Page 86 of Mistletoe and Mayday

The response comes instantly, a barrage of indignation.

Cora

You’ve been “not in the mood” since you were rescued from Alaska. We’re staging an intervention.

Riley

Is this about that guy? Because I WILL fight him. These biceps aren’t just for show.

Jill

She won’t fight him because she likes him. We all saw those press photos. That jawline could cut GLASS.

Riley

I didn’t say I wouldn’t make out with him after fighting him. I contain multitudes.

A laugh escapes me. These three lunatics have been my safety net since forever. They’ve dragged me through breakups, celebrated promotions, and once bailed me out of jail after a karaoke incident we’ve all sworn never to mention again.

It’s complicated.

Cora

Complicated = You’re still in love with him and refuse to do anything about it.

Jill

Ah, the Bailey Monroe Special. Fly planes, run from feelings, screaming.

I hate you all.

Riley

No, you don’t. Which is why you’re going to tell us what happened.

I hesitate, then type out the entire story. The airport. The snow globes. The things I said to push him away. My finger hovers over “send” for a long moment before I commit.

The phone stays silent for an excruciating thirty seconds.

Cora

Bailey. Honey. You’re an idiot.

Riley

Let me get this straight. A gorgeous billionaire chased you across the country with snow globes because he knows you’re obsessed with them, and you told him to fuck off because you’re scared?

Jill

I’m booking you a therapy session. And a flight to Chicago.

Cora

You didn’t even try. You sabotaged this before giving it a chance!

Each message makes me flinch because they’re right. Every single one of them.

Riley