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“You and me both.”
“You sure about that?”
I look back at her, and she’s smirking at me. At that, I jump back on the chair and continue putting up ornaments. We can compare and contrast guys later.
The Malibu Princess Resort is gorgeous during the holidays. They put up an ice-skating rink and people are roasting marshmallows in the winter climate. I’ve never been, but this might be my new tradition for Christmas every year.
“I never knew you were into ice-skating, Leia.” Sarah skates up to my side with a wide smile on her face.
I quickly turn to her and squeal with happiness. “I could get into it. I’ve only gone twice in my life, but this is beautiful! I had no idea the Malibu Princess did this each year! So obviously we’re doing this every night until I go home for the holidays.”
This makes her laugh. “Well, I’m glad you came out with us tonight then! Taya and Lauren were a bit worried that you were gonna stay cooped up in the room all night.”
I roll my eyes at their concern. It’s like having a babysitter 24/7. I look over at Taya and Lauren. Lauren’s another track friend of mine. They seem happy roasting marshmallows. Everyone looks like they’re having a great time tonight.
“I’m glad you guys invited me. Seriously, this is beautiful. Who knew California had ice rinks during the winter?”
“I knew that,” a voice behind me says. I turn and lock eyes with Nick. “Hi, Leia.” I shake my head in confusion and turn to look at Sarah. She looks just as confused as I am. How is it that he’s here?
“Uh...hi, Nick. What are you doing here?”To celebrate the holidays, idiot.
He gives me a small smile as he stuffs his hands in his pants pockets. “I just...stopped by,” he laughs. “It’s Friday, and all of my friends told me they were hanging out here for the holidays, so I decided to join them.”
“Hmm interesting. Say, are Sarah and Taya part of these ‘friends’ you speak of?” I look at Sarah, who tries to appear innocent. She has the worst poker face. I look back at Nick, and his smile grows.Figures.
“He really wanted to see you, Leia. You guys need to talk.” I yearn for the day when my friends listen to my sentiments. But I don’t see that day coming anytime soon. “I’ll leave you guys to it. We’re gonna be at the hot chocolate stand. Holler if you need us!” Sarah skates off and joins the girls, leaving me alone with Nick. I look at Nick, and he gives me another smile.
“She sort of outed me.” He laughs, but it only makes the situation more awkward. I don’t want to do this. There’s too much history between us, and I’m not sure if I’m ready to revisit the past again. “I was gonna head to get hot chocolate, too. Care to join?”
I shouldn’t.But this is Nick. I don’t think he’s going to hurt me. Physically, anyway.
I give him a nod, and he reaches for my hand. Letting out a breath, I put my hand in his and we skate off of the ice.
Christmas at the Malibu Princess is like a dream; I can’t get over it. We pass by a booth run by a little girl selling origami snowflakes. There’s another booth that sells mugs, as well as coffee. There is so much to do and so little time before I go home for the holidays. We finally make it to the hot chocolate stand. I expect to see the girls, but it seems we missed them.
“Would you like a drink?” Nick gives me a hopeful look. He wants to buy me a mug of hot chocolate. This can’t happen.
“No, that’s okay.” He gives me a sad nod before ordering a peppermint hot chocolate. This is going to be a weird night. He gives the vendor a $10 bill and grabs my hand. “Nick, I’m confused...we haven’t said anything on the way over here. Did you want to talk?” I hope he doesn’t think things will just go back to the way they were.
He stares at me for a second before letting out a sigh.
“I’ve just...missed you, Leia. I haven’t seen you in two months.” He has a pained look on his face before continuing. “I heard you were...seeingJake Larson. Is that where you’ve been? Hanging out with him?”
I didn’t even realize that he didn’t know I was out of the country.
“Nick...I was in Slovakia for two months. I thought you knew, I’m so sorry.”
How the hell did you think he knew that?
You weren’t in contact with him for two months.
Nick visibly flinches. “Slovakia?! What brought you outthere?”
He’s going to laugh. Because I want to laugh at myownstupidity. I should’ve stayed home and avoided the drama that happened there. I’m not sure if I want to tell him why.I told you so. Those are his favorite words when something happens.
“I, um...Jake wanted me to join him on the trip. That’s how we started dating.” Nick’s eyes widen at that. In that moment, I see his heart break. Imagine if he left me for another girl and followed that girl overseas to support her. That would be a huge slap in the face. “Nick, look—”
“It’s okay, Leia. You guys are together.” He looks down in sadness. “If I hadn’t cheated on you...we wouldn’t even be in this mess, would we?”
