Page 49 of Snowflakes and Ice Skates

“Then we’ll have time to turn it off before we answer the door.”

She caved and sat down on the sofa before reaching for the remote. I sat next to her, pretending I was calm. Inside, I was freaking out. What if Lane didn’t come? What if I’d wasted all this time, money, and energy for nothing? I’d spent a lot of time on my hair and makeup, and I didn’t want it to go unnoticed.

She flipped through channels before finally settling on a home renovation show. It was a mindless distraction that I knew neither of us was actually watching.

“Who do you want to come?”

She glanced at me out of the corner of her eyes. “Everyone.”

I tilted my head and narrowed my eyes. “You know what I mean.”

She pursed her lips, facing the TV. After a moment, she finally caved. “The guy from the printing store was really cute.”

“What about Hayden? I thought you were flirting with him.”

She shrugged. “He’s not the kind of guy I’m normally interested in, so it’s almost like a novelty crush. I was surprised by how attracted I was to him. But he seems like one of the good guys. I need that in my life.”

“So why the printer guy?”

A slow smile crept over her lips. “If he comes you’ll see why.”

I couldn’t help but laugh. “That’s shallow.”

She laughed with me, looking shameless. “We’ll just have to wait and see who shows up.”

I shook my head and looked back at the screen until there was a knock at the door. We jumped up and looked at each other.

“Someone’s here,” she whispered.

“I know. Turn off the TV, and I’ll get the door.”

She followed my instructions while I stood up, smoothed my dress, and moved to the door. I swung it open with a bright smile. “Happy New Year!”

Milly beamed back at me, holding onto the arm of a cute blonde. They were wearing coordinated outfits, Milly in a short gold dress and her date in skinny black pants and a gold sequined top.

“Come on in.” I waved them in and took their coats as Cora joined us.

“Hi, guys.” Cora helped me hang the coats on the rack next to the door.

“Hi, this is Christy. Christy, this is Taylor and Cora.” Milly pointed to each of us, and I extended my hand.

“So nice to meet you, Christy. I’m so glad you guys made it.”

They both smiled, and Cora introduced herself.

“Thanks for inviting us.” Milly beamed. “There should be more of us coming soon. The guys said they were on their way.”

My stomach tightened at her words. He was coming. Soon Lane would be here. I resisted the urge to touch my hair or face. I was fine. No need to fuss.

We moved further into the apartment, but before I could offer them a drink, another knock sounded.

My stomach leaped to my throat as I watched Cora walk back to open it. Five guys strolled in, none of them Lane. I forced a smile and greeted them, helping with their coats and playing hostess. I remember giving two of them invitations—the guys from the programmers’ office, but I don’t pay attention to their names as they introduce themselves. Later, I’d get to know them and make an effort to learn their names, but I was too busy having a silent freak out to care right now.

Cora’s eyes held mine. Her eyebrows drew together just a fraction of an inch. Just enough for me to notice. She was making sure I was okay. I nodded once and turned around, ready to play my part.

“Let me get you guys a drink.”

They followed me across the room to the kitchen, where I started opening bottles of champagne and cider. “Feel free to dig in.”