"So you both knew that she wanted to break up with Oliver and didn't tell me? Way to spread the love, Joy," Brayden says, mockingly hurt.
"I don't know, Bray. In my mind, you were closer to Oliver and if you let it slip before I got to do it..." I pause. "Doesn't really matter anyway, it's not like the way I broke up with him was how I intended to."
We're hanging out at Brayden's a few days after Christmas. Tonight's plans are to discuss what we're doing for New Years, but we're catching up on my crumbling relationship status first.
"Have you given more thought about talking to him? It could be a nice form of closure and clarity," Lydia expresses, placing a hand on my arm while speaking.
"It's a strong maybe. I think it might be a New Years thing, I'm just fine with letting this year end on a bad note."
"Speaking of New Years, I have a...different plan for this year," Brayden says, almost sneakily.
"What about our normal tradition?" Callie questions.
New Years is a big deal in the city and we absolutely love to make fun of it. We don't understand why anyone would purposely fly out here to stand in the freezing cold to ring in the New Year; ain't nothing glamorous about it. Each year, since we became friends, we've gone to Callie's house. It's nothing real special; just filled with lots of noise makers and sparkling cider. But, it's our tradition and I absolutely love celebrating with my best friends. I was expecting to have my first ever New Years kiss, but that ship has since sailed.
"Well, Joy, as you know, Mr. Bennett always goes out of town for New Years, leaving the store empty. And the man does have a great view of the fireworks that occur."
"So you want to break into my place of employment just to see a nice view?"
"But, it wouldn't be breaking in. You have a key, plus he's always offered it since you started working there," Brayden pauses, already knowing what I want to interject with.
"How do we know...he won't be there."
"I may have talked to uhhh...him and have since learned he's flying to Chicago to spend the holiday with his mom. And before you get mad at me for talking to him, please note that he was there when I was talking to his dad and I'd feel rude to ignore him."
"What do you think, Joy? It does sound fun," Callie asks, eyes pleading.
"Yeah, and he wouldn't even be there," Lydia says, sharing the same look as Callie.
I think about it, but it does sound fun. I mean, Bennett's is my second home, so I love spending time there. "Alright. We can do New Years at the shop."
My friends got all excited and started hugging me. I think it'll be a fun night and I'm looking forward to spending New Years Eve in a different place.
YOU ARE READING
Hearts on a Page ~ Enemies to Lovers
RomanceCan you make someone fall in love even if they don't believe in it? Joy Morrison works at Bennett's Books, her local bookshop, and it's everything she could dream of. She gets paid to read, avoid her problems at home, and hang out with Mr. Bennett's...
