Page 111 of By Invitation Only

She rolled her eyes.

I took a bite of pizza and, as I chewed the cheesy goodness, I realized what I could get Peyton for Christmas.

“I know what to get Peyton. I’ll be back.”

“What?” Carrie called out as I was out of my seat and moving.

I didn’t answer as I walked down the hall to my room. Once I was in my bedroom, I grabbed my laptop, opened it and booked Peyton a weekend in Yosemite. It might not be for Christmas as she’d suggested, but spending a long weekend away with her was definitely what we needed.

And print!

“Carrie!” I called as I walked back toward the dining room carrying the paper. “Can you wrap this?”

She looked down at the paper in my hand once I was standing next to her. “What is it?”

“Peyton’s gift.”

She grabbed it.

“What did you buy her?” Mum asked.

“I booked us a cabin in Yosemite for President’s Day weekend.”

“You got her a gift she can’t use until February?” Carrie asked.

I rolled my eyes. “Just wrap it for me, yes?”

“I can’t wait until we’re not married.” She stuck out her tongue.

I glared at her. “Likewise.”

My arm moved to the other side of the bed where Peyton was supposed to be, but she wasn’t there. It was just a cold space. Too cold. Before Peyton, I liked to spread out in the middle of my bed, butt naked and fall fast asleep, but now I was staring up at the dark ceiling. It was almost midnight, and I had a half a mind to ask Peyton for her parents address so I could climb through the window of her room like a teenager and sleep with her. I grabbed my phone and texted her.

Me:Are you awake?

A few seconds later she replied.

Peyton:Yes. It’s weird being in bed without you now, let alone a bed I sleep in once a year.

I smiled.

Me:I feel the same way.

Peyton:Also my mom tried to hook me up with her friend’s two sons tonight. Awkward.

I sat straight up and re-read the message before responding.

Me:What? She tried to set you up with someone?

Peyton:Two guys. Her friend has two sons a year apart from each other, and she felt the need to invite them over to “meet” me.

Fuck the texting.

Me:Call me.

The phone rang. “What happened?” I asked as my greeting.

I heard her chuckle. “Relax, Mr. Romantic. I obviously turned them down.”