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“I have no idea. To be jerks because they know they can be?” There’s no other reason. We were already broken up.
“Sometimes, I wonder how we came from those two. It seems that the older they get, the less they care about others. Or maybe they never did, and we’re just old enough now to know the difference.”
I frown, nodding. He’s right. I knew my parents were a piece of work, but the more I witnessed their actions, the more I realized that they were coldhearted. It’s almost like they have fun making others miserable.
“Does Lex know that you know?”
“Nope. Toby told me in confidence.” I scratch my jaw.
“It’s good to know. Living away from Hartville makes it impossible to know what’s going on.”
“What can I get you?” A waiter walks up to our tables.
We place our orders, and I relax into my seat, looking around the packed space.
“Are you heading to Hartville for Christmas then?” Tristan lifts his eyebrows.
“Yeah. I kinda miss the town.”
“You miss the woman, but I’ll accept your excuse,” he chuckles.
“I miss her, too. I don’t know how to explain it. I hadn’t spent a lot of time in Hartville since college, and it reminded me of everything I love about our hometown.”
“I get it. Any chance you’ve got the passenger seat empty and some space in your trunk?” Tristan smirks.
“What?”
“You’ve become dense, brother. I’m headed to Hartville for Christmas, too. Do you think Mom and Dad will be happy to see me?” His eyes gleam with mischief.
“Not a chance,” I laugh. “But I’m glad you’ll be there. How did this miracle happen?”
Tristan hasn’t been around for Christmas in two years, choosing to stay wherever he is that time of year.
He shrugs, leaning back on his seat and extending his long legs to the side. “It was time for a Christmas miracle?” He gives me his best smile.
“Nice try.” I arch a brow.
“The work I was doing ended for now, so I thought I’d come see you and see how Lex acts around you.” I still don’t buy his excuse, but I drop it. I’m glad he’ll be around for a couple of weeks.
“Whatever the real reason, I’m glad you’re here.”
“Me, too. Are you having dinner with Mom and Dad on Christmas?”
“I honestly have no idea. For all I know, they have plans to travel to Paris.” I shrug. I haven’t put much thought into it, nor do I care much. My reason for heading to Hartville has nothing to do with a family dinner and everything to do with the woman from my past.
As if reading my mind, Tristan laughs and shakes his head. “You’re in deep,” he points at me.
I was always in deep with Lex. Now, I only need a plan to make her see we can have a future instead of shredded memories.
We get back to my office, and I see Tristan’s bag in a corner. “Where are you staying?”
“Your house,” he shakes his head at the absurd question.
“What if I don’t have space?”
Tristan laughs and claps my shoulder. “Good one. You’ve got a huge apartment, and you live alone. From my understanding, you don’t have anyone in your life. That wouldn’t help your case with Lex.” He shakes his head in amusement.
I shove him playfully and round my desk. Pulling out a spare key I leave in a drawer, I toss it to him.
