Page 106 of This Changes Everything

“Hi, Grace.” I laughed. “It’s okay. You don’t have to say hi back.”

Grace ran back into the house, and Rory let out a sigh. “I mean, come on. Is it so hard to say hi?”

“Sometimes.” I shrugged as we stepped inside.

I placed our bottle of wine on the entrance table, and Rory helped me out of my jacket as Blair made his way through the crowd to greet us.

“Come in, guys,” Blair called out. “Gracie! I don’t want to start counting. Get up there!” Blair tossed his thumb up the stairs, then turned back to us. “It’s like two hours past her bedtime. I’m gonna kill someone.”

Blair had only grown more handsome, with his sleepy brown eyes and dark, wavy hair. I had no doubt that he had made a dent in Vancouver’s population of straight women over the years, though Cameron had taken over that mantle once Blair finally settled down with the wrong person.

“Who’s putting her to bed?” Rory shook his arms out of his coat and brought both of our coats to the hallway closet.

“She wanted Cameron.”

“Well, there’s your first problem.” I pulled my best “yikes” face. “He’s probably up there scrolling on his phone. Do you want me to help?”

“No. She doesn’t like you yet,” Blair said, defeated.

I slumped. “I know . . .”

Blair laughed, then pulled me in for a hug. Blair had been divorced for a year, and being a single father suited him. He dedicated his life to Grace, and his relationship with his ex was remarkably strong, despite her having cheated on him. I had always been curious about what would happen if Blair and Hannah ever spent any significant time together. My sister had called off her engagement after Vegas. She said that once she saw Rory and me together, she realized she was missing something in her life, and I always wondered if that something was Blair.

Cameron, on the other hand, was still a wild child. He hadn’t had a committed relationship since Kara, nor did he want one. Cameron spent all his time at their restaurant, working and picking up women who were far too young for him.

“Alright, well, come in. You both look great. Grab some food. Jacob and Kara are here somewhere. Also, Orson brought Zoë, and apparently she didn’t know she was supposed to dress up?” Blair narrowed his eyes at me.

Rory pumped his fists back and forth, excited for the drama.

“Oh shit. My bad.” My heart sank for Zoë.

Blair’s house was beautiful, warm, and homey. A massive, crackling stone fireplace sat at its very center, and all the rooms wrapped around it. Instead of background Christmas music, a live band was playing in the corner of the living room, and everyone at the party was taking turns as lead singer. Being a legitimate first-rate open-mic night was the Jingle & Mingle’s tradition.

Kara looked stunning. She had gone back to the brown bob of her younger years, only now it looked sleek and was slicked behind her ears. Her chestnut-brown eyes popped through her mascara and bright-red spaghetti-strap dress.

Zoë, on the other hand, was wearing jeans and a tight green turtleneck. Her long dark hair was pulled into a clip, and her bangs were moving in all directions. When she saw me walking up to them, she shook her head and said, “You asshole.” She sighed, then laughed softly.

I gave her a hug. “I didn’t realize I didn’t tell you to dress up.”

“Whatever. Also, when Orson picked me up, he hugged me, but somehow his dick was still seven feet away.” Zoë rolled her eyes. I tried to restrain my reaction, but I was looking forward to giving Rory that juice later. “He said he wanted me to stay with him, but I can’t stomach the mixed signals. It’s officially over and done with Orson. I’m not doing it anymore. I want to have fun with my girls.”

“No problem. Let’s go back to the original plan. You’ll stay with us,” I said with a quick nod.

“Ew.” Kara stuck her tongue out in disgust. “Rory barely has walls. Zoë, you’re staying with me.”

“Yes. Okay. I like that better.” Zoë pointed at Kara, accepting the offer.

All three of our phones vibrated simultaneously, and we knew it was from our Lover Ladies group chat. I grabbed my phone so we could read the text together.

MADDY: Happy New Year from the East Coast! Zoë, have you touched Orson’s privates yet?

Zoë narrowed her eyes at me.

HANNAH: Happy New Year, friends. I wasn’t invited to the big party and am home watching When Harry Met Sally, but thanks for the reminder, MADDY!

I had my sneaking suspicions that Hannah wasn’t invited because Blair’s ex-wife was. Zoë grabbed my phone, and her fingers flew.

ELLIE: Crash the party. Blair is looking foxy. Dress in something your boobs can accidentally fall out of.