“So what happened?”
I laugh, thinking back to the day three months ago. “Nicholas listed all the reasons why I wasn’t good enough for him. Then he ended things and fired me. He said we could no longer work together.”
“That’s a pretty low blow.”
“Yeah, it was. I was more upset about losing the job than the relationship. But the damage was done. I’d lost the respect of all of my colleagues. Nobody I work with has faith in me anymore or wants me on their team. Not to mention all of the mental consequences that come from spending two years with a man like Nicholas Lawrence. I’m still getting over all of that. It’s going to take some time.”
“You seem pretty self-aware when it comes to the entire situation.”
“I haven’t always been this way, but I’ve had more clarity since we broke up.”
Park’s eyes scan mine. There’s no judgment behind his gaze, just sincerity. “Well, if it makes you feel better, I instantly hated the guy and his stupid peacoat.”
I smile, liking how he didn’t try to solve my problem. His one joke eased more than advice ever could have.
“Do you have something against peacoats?”
“No, mostly just him.”
I rest my head against Park’s shoulder. “I’m fine with that.”
“I wish I could’ve delivered a level ten kiss in front of him,” he mutters in mock self-deprecation.
“I think the level five kiss did the job just fine.”
He pulls me in closer. “I’m sorry all of that happened to you.”
“I’m a big girl. I knew what I was getting myself into. The worst part is just having it hurt my career. But I’m already starting to feel like that will work itself out.”
“Still,” his voice turns gentle, “I’m sorry.”
I can’t see Park’s expression, and that’s probably a good thing because if it’s even half as tender as his voice right now, I’d melt faster than Frosty the Snowman on a hot day.
The sound of the sleigh runners drifting over the snow, mixed with the clap of the horses' hooves, lulls us into a comfortable silence.
I should be freaking out, panicking that I told Park so much, but I’m strangely calm.
Except, in the back of my mind, I can’t help but wonder if this peaceful feeling is just an illusion—the calm before the storm.
EIGHTEEN
PARK
Twinkling Christmas lightsspread across Commercial Street creating a kaleidoscope of color that bounces off the evening sky. I walk hand in hand with Lacee, taking it all in—the live music, the laughter, the smell of classic German food, the horse carriages in the road, and the smoke billowing from chimneys. I’m starting to see what Lacee was talking about when she said Christmas had a sound, smell, taste, and feel. For the first time in my life, I felt the magic of celebrating Christmas, even if it was just for a day.
“Thank you.” I squeeze her hand.
“For what?” Her blue eyes sparkle under the soft glow of lights.
“For today. You made all my Christmas dreams come true.”
It sounds so freaking cheesy, but it’s true. I’ve never experienced anything like this, and I am beginning to see what all the fuss is about surrounding this time of year.
“Well,” Lacee pulls me toward a store, “we still have one more stop before we get my mom’s chicken pot pie.”
I read the name of the store etched into the glass.Kris Kringl. My eyes immediately go up and down the rows and rows of Christmas decorations.
“I feel overwhelmed,” I mutter.
