15. Nix
Chapter 15
Nix
“ M erry Christmas to me.” For the first time in a long time, I wasn’t in the Christmas spirit and I hated it. I built my life the way I wanted it here in Holiday Grove. I had my own business that I loved, friends I could count on and I didn’t take men too seriously…for obvious reasons. Was I a little sheltered? Perhaps but more than that I was safe. My heart was safe.
“That’s what I get for being taken in by a pretty face.” That was a lie. It would be easier if it was just his face or his body. Or his billions. The fact was that my mistake was actually getting to know Lee beyond the billionaire developer trying to destroy my town. Now that I knew he was kind and sweet—or seemed so on the surface—it made it all hurt even more.
Shake it off, I told myself as I looked at table stacked with pies I spent making last night. There was enough pie to feed half of Holiday Grove, which was perfect since I was hosting today’s meal. There was ham still roasting in the oven, enough mashed potatoes to feed the entire state and enough mac & cheese to last until Spring. Torey and the other guests would bring the rest, which meant I wouldn’t be alone today.
Thank goodness.
I hadn’t heard from my brother at all so chances were slim he would make a surprise appearance for the hot cocoa and snowman building contest or Christmas dinner. As long as you’re safe. Since nothing else was going my way I just hoped the universe would work hard to keep my brother safe. Satisfied that I’d sent the good vibes up into the world, I painted my lips red as if that would keep my phony smile in place, donned my matching coat and made my way to the park.
No matter what happens don’t let your smile slip.
Holiday Grove was a small town and everyone was always in everyone else’s business and if there was even a hint of sadness or heartache, I wouldn’t have any peace to mourn on my own.
Thankfully Torey was already at the park with the hot cocoa letting off steams in paper cups next to small plates stacked with cookies, cupcakes and chocolates. “Nix, you’re here!” She wrapped me in a hug and whispered in my ear. “I would’ve understood if you stayed home.”
I pulled back and frowned. “Why would I stay home? This is my town and I’m the one who promised we’d man the refreshments on Christmas morning. I’m fine.” I ignored her concerned looks and kept the dessert plates stocked.
“Well, well look who we have here.” The voice was a familiar one but I hadn’t seen her in far too many years.
“Rob? What are you doing here?” Robin was a famous model, probably the most famous person to come out of Holiday Grove and we’d grown up together.
She flashed her million-dollar smile and shrugged. “Missing my friends and family. Heartache. Being too old to work at the ripe old age of twenty-five. Take your pick.”
Sensing she needed as much comfort as I did, I rounded the table and wrapped her in a hug. “Sorry for the reason you’re here but it’s so good to see your beautiful face.”
“It’s good to be here. Mind if I crash your dinner tonight? I’m not ready to see my folks just yet.”
“Absolutely. You can even have the guest room for as long as you need it.”
“Thank you, Nix.”
“Not necessary. How about a cookie or is it too soon?”
Her perfectly sculpted brows shot up. “Got any brownies?”
“Make that three brownies.” Another familiar face appeared in my view and I gasped at the sight of another lifelong friend.
“Kayla! Or should I call you Dr. Stevens now?”
Her cheeks blushed a bright shade of pink. “You finally can! I finished my residency and passed my boards so I’m officially Dr. Stevens.”
A round of excited squeals went around followed by a round of hugs and congratulations. “I’m so happy to see you ladies.” This was a bright spot in an otherwise bleak holiday season. “You came at just the right time.”
Both women sent me confused looks but it was Torey who filled them in on my ill-fated romance. “And now you’re all caught up.”
I rolled my eyes. “She forgot to mention that she’s friends with Lancaster. The rock star.”
“Wow,” Rob grinned. “A billionaire and a rock star? Maybe moving back home won’t be so bad after all.” She grabbed me by the shoulders, her jade green eyes studied me carefully. “So you’re one of those women who looks absolutely stunning during heartbreak? Flawless skin, clear eyes and this glow that just screams look at me ! It’s truly unfair.”
“Says the perfect genetic specimen,” I groaned and waved off her compliment.
“Yeah well, look where that got me. Right back where I started.” She smiled but it didn’t reach her eyes.
“And where everyone adores you. Welcome home, to both of you!” It would be nice to have the whole gang together again. More friends meant more activities, more girls’ nights and a lot less free time to obsess about something that wasn’t to be.
More than an hour later, the winners of the snowman building contest were announced and less than ten minutes later the park was mostly empty. Thank goodness. I’d had about all I could take of my phony smile and holiday cheer. I had about an hour to be miserable and grouchy while I packed up the tent, cocoa dispensers, cups and the few leftover sweet treats, and returned them all to the bakery.
“If I help we’ll be done in half the time.” Torey grabbed the plastic containers with a grunt.
“Nope. You have plenty to do before you head to my house. I got this.”
She flashed me a look of sympathy that I hated but accepted. “You sure?”
“Yep. See you soon.” I packed up the cart and pushed it through the park until I arrived at the bakery. I took my time putting everything away, wiping down countertops and tables, and making sure everything was prepped for tomorrow. The quiet inside the bakery was addictive and I spent more time there than I should have before my alarm sounded a reminder that I had guests arriving at my house any day now.
I locked up the bakery and tracked a path back through the park to my car where I found Lee waiting for me. And dammit he looked gorgeous and casual in jeans and a peacoat, and a couple days of scruff. “Lee, how can I help you?”
He sighed heavily, a look of disappointment on his beautiful face. “I was hoping that we could talk.”
I shook my head as the urge to cry welled up inside of me. “I don’t think we have anything to talk about.”
Lee took a step forward and I took a step back. “Nix, please.”
“Oh, there you are!” Torey, my best friend in the whole world, arrived just in time. “What are you still doing here?” She turned and noticed Lee, saying something to him that I couldn’t hear, mostly because I made a quick getaway, slipping behind the steering wheel and hightailing it out before his wicked smile could convince me to hear him out.
There was no reason.
There was nothing to talk about. I repeated those six words over and over on the drive home until I believed it.
A quick look in the rearview mirror put a smile on my face. Torey was giving Lee a good talking to, which he totally deserved.
“Doesn’t matter, it’s old news. He tried and he failed, mission over.” I had to my game face back on, ready to greet my friends and fill our bellies with incredible food and plenty of wine.
A lot of wine.