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Zane Anderson is impossible to forget.
“I have a feeling I’m going to like the infamous Zane,” Avery says in her impersonation of a deep masculine tone. “He sounds sarcastic, and that is my middle name.”
Laughter erupts from the both of us. I definitely know all about Avery’s sarcasm. It’s one thing which drew me to her. Avery’s dry humor and ability to make a joke out of everything, was oddly refreshing when I’d grown up having to be so utterly serious and uptight.
“I’m sure the two of you will get along just fine. The first thing we’re going to do when we get in is make Zane take us to the Tree Farm to pick out our tree. Then it’s decorating it in the matching Christmas pajamas I bought us, while drinking Zane’s Famous Hot Cocoa and listening to my favorite playlist of classic Christmas songs.” I can’t hide the excitement in my voice as I tell Avery my plans for the evening.
This is what I look forward to all year long.
“Wow, you really thought of everything Chlo,” Avery mocks, stepping out of the car as it comes to a halt in my stepdad's driveway. There’s that sarcasm making its appearance.
I ignore it, not letting her ruin my giddy mood. “I told you this is my favorite holiday Avery, and this year I’m spending it with my two favorite people. It doesn’t get better than that.” She wraps her arms around me embracing me in the warmest of hugs.
It’s so unlike her but you won’t hear me complaining.
“Thank you Chlo, for convincing me to come with you. For wanting to bring me out here. You really are the best friend a girl could ask for.” A soft blush creeps over my cheeks as Avery watches me with an appreciative expression.
Another thing I’ve kept secret, I may or may not be harboring a small, okay huge, crush on my best friend of five years.
I never thought I’d be into girls, honestly I’m not sure I really am. There is just something about Avery I can’t get out of my head. She’s gorgeous, kind, and just so fucking bad ass, I can’t help but be smitten with her.
Hell our whole high school was. However, this slight infatuation is my dirty little secret. I know Avery doesn’t feel the same way. Her countless array of suitors and ex-boyfriends are a clear sign that she’s very into dicks.
I have nothing to offer her other than my friendship, and I’ve decided I’m okay with that. For now.
ChapterTwo
ZANE
Baby Girl: Heads up Mr. Grinch, I’ll be bringing Avery along with me this year.
Baby Girl: Her mom sucks ass. Almost as bad as mine and has left her to fend for herself.
Baby Girl: Total Bitch I know.
Baby Girl: You know the holly jolly elf in me can't allow her to spend my favorite holiday alone.
Baby Girl: I can’t wait to have my two favorite people under the same roof for my favorite holiday.
*Photo Attachment*
The scowl on my face doesn’t last, because the moment the photo of Chloe and her friend Avery appears under her five back-to-back text messages, I can’t help but smile. The ear to ear grin she’s giving the camera makes one just as big appear on my usually sulking face. Even though I just rolled my eyes at her annoying habit of sending one lined text messages one after the other.
This girl always brings out the best in me, no matter the day, no matter the reason. I shouldn’t be so damn excited to see her again. Bottom line is I never should have let her come.
The grin on my face fades at the thought of my ex-wife. Four years of marriage and the reminder of her still puts me in a sour mood.
The last and only time she visited was with her mother the Christmas after our divorce. Caroline thought I’d be stupid enough to give her a second chance. Though since then, there was no reason to see her. I’d divorced her mother and Caroline clarified Chloe was nothing of mine. So I cut off all communication with her even though she texted me for months after that visit.
Eventually the messages stopped. Until last week. Now it’s clear Chloe’s made her own decision to come and see me.
Shaking my head, I type out a quick reply to Chloe letting her know I’ve received her message.
Me: Fine. You know I can never say no to you Cindy Lou. Consider this your Christmas present. - Mr. G
Of course I leave out the part about how my palms are currently sweating and my mouth is running dangerously dry. How can one text message fuck me up so easily?
The answer is simple - her name is Avery Taylor.
