Total pages in book: 129
Estimated words: 122216 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 611(@200wpm)___ 489(@250wpm)___ 407(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 122216 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 611(@200wpm)___ 489(@250wpm)___ 407(@300wpm)
“Jocelyn. You there?”
“Sorry. I’m here.”
“You want to grab lunch?” My stomach growls at the mention of food. When was the last time I ate something that didn't have chocolate in it? It’s been days. Maybe it will do me some good to get out. Fresh air might be just the thing I need. Maybe a bacon cheeseburger with a side of steak fries and a strawberry shake would help, too.
“I would like that actually.” Going out will be good for me.
“I’ll pick you up in a little while?”
“I’ll meet you. The diner?”
“Yeah, I’ll see you in an hour.” I agree before hanging up the phone. I make myself shower and get dressed. I put on some makeup, too, hoping it will make me feel better, but it doesn't. Now I’m just a sad girl with fresh makeup. Great.
When I pull out of my driveaway, my eyes linger on Mac’s house. I don’t only miss Mac, but I miss Sylvester too. He’s no longer in the window watching us all and silently judging us.
I wipe my cheeks when I feel wetness hit them. I’m not sure I can stay here. The idea of waking up and having to look over at Mac’s empty house every day sounds like torture. I’ll never be able to heal if I stay here. Part of me wishes he’d never told me he loved me. I think it would make this less hard. For so long I’ve wanted that man, but to know he wants me back as much as I want him, even though we can’t be together, is the worst kind of pain.
I finally pull up to the diner and park my car. I take a deep breath before I pull down the visor and take a look at the damage my little crying episode had on my makeup. I do a quick touch up.
I let out a scream when a knock sounds.
“It’s me.” Ted holds up his hands.
“Sorry.” I open my car door.
“Jocelyn.” Ted says my name softly. “Are you okay?”
“Do I look that horrible?” I let out a small laugh.
“No, you never look horrible.” He puts his hand on my back. “You look sad. Let’s get some food in you.” He guides me toward the diner. We snag a table in the back and order our food at the same time as our drinks. “Do I need to go over and beat his ass?” He gives me a half smile.
“He’s not there for you to beat his ass.”
“I heard he’s putting his house on the market. I thought you two might be moving in together.” He gives me a somewhat sly glance.
Mac’s selling his house? I swear those words are like a blow to my gut. I swallow the lump that forms in my throat. He has time to call and put his house on the market, but he can’t give me one stupid call? He can’t spare one second to check and make sure I’m okay?
“He got a job offer he couldn't turn down. I pushed him to take it.” How horrible is it that I kind of regret that? It’s for the best he hasn't called me. It’s better to have a clean break, because I’m weak when it comes to him. I know I’d break down and beg him to come back.
“Nah. He’s a dumbass then.” Ted stares at me and shakes his head. “I’m sorry, Jocelyn, but he is. If I got you to love me, nothing could get me to leave.”
“That’s sweet of you to say.” The server stops by and drops our plates off.
I manage to get some food down and actually feel a bit better. “Thank you. I needed to get out of the house for a little.”
Ted snags the check off the table before I can. “I have to get back to work, but I’m going to swing by your place after.”
“Ted, I—”
“As friends, Jocelyn.” His face goes soft on me.
“It’s fine. You don’t have to do that.” I try to wave him off.
“It’s what friends do. I’ll see you tonight.”
I just nod. I can tell from the look on Ted’s face he’s not taking no for an answer. He’s worried about me. I wonder if Mac is thinking about me at all.
He’s probably too busy. I swipe at my cheeks again and turn into a water fountain when I pull back into my driveaway and see the ‘for sale’ sign outside of Mac’s house. When I get into the house I make a call. I think it’s time for me to move on, too.
17
SANTA
Cinnamon Stick won’t shut up as I do my best to ignore him and feed the reindeer. The North Pole is magical, just like I knew in my heart it would be. Aurora borealis overhead, crisp snow everywhere, and Christmas cheer floating in the air.