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I release a heavy breath and shrug. “None taken. How much money do you need?”
“A lot, and I won’t allow you to give it to me.” He arches a brow.
“What if I become an investor?” It’s something I can offer.
“I want to do this on my own. That money belongs to me. It’s not my fault our parents don’t agree on what I’ll use it for. I bet if it was to buy a fancy car, they’d approve since it shows our family’s opulence.” Tristan stands and paces.
“I’ll come up with a plan, though, that shows them I’m settled, whatever that means to them.”
“You will, but you aren’t leaving town. We’ll have dinner with Lex and her family. Dad informed me yesterday that he and Mom are spending Christmas and New Year’s in the Caribbean.”
“I’m bummed.” Sarcasm drips from him, and I have to hold back a laugh.
It was expected our parents wouldn’t be here for the holidays. I think that’s part of the reason we both decided to come. Well, Tristan obviously had ulterior motives, which I assumed. Heck, I did, too—a beautiful woman who’s always known how to make me smile despite crappy situations.
“I could use a break from work. Want to go with me to pick up Lex’s Christmas gift?” I stand from the bed.
“A gift?” he smirks. “What’d you get her?”
“Come with me, and you’ll find out. We gotta drive to Dobson.” When I went into the city to do some business, I came across a store that had the perfect gift for her.
“Vague.” He grabs his coat.
“You’ll see it in person. We’ll grab lunch there, too.” I walk back to my room and close my laptop before grabbing my coat and wallet.
“Let’s go.” I clap his back. Hopefully, this will help clear his mind and distract him from the disappointment.
“You were right. That is a cool gift.” Tristan says once we’re back in Hartville. He seems in a better mood.
“I think so, too. Combining the past with the present and reminding her of the good things we had going for us. I hope so, at least.”
“Honestly, if she’s willing to go out with you, she’s giving you a chance. Trust that.” He smiles. “Anyway, I’m gonna meet up with a friend who’s in town. Remember Johnathan from high school?”
“Yeah, that’s great. Have fun.” I’ve got plans of my own after I hide this gift.
I stop at the market before heading to Lex’s house. Tonight’s about us. No interruptions or running into people we may know. I hope to spend more time talking to Lex and holding her close.
I knock on her door, carrying the paper bag from the market.
“Hey.” Lex smiles, leaning against the door.
“Hi.” She looks beautiful, her face fresh and her hair in a bun. She’s wearing leggings and a long sweater, her feet in socks.
“Come in.” She steps to the side so I can enter. I lean in and kiss her cheek, inhaling the rose scent that always surrounds her.
“What do you have there.” Lex peeks into the bag.
“Goodies. I’ve got plans for us tonight.”
“You do?” Her hands move to her hips.
“Yup. I brought some of your favorite things, and I have The Holiday queued up on my Netflix. Just need to log in through your TV.” I lift the paper bag.
Lex stares at me with a stoic expression. She doesn’t move or say anything. Her silence makes me second-guess this plan.
“You do still like The Holiday, right?”
“I do.” She blinks rapidly. “I didn’t think you remembered that.”
