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Haley
I felt raw. Bruised. The day after my date, I stayed in bed all morning. The clatter of breakfast rose up the stairs, accompanied by voices tumbling over each other, but I wasn’t ready to brave all the faces that would greet me when I ventured into the public eye again. It was quiet in my room for the time being, with feathery frost patterns curling across my window pane and my books to keep me company.
The same books that always had a happy ending, guaranteed.
I rubbed at my itchy, swollen eyes and burrowed deeper into the blankets. I hated to let anyone see me cry, much less Chase. But at least he hadn’t teased me about it.
Whispers echoed outside my room. A moment later, a knock came at my door.
“Room service,” Chase called.
I scrubbed my hands over my face and attempted to look somewhat presentable. Pushing myself up into a sitting position, I tucked the blankets around me and arranged my books in a neat pile instead of a messy, careless sprawl.
“Come in,” I replied.
The door opened to admit Brenda, carrying a cup of hot cocoa, Johnny, carrying a plate of scrambled eggs and toast, and Chase, carrying a glass of orange juice and a small bowl of chopped fruit.
“Thought you might be taking it easy today,” Chase said. “So we brought breakfast to you so you can enjoy it at your leisure.”
“Uncle Chase said you weren’t feeling very well,” Brenda said. “Maybe we could play some games later to cheer you up.”
“I’d like that. Thank you, Brenda,” I said.
After making room for the food on my windowsill, Brenda and Johnny gave me quick hugs before scurrying out of the room. Chase affectionately pinched my cheek.
“Don’t let that idiot get you down, all right? I told you he was a boring old snob. You’re far better off without him. The kiddos and I will be working on the train set in the basement. You’re welcome to join us any time.”
I nodded with a small smile. After Chase was gone, I poked at the food but I wasn’t very hungry. Then another knock came at the door and I looked up.
“May I come in?” Theo asked softly.
I tugged my sleeves down over my hands and nodded. I glanced away, wishing I’d had time to wash my face and brush my teeth at least.
Almost kissing Theo still haunted me. I couldn’t stop thinking about the way he’d cupped my chin and held my gaze. At night, when everything was dark and I hadn’t fallen asleep yet, I swore I could still feel the press of his thumb against my lower lip, leaving a faintly salty imprint behind.
When Brendan asked to meet up before Christmas since he - allegedly - happened to be passing through, I’d jumped at the chance to accept his offer. I’d told myself it was my opportunity to finally go on a date, to break the ice and dive into the world of romance that I’d been longing for.
But deep down…
Deep down, I knew I rushed into that date with Brendan because of nearly kissing Theo. Because I thought finding someone else would cure me of my hopeless crush.
Instead, it blew up in my face in the worst possible way.
Gingerly, Theo perched at the end of my bed. He curved his hand over my ankle, atop the sheets, and gave it a reassuring squeeze.
“I hope you know that what happened is not a reflection on you,” he said.
I blew out a breath of frustration and shook my head.
“Logically, I know that. But I still feel pretty stupid, falling for such a dumb trick.”
“You’re a very sweet girl, Haley. You’re one of the kindest people I’ve ever met. That asshole doesn’t deserve to breathe the same air as you do.”
Even though I’d managed to stop crying sometime last night, I felt the threat of tears burning at my eyes again now. I fiddled with a loose thread on my sweater’s cuff.
“Maybe…” I started and my voice faltered. I cleared my throat and tried again. “Maybe I’ve been too desperate. Trying too hard, you know? I think I’ll keep my romance strictly between the pages for now.”
Theo frowned and tucked a lock of my hair behind my ear.
