“Congratulations, you’ve officially graduated from social media school.” I glance over at the carolers as they begin to sing “Joy to the World.” I cock my head. “That’s my favorite carol.”
Mallory’s eyes light up as she takes on a nostalgic look. “Mine, too.” With a sigh, she grabs my hand and pulls me toward them. “Come on before I change my mind, Mr. Razzle-Dazzle.”
Under the glow of the Christmas tree lights, singing my favorite carol with the woman I’m head over heels for right beside me, I’ve never felt happier.
I can’t think about the idea that she may never come around without feeling a deep pain in my chest. Plus, I’m sure the media would have a field day if a leading man in Hollywood couldn’t even land his dream girl. But I’d rather every tabloid talk about me being forever alone than be with anyone else. Because no one would ever match up to Mallory.
“Mama,Iwanttolook like Elsa!” Evie declares, pointing at a face-painting booth.
“I can take her,” Griffin volunteers, then looks between me and Tess. “That is, if it’s all right with both of you. You can have some girl time since Tyler’s off getting more snacks.”
“If you don’t mind, that would be great,” Tess says.
I gesture toward the booth. “Be my guest.”
“That’s the wrong Disney movie,” he teases.
I roll my eyes. “You’d better go before she starts singing ‘Let It Go.’”
He picks up a squealing Evie and heads toward the booth, leaving me alone with my girls.
“Okay, he’s perfect for you.” Shayna grins ear to ear while everyone else nods in agreement.
My mouth falls open, aghast at what I’m hearing from my so-called best friends. “You can’t seriously like him.”
“He looks at you like you’re the only girl he sees, Mal. I’d give anything for a man to look atmelike that.” Shayna’s demeanor softens as she takes in my frown. “I know he hurt you, but don’t you think people can change? Or that we mistook them in the first place?”
I shut my gaping mouth. That may be a valid point. I’ve never asked Griffin about his answers in that interview. Maybe there’s a reason he responded the way he did.
Kelsey gets that dreamy look she always has when thinking of Tyler. “Take it from me that first impressions aren’t always everything.”
“He explained the whole ghosting thing and said he’s been looking for you ever since,” Alyssa says.
“And he’s been looking at you like a lovesick teenager all night,” Tess adds.
“Yes, but—”
Kelsey shrugs. “It sounds to me like you have a man who’s been looking for you for years because he still wants you. You’re just scared to let him in again and potentially get hurt.”
Shayna pulls me in for a side hug. “We’re always on your side, Mal. We’re your best friends, your ride or dies…which is why we’re telling you the truth.”
Alyssa points at Griffin across the way. I follow her finger to find him already looking at me with a smile.
“See.” Alyssa slaps her hand on her hip. “He might be an actor, Mal. But you can’t fake the way he’s constantly searching for you in the crowd or the way he smiles when he sees you.”
“Yeah, he doesn’t have that lopsided, infatuated smile when he looks at Brittany Clearwater’s character in the movie,” Tess agrees.
“Trust me when I say that I was firmly on themad at Griffintrain.” Kelsey grabs my arms. “Heck, I was the one driving it for you. But after seeing him here with you tonight, I see why you liked him so much after meeting him. And I liked seeing the old Mallory again.”
I blink. “What old Mallory?”
“The one who wasn’t hardened to love,” Alyssa answers while Kelsey, Tess, and Shayna nod in agreement.
“I’m not hardened to love,” I argue. “It’s just that no guy has ever liked me enough to choose me.”
“Because you’ve never let them in.” Alyssa’s voice is quiet, like she’s trying not to spook or hurt me.
“Not since Griffin broke your heart.” Kelsey squeezes my upper arms, and I’m glad for it because I feel otherwise numb.
