And smiling.
That smile. Charming. Harmless. And now entirely unwelcome.
My heart beat faster, but not the way it used to. Not with fluttery nerves or first-date jitters. This was confusion, unease. Something restless in my chest.
My voice was quiet when I said, “I thought I was done with the blind dates, Gina.”
“But you haven’t found your holiday sweetheart,” she said. “And don’t lie to me, this one feels right, doesn’t it? You’re back here in town where everything started and so is he. You’re both together again.
Both together again.
Josh flashed back to my mind.
“I can’t do this.”
“Sure you can.” Gina nudged me forward. “Just say hi. One drink. Maybe a holiday miracle.”
I turned to her, my breath fogging between us. “Did Josh know you were doing this?”
Gina shrugged. “Why would he care?”
But I cared.
I cared far too much.
My high school boyfriend, Brenden, stood on the edge of the sidewalk, letting me take my time. Behind him, I glanced at hiscar that was in just as good condition as when his parents had bought it for him for high-school graduation.
There was a soft look in his eyes. My heart still hammered in my chest, but at least, less so?
And also a whole lot more so.
My shoulders slumped. I mean, I knew Brenden. I’d been sick with Brenden and gone through awkward high school drama with him. It certainly wasn’t like I was suddenly on another blind date. Not at all.
What was going on here?
“Hey, Brielle.” The corner of Brenden’s lip curled up into a half smile.
He looked just about as awkward as I felt right now.
I couldn’t believe it. He was here. Right in front of me. This was Gina’s pick? Brenden was my final date before Christmas? I guess…
Well, it could certainly be so much worse.
Before I knew it I was swept up in a long hug. “It’s good to see you too Brenden.”
“I’ll just leave you two here to get along. Have fun!” Gina squealed as she headed back into the house.
Once I was released from the hug, I turned to watch Gina’s retreating figure, feeling a mix of gratitude and frustration. Was this her wingwoman move? Because this was now the second time that she had stuck me in front of a guy and run away.
Why did she always have to meddle in my love life? And why had she thought Brenden was the right choice for me? I mean, he had been. Once.
I turned back to Brenden, who was still standing there with that same soft look in his eyes.
“So … Brenden,” I started, not sure where to begin. “What are you doing here?”
He shifted on his feet, seemingly nervous. “I heard you were back in town for the holidays, and I thought it might be nice to catch up. See how you’ve been.”
I couldn’t help but feel a pang of nostalgia at his words. Brenden and I had been close once, before life took us on different paths. But here he was, holding a red flower and looking at me like maybe there was still something between us.
