Her eyes swing to me. “You don’t have to go with her.”
“Why not?” Justin says. “She’s perfect for Caleb. Dark-brown hair, tall, thin, and she loves the outdoors and traveling on her own. You’ll love her. She’s very independent.”
Jordan literally sounds like the opposite of Summer.
Her eyes never leave mine. “Is she even Caleb’s type?”
Does Summer know thatshe’smy type? This bubbly woman with a playful smile and a kind heart who happens to be obsessed with Christmas and her family is my type down to her very festive earrings.
Justin shrugs. “I think Jordan is perfect for Caleb.”
My eyes watch Summer, how her jaw hardens with what looks like jealousy, and I decide right then and there that maybe Summer should have a taste of her own medicine. Feel what I’m feeling.
“You know what?” I look at Justin. “I’d love to go with Jordan.”
“You would?” Summer’s jaw drops.
I shoot her a pointed stare. “Yes, I would.”
“Alright!” Justin smiles wide.
“Set it up.” I keep walking backward. “It’s a date!”
Before I round the corner to my room, I catch Summer’s pursed lips and frustrated glare.
* * *
My phone buzzeson the nightstand next to my bed, waking me. I glance at the clock. It’s a little past midnight. I must’ve fallen asleep watchingSaturday Night Live. I pick up my phone. The text is from Summer.
Summer:I never got the chance to thank you for this weekend—backcountry skiing and for today at the ranch. I’m really glad I didn’t have to go alone.
I tap my fingers on the side of my mattress, trying to decide what I should say. I know what I want to say, butshouldsayis what I have to go by.
Caleb:Sure, no problem. That’s what I’m here for.
Caleb:Are you still with Justin?
Is she texting me while cuddling with him?
Summer:No, I just got home. I was tired.
Relief coats every corner of my heart.
Caleb:I’ll be at Justin’s company party on Monday night. You can just tell me then if you need me this week.
Summer:Do you still have the calendar I made you?
Caleb:I think it’s around here somewhere.
I turn my head to the side. Summer’s Christmas calendar is on the dresser next to my bed. Is it weird if I admit that I’ve been looking at it every night before falling asleep?
Summer:I was going to say you could just check the calendar for the activities this week, but since you lost it…
My shoulders drop. I feel like the biggest jerk. I would neverloseSummer’s calendar. Heck, I’m surprised I don’t have the thing framed. But she’s not mine, and at some point, I have to face that.
Summer:There are only two things this week. Dinner with my family for my dad’s birthday, and the Telluride Mistletoe-Down Hoedown and Dance.
I pick up the calendar, confirming what she said. There’s a Christmas cake graphic by her dad’s birthday and a cowboy elf by the Mistletoe-down Hoedown.
