Page 114 of Eight Days of Christmas
“No,” she said. She couldn’t lie to him. “But what choice do I have?”
Dad shook his head. “I don’t know, sweetie. I wish I could fix this for you. And I gotta admit, I saw things going differently.”
“You and me both.”
“Have any idea when you’ll be back?”
Isabella couldn’t help but look at Dad, slack-jawed. “No, Dad. No idea. But seeing as things didn’t go great this time around, I’m not really in a hurry to return. No offense.”
“I get that, I do. But you need to remember. Norah is married to Landon. Landon is a Hoffman. Which means, like it or not, our families will be tied together forever.” Dad pulled up to the curb in the airport drop off area.
“Believe me, I haven’t forgotten.” She picked up her purse and carry-on before climbing out of the car.
Dad got out, pulling her suitcase out of the back. He smiled and wrapped his arms around her in a hug. If she had to be heading back to New York, alone and disheartened, this was the best send-off she could think of. Dad’s hugs were full of warmth, love, and repose.
“Thanks, Dad. Love you.” She gave him a kiss on the cheek before stepping onto the curb.
“Love you too, sweetie. Take care of yourself. And let us know when you’ve made it home safe.”
Home. Isabella didn’t even know where home was anymore.
She stood there, waving until Dad’s car had pulled away from the curb. Then she went inside the airport, yanking her suitcase behind her and dragging what was left of her shattered heart.
Chapter Thirty-Five
Leo
Christmas had beenthe loneliest one on record to date, and that was saying something. Over the last ten years, Leo had spent a few alone. The one after Talia left when he couldn’t bring himself to celebrate with Dad and Landon, leaving them to fend for themselves. He’d been selfish. But this year, didn’t he have a right to be selfish? To mourn the loss of Isabella and their future?
It only took a day after Isabella left before he realized what an idiot he’d been. That he should’ve fought for her instead of just giving up and letting her go. He thought he was doing the right thing by stepping aside and allowing her to be happy with Harrison, but since Norah had told him Isabella broke things off for good with him, Leo knew what he had to do.
Go to New York and try. One last time.
Leo had planned to spend most of New Year’s alone as well. At least until his flight later that evening. He’d never fully understood the hype regarding New Year’s. So what? A year ended and a new year began. It didn’t signify anything special in his mind. And don’t even get him started on New Year’s resolutions.
Ricky had invited Leo to come to celebrate with them at O’Henry’s. Leo figured it would give him a chance to say goodbye. Besides, Kelsey would be there with their new baby girl, Charlotte and he hadn’t met her yet. She was only four days old. The thought of the little baby sent a pang in his heart. Isabella had missed the birth by two days.
Leo had to park his truck further than usual. O’Henry’s was packed. He strolled inside, finding bustling servers and a trio up on stage singing a terrible rendition of “Dancing Queen.” He shuttered and approached the bar where Ricky filled pint glasses with beer.
“Hey, man. You made it,” Ricky greeted him.
“Yep. You know I wouldn’t miss the opportunity to meet the newest O’Henry.”
Ricky passed the glasses to a few guys leaning over the bar and wiped his hands on the towel hanging over his shoulder. He gave Leo a fist bump and scanned the nearby faces. “Kels is around here somewhere. Oh, man, just wait until you see Charlotte.”
“Can’t wait. Congrats, again.” He slid onto a barstool and glanced around. He spotted Vanessa and Joey at a table near the front. His attention flicked to one of the women on stage singing karaoke.
Ricky propped his elbows on the bar top. “She’s cute, right?”
Leo swiveled on the stool, returning his attention to Ricky, sighing. “Not interested.”
“Oh, c’mon. You need to get back in the game.”
“When am I gonna get a beer? This place has lousy service,” he muttered, teasingly.
Ricky held a glass under the spout of a local pale ale. “How long has it been? Talia?”
When Leo didn’t answer, Ricky paused, his green eyes widening. “Isabella?”
