Page 44 of Choosing Us

Stu’s eyebrows jump so far that I worry they may leave his forehead altogether. “What did you just call me? You’re much feistier than your mother mentioned. I can work with that.”

I rear back. “Excuse me?”

“We would be so great together. You are no silent church mouse like your mother makes you out to be. You’re a wildcat.”

“If I find out you were behind this, I will be taking legal action against you,” I firmly tell him and decide that’s enough holiday cheer for the day. I don’t know how this evening went from dreading dealing with my parents’ social circle, navigating being ponied around like a broodmare, to potential identity theft, but I think my limit has far been exceeded.

“Excuse me,” I announce to the table without further explanation and snatch my clutch as I stand and make my way to the ladies’ room. Fate doesn’t hate me altogether as I find one that is a single room instead of one where my mother could chase me down. I lock the door and collapse on the small chaise lounge next to the sink.

Even the bathrooms are bougie in this place, and I’m grateful for a moment of silence. This has to be a mistake, but I’m not even sure how to fix it—other than forking over twenty thousand dollars for a dream vacation and facing my mother’s wrath.

I feel a pounding headache coming on that is all too familiar when dealing with my mother as my phone vibrates. But to my surprise, it’s not my mother demanding I return, but one of the few people that could put a smile on my face right now.

Ryan

Happy Boxing Day.

Is that a thing friends text each other? Did he text the wrong person? But before I can clarify, another text from him comes through.

Ryan

Apparently, according to my nieces, today should be celebrated with more boxes, aka presents, so if you aren’t currently celebrating, please let me know and we will get more boxes than you will know what to do with.

I smirk as I type what my initial reaction was without overthinking it before I can stop myself.

Me

What are you giving me in the boxes?

Ryan

Depends what you want?

Oh, that’s a dangerous question with this man. He exudes serious vibes but has this subtle flirty charm about him that I want to devour, and that’s before he smiles, causing his dimple to pop in his right cheek.

Me

That’s a risky question to ask a woman.

Ryan

What can I say, I like to live dangerously ;)

Ryan

Are you still in New York? How’s it going?

Me

Unfortunately. And somehow even worse than I was prepared for.

I hardly press send before my phone lights up.

Incoming Call: Ryan Callahan

Without debating it, I answer and lean my head against the wall. “Hello?”

“Hey. Are you okay?” His smooth voice causes a deep exhale that allows my shoulders to relax.