AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“We’ll make it another time then.”
“Yes, for sure.”
“I’m going to get back to cooking,” she says.
“Good idea. I’ll taste everything and let you know how it is.”
“Hmm, typical.”
“I can bring margaritas if you'd like. I miss our porch time,” I confess. Calista used to bring appetizers over, and we’d share a pitcher of margaritas.
“I do too. Hold on to the tequila for now. We’ve already stocked up on all kinds of alcohol.”
“I’ll see you tomorrow night,” I say.
“I can’t wait. Bye.”
“Ciao for now.” I end the call and drop my phone into my bag before hooking it over my arm. Tugging the keys from the ignition, I open my door. I’ve just stepped onto the driveway when I hear a door bang shut.
I glance around and find Niall walking down his front steps. His untucked flannel shirt hugs his broad shoulders, and a vision of what lies beneath the plaid material hits me.
The moment he realizes I’m watching him, his calm visage shifts. His brows lower, and a deep scowl flattens his mouth. Between his impressive height and brawn and the dark expression on his face, he’s intimidating as hell, but I’m nothing if not polite.
“Hello.” I smile and wiggle my fingers at him. He climbs into his Tahoe and starts the roaring engine without acknowledging me. “I’m great. Thanks for asking,” I call out for my amusement.
When he backs up, I continue moving forward and climb my front porch stairs. Letting myself inside the house, I take off my red Chucks and head to the kitchen. I drop my bag on the counter and wash my hands.
Grabbing the dish towel, I say, “Someone’s a grouchy asshole, and it’s not me.”
What could be the reason for Niall being so blatantly rude to me? I hang the towel through the drawer handle and take a water bottle from the fridge. Removing the cap, I draw in a refreshing, ice-cold mouthful before getting situated on a bar stool. I pluck an apple from the wooden bowl of fruit on the island, biting into the crisp, shiny surface. I can’t remember a time in my life when I ignored someone who spoke to me. Even when it’s someone I don’t like, I’m still polite. I can’t imagine what the motivating factor for his shittastic behavior is, but there must be one. No one is that rude without a reason.
Did his parents forget to teach him basic manners?
Did he grow up in a cult where silence and scowling were required?
Does he have so many siblings he never got a word in, so he gave up talking?
Maybe he moved around a lot as a child and didn’t learn to form friendships.
Maybe he has severe social anxiety and struggles to speak to strangers.
The last two options seem the most plausible and would be valid and forgivable reasons for someone to be downright standoffish. As much as I’d like to give Niall the benefit of the doubt, I’m going to remain skeptical and hopeful, which means I think he’s most likely an ass, but I’m allowing for the possibility that he's not.
Climbing from my vehicle, I take the valet parking ticket from the dark-haired man. “Thank you.”
“Enjoy your night,” he says as he lowers into the driver’s seat.
I make my way up the front walk, looking at the large farmhouse before me. Clear Christmas lights frame out the entire front portion of the house, outlining the impressive size. As I climb, my hand skates over the green garlands punctuated with red bows wrapped around the porch railing, and I notice the small potted trees lining the right side of the stairs. I breathe in the scent of pine permeating the fresh country air. This may be my first visit here, but I bet it smells like Christmas year-round.
There are two prominent suited men on the porch, and one smiles, saying, “Name, please.”
“Lucy Chase.”
He scrolls through a list on an iPad until he finds my name. “You’re all set. Enjoy your night.” He opens the door for me.
“Thank you.” I smile before stepping over the threshold. Softly playing Christmas music and the buzz of conversationsgreet me before I notice another suited man standing off to the side, observing the party. I can’t imagine being so famous that I’d have to hire security for a private party. But if my show gets picked up nationally, my life will undoubtedly change, which I must be prepared for. It’s easy to romanticize the money or the fame it would bring, but every change comes with a price, and they’re not always positive.
“Lucy!” Calista hurries toward me with outstretched arms. I step into her embrace with a broad smile spreading across my face.
