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“You’ve always held yourself to ridiculously high standards.”
“There’s nothing wrong with standards.”
“Of course not. But you’re not perfect, and it’s not fair to expect yourself to be. It’s not fair to yourself. Give yourself a little grace to be human now and then.”
I breathe out a poignant kind of laugh. “Yeah.”
We lie like that for a few minutes. Silent and still holding hands.
I feel a lot better. Like that uncomfortable restlessness in my gut has finally settled.
Then Chase says, “Isn’t it kind of weird to tell someone their boyfriend is hot after a minute and a half conversation?”
I fall into surprised giggles. “Yes. Maybe it is. It didn’t feel weird when it was happening though. And she didn’t actually say you were hot, so don’t get an inflated ego.”
“My ego is currently at a standard size.”
I’m still shaking with laughter. “Okay. Good. What she said was very, very nice. So take that as you like.”
“Sounds like she was complimenting your taste in men for picking out a specimen as impressive as me.”
I squeeze his hand and then realize it’s kind of odd that we’re still holding hands. I gently pull mine back and pretend I needed to itch my head. “That must be it. An impressive specimen. And I thought you said your ego was standard size.”
“Well, think about it. Why assume a standard-size ego is small?”
THE SECOND HALF OF the hike is even better than the first. We have a really good time on our way back, and by the time we’re done, it’s late enough to check into the cute little inn where we’re spending the night.
We shower and rest and change clothes before dinner. I wear a pretty red velvet jacket with jeans, and Chase wears another one of his loud Christmas sweaters.
We eat dinner early because we’re hungry after the hike, and then we get in the car to drive around town and look at the lights. We’re not the only ones. In fact, there’s a steady line of cars going through town, and soon everyone gets in a line and follows each other through all the holiday vignettes and up and down the residential streets with the best decorations.
Chase volunteered to drive, so I have a really good time gawking at the lights and laughing at the tackiest houses. As far as I can tell, Chase is having a really good time too.
It’s almost eight thirty when we’ve seen most of what there is to see. Chase suggests we park and walk around some since a lot of people are out and about.
I agree, not wanting the evening to end yet, but when we get in sight of the town hall, which is well lit with quite a few people milling around outside, I get a little twinge of reluctance.
“What is it?” Chase asks, pulling to a stop.
I didn’t make a sound or change my expression in any obvious way. I have no idea what sign he recognized that my mood has changed. “Nothing really.”
“Paige.”
“Just that Carly said she’s working there tonight. She said we should stop by and get some refreshments.”
“So what’s wrong with that? I could use something hot to drink.”
“Me too. But—”
“Damn it, Paige, are you still hung up on that?”
“No. Not really. But if she sees us, then she’s going to assume you’re my boyfriend.”
“So what?”
“I know I should just come clean, but I don’t want to.”
“There’s no reason in the world you have to come clean. I’ll just be your boyfriend for a little while.”
