Page 3 of The Holiday Exchange
“That’s right.” His recall for details is impressive. “I was raised in a picturesque small town called Bright’s Hollow, and though that’s the exact reason I moved to the Boston area, it’s perfect for the holidays.”
“Well, now you’re making me jealous. I’m picturing snow, smoke curling from the chimney, and a roaring fireplace.”
“If you include a huge decorated tree in the town square as well as lights strung from each shop, you’d be right.”
“Nice. Just like those Christmas movies. I’ve always wanted to spend the holiday in a town like that.” His eyes light up. “As for the movies, I’m not ashamed to admit I’m addicted. There’s just something soothing about them.”
“They have a formula that obviously works, no matter how unrealistic.”
“Oh, come on. What’s unrealistic about leaving the big city to celebrate the holidays in your small town, only to find the love of your life was right under your nose all along?”
I huff out a laugh, having no doubt Dawson would enjoy my hometown. Nathan on the other hand…
“How about you?” I ask. “Any plans for the holidays?”
Actually, his answer might give me a heads-up on how to handle the topic with his brother. I know they grew up outside the city, and from what he’s told me, his parents were able to retire young and they like spending time abroad. Pretty ideal if traveling is your dream. The thought niggles at my gut. They’ve traversed the world, whereas I’ve only managed one continent and scenic local attractions as an adult. My parents never had the means to travel very much, not given how busy our family farm keeps them. They’ve barely been able to keep their heads above water year-round, selling small-town favorites, from hanging baskets in the spring to live trees in the winter.
“Not sure yet about the holidays this year…” Dawson replies. “My parents will be skiing in Europe. They invited me along, but I might just stick around here.”
That doesn’t sound very festive. “Because of your shop?”
“Nah, I’ll still close up shop for the week.” He shrugs. “Might have a low-key holiday this time around.”
Just as I’m about to ask about Nathan, he sweeps through the door.
“I see you’re still on time as ever,” Dawson deadpans, and Nathan rolls his eyes.
“Sorry I’m late,” he says, but given his nonchalance, he’s not sorry at all. “My meeting ran over. It was hard to get away.”
“No problem.” Nathan and I definitely share that rat-race mentality. I’m in software sales. A project manager, to be exact, and customer service is top priority, like it is for him in the marketing world. I have no doubt he’s good at his job. He could probably sell water to a drowning man.
As another customer steps up to the counter, we take our drinks to a table by the window, and I’m glad it’s far enoughaway that Dawson can’t hear our conversation. Although I might chicken out. Nathan intimidates me in a way Dawson doesn’t. My parents always point out that I tend to gravitate toward successful, self-assured businessmen—and that they always end up disappointing me. That I’m in love with the idea of love but never date anyone good enough for me, with the exception of Mark, my first love. But ever since he broke my heart, I’ve had the most horrible track record in choosing men. So this time I plan on proving them wrong. Three months is a milestone for me, and despite Nathan’s self-confidence, he hasn’t treated me unkindly like the others—at least not on purpose.
We talk about work and the mild winter weather until I finally bite the bullet. “Dawson mentioned your parents are spending the holiday in Europe,” I say, not meeting his gaze—and isn’t it strange that I hear this kind of news from Dawson more often than I do from Nathan? It never hit me until this moment.
When he doesn’t answer right away, I get up the nerve to look at him. His nose is buried in his phone. “Uh, sorry, was responding to a customer.”
“You seem pretty distracted lately. Is it all work?”
He looks up at me. “Yeah, just got a lot on my plate. In fact, I wanted to talk to you ab?—”
“Will you come home with me for the holiday?” I blurt out, cringing when Nathan only blinks and stares like I’d asked him to elope.
I want a hole in the floor to open up and swallow me and my big mouth. “I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable. It’s just…I asked my parents last night, and they would love to meet you.”
“Asked if you could bring me home?” I’ve never heard that pitch of his voice before. “But we’ve, uh, only been dating a couple of months.”
Three months. Well, two months and twenty days, but who’s counting. And now I feel like absolute crap. And given how strange Nathan sounds, he’s probably mortified that I’d asked him at all. I should’ve known better. I always idealize these situations and then end up alone. I want what my parents have, but maybe they’ve set the bar too high.
“No, you’re right, it’s only that…Dawson mentioned your parents won’t be around.”
“Glad my brother tells you all our business.” He throws him a look, even though Dawson isn’t even facing our way.
“He doesn’t. He, uh…” I’m flustered. Why wouldn’t I know his business? We’re dating, for Christ’s sake, and the holidays are approaching. “It was only small talk.”
“Yeah, I know.” Nathan sighs. “Listen, it’s nice of you to ask, but?—”
“Sorry if I overstepped. I know we haven’t been dating long, but I thought maybe you could use time away from the city.”