going to be there. It doesn’t change a thing.
“So.” I shrug, ignoring the frantic beat of my heart.
“So? Maybe you could have another one of your ‘talks.’”
“You say that like it’s a euphemism.”
“Isn’t it?” She arches a brow and I almost laugh.
“No. Like I said. We talked.”
“Dammit, Lily. You really didn’t go back to his room?”
“Are you asking me if I slept with your brother?”
Henley’s face pulls tight but she nods. “I realize how crazy that sounds, but yes. I am.” Discomfort flickers in her eyes.
“Well, rest assured, I didn’t.” A dull pang nestles in my chest, but I refuse to acknowledge the regret.
“Really?” Henley folds her arms over her chest as her brows knit together, the hint of a smile on her face.
“I promise. I didn’t,” I confirm with a laugh. The more she jokes about it, the more I think she’d be okay with Beckett and me. And I’m not sure if that makes it better or worse.
“Okay.” She stares at me for a beat, and I hold her gaze until she blinks. “I think I believe you.”
“Yay. Progress.”
She scoffs before her expression softens again. “Is there any way I can convince you to spend Christmas at Mom’s place?” Her pleading eyes almost do me in, but I’ve made up my mind.
“I don’t think so.” I’m even less likely now that there’s a chance Beckett might be there. My visceral reaction is proof that I need to stay away. No good can come from seeing him again so soon.
“Fine,” Henley concedes. “But we’re going to have the best weekend before it, jam-packed with Christmas fun.”
“Sounds good to me.” I smile, but from the look on Henley’s face, I’m not at all convincing.
Chapter Fifteen
BECKETT
The flight to New Orleans feels hours longer than its usual four and a half, and the drive to Clairmont feels even slower. I’m being tortured. Punished for coming back here when there’s now so much more at stake.
But I can’t stay the fuck away.
Mom began the Christmas talk as soon as the football schedule was released and she saw I had a Sunday game.
“Surely you could come home Monday night, Christmas Eve, and fly back after lunch on Christmas Day. You said so yourself that you usually have Tuesday off after a Sunday game.”
