Total pages in book: 90
Estimated words: 88317 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 442(@200wpm)___ 353(@250wpm)___ 294(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 88317 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 442(@200wpm)___ 353(@250wpm)___ 294(@300wpm)
Carly frowned. “I can’t even think about that. It makes me so sad to think that once Scottie goes into the group home, he won’t ever get to come back here. But you’re right. She’s already mentioned that she needs the cash.”
I put my arm around Carly for a side hug. “The whole thing sucks, Pumpkin.”
We looked over at Scottie, who had his face practically buried in the lights of the Christmas tree.
“Look at him,” she said. “He’s so happy right now.”
I chuckled. “I would’ve put those lights up a lot earlier if I’d realized how stoked he’d be.”
“He’s really not that hard to please. He just needs a safe place to live, electricity, and his chicken. And now lights.” Carly turned to smile at me and caught me staring at her. “What?”
“Nothing.”
I wanted to kiss her so badly. That’s what I’d been thinking. I wished I could kiss her all night long and end the night inside her. I knew my feelings for her were far more than sexual, though. This was unlike anything I’d felt before. I had a deep desire to escape into her, hold her, and fall asleep with her in my arms. Become one with her. The way she’d comforted me at the Christmas tree farm—all she’d had to do was touch me, and everything seemed better. She always made everything better. She made my life better. She made me better. And that scared me. Because we were about to walk away from each other for good. Because we had to.
CHAPTER 26
* * *
CARLY
THREE DIFFERENT TYPES of fruit cake. Candy cane martinis. Roasted chestnuts. Josh’s sister-in-law, Vanessa, had put out quite the spread on Christmas Eve. It was so nice of her and Michael to have invited me here with open arms.
But the festive tone of the night was bittersweet. Josh and I were getting closer to the end of our time in Woodsboro. In less than two weeks, Scottie would move into the group home, and Josh and I would be on our way back to where we’d come from. I’d never wanted to pause time more.
I’d dressed up in my holiday best, a bright red cocktail dress, but the vibe was casual at Vanessa and Michael’s house. In fact, Vanessa wore buffalo-plaid pajamas. So I might have been a little overdressed. Oh well. Scottie had already planted himself next to the Christmas tree with his iPad, and Josh was hanging out in a corner of the living room with his nephew, Max, helping him assemble a new toy. His niece, Maya, was with her mother in the kitchen while Michael watched TV with their dad. That left me and Neil at the buffet, about to make uncomfortable conversation.
“I just wanted to say hello,” he said. “Get the awkwardness out of the way.” He grabbed an olive and popped it into his mouth.
I tucked a piece of hair behind my ear. “Thank you. I’m sure you’d rather just enjoy your family’s Christmas without your botched date showing up.”
“Are you kidding, Carly? I’m glad you and Scottie are here.”
“Thank you, Neil.”
“And there truly are no hard feelings whatsoever.” He took one of the candy cane martinis. “I know now that it never could’ve worked between us.”
“Why is that?” I was almost afraid to ask.
“You don’t know?” He took a sip of his drink and looked around. “Can I tell you something, between you and me?”
“Sure…” I needed a martini, too, right now, so I took one.
“I’ve never seen my brother look at anyone the way he looks at you. I know there are reasons hearing that may be bittersweet. But just an observation. I also noticed the way you spoke about him on our date. Maybe you’re both in denial. But I can see that you’re very fond of each other.”
I took a long sip of my drink. “You’re right about that. But as I’m sure you realize, it’s a complicated situation.”
“Oh, I know.” He set his drink down. “But…I think Josh sometimes complicates things when he doesn’t need to. Life is messy, you know?” He sighed. “But I also understand the dilemma in this case. I guess my point is, no matter what happens between you and Josh, I wish you both the best after you leave Woodsboro. I really commend you guys for taking on the responsibility of looking after Scottie.”
I smiled. “I couldn’t have done it without Josh.”
“I know he says the same about you.”
“What, are you trying to shoot your shot again?” Josh chided as he entered the room, interrupting our conversation.
“What if I am?” Neil teased, winking at me. “Actually, Carly just informed me that she thinks I’m the better-looking brother.”
“Well, now I know she’s had too much to drink.” Josh smiled over at me, and it gave me chills.
“Nice chatting, Carly.” Neil picked up his drink. “I’m gonna go see if Vanessa needs any help.”