“Let me move my sewing machine over so you can set up yours,” I say. “You do know how to use it, right?”
“My grandmother gave me a quick rundown, but I might need some help. I’m a financial analyst by day. Calculating option-adjusted spread I can do. Figuring out sewing machines is a little out of my league.”
Twenty minutes later and a few rough starts, the elf-hat assembly line is in business. I’m responsible for cutting the pieces from the red velvet. We’re both responsible for sewing the pieces together.
Eric is slow because sewing is a new skill for him. I’m slow because of my cast. We talk the entire time, which is another reason why we aren’t working at supersonic speed.
He’s entertaining, sweet, and funny. I’m not interested in him romantically, but maybe I could introduce him to Kiera. You never know. They might hit it off and eventually became a cute couple—once she’s ready to date.
Eric’s phone pings a text, and he checks the screen. He responds to whoever sent it. “I’m sorry, Chloe, I have to leave. But I’m free tomorrow night to help you make more hats.”
“That would be great. Thanks.” Between the two of us, we’ve finished ten hats. Nothing to create new world records, but given the handicaps we’re both dealing with—my arm, his lack of sewing background—we didn’t do half bad.
My phone vibrates from the table. I peer at the screen.
Adam: You okay up there?
I grab the phone and reply.
Me: I’m doing great. Thanks. Going to bed now.
Adam: Let me know if you need anything.
Me: Will do. Good night Adam.
A sudden urge to text Landon races through me.
I stomp it down.
I refuse to be the fake girlfriend who misses her fake ex-boyfriend.
Now, I just need someone to tell my heart that.
29
Landon
I’m watchinga hockey game on TV when the doorbell rings.
This is the moment I’ve been waiting for. Whiskey’s going to his forever home.
The vet clinic called two days ago to let me know they found a home for the puppy. A home that will give him all the love he deserves.
Whiskey peers up at me from his dog bed in the living room that is now devoid of all reminders of Christmas. It now resembles the room it once was before Chloe stepped into my life. The only things remaining are Whiskey and his supplies, and they, too, will be gone shortly.
And then my life can return to normal.
I packed up the decorations the night of the accident when I realized I couldn’t be in Chloe’s life any longer. Not when the risk of her dying was too great.
I’ve already gone through the pain of losing a woman I loved. I’m not interested in making that two out of two.
And yes, I love her. I don’t believe in love at first sight. That’s for fools and romantics. But even though we’ve only been together for a few weeks, what I feel for her is real.
Doesn’t that just fuck all?
I turn the TV off and stand. “Your new family is here,” I tell him. The enthusiasm in my voice has flatlined, and I can’t find the will to resuscitate it.
But that doesn’t matter. As soon as he meets his new family, he’ll be excited for the two of us.
