INTERIM LOVER, ryan howard.

019 ⋮ merry christmas, ya filthy animal

i'm gonna be really honest i feel like there isn't enough drama in this book so... we're getting messy

—

        Christmas was Ryan's favourite time of the year. Despite having to celebrate it in two different households, he always felt as though his childhood chagrin was set aside for two or three days, and in place, he was given a taste of what a normal family felt like.

He hurried into the building, instantly thawing when he stepped foot inside. He headed straight for the lifts, earning a critical look from Hank. He probably should've taken the stairs, the exercise would have done him some good.

Just as the doors were sliding shut, someone called out, "Wait!"

Ryan stuck a hand between the doors, forcing them back open. On the other side was Rachel, hair matted with snow, a chill on her lips. Her eyes widened slightly at the sight of him, but she was quick to pretend nothing was wrong.

Close behind her was her chauffeur. Jim panted, after sprinting from the car, wedging himself somewhat awkwardly between the tiny space between Rachel and the wall of the elevator.

"Hey, Ryan. Uh, you know which floor. Thanks."

Ryan fought the urge to roll his eyes. He had never been amused by Jim. Particularly after the merging of the Stamford branch, Jim was far too smug for his liking, and Rachel was growing too comfortable with Jim instead of him.

—

RACHEL

This is going to be... the most awkward Christmas ever. I mean, every day has been awkward since I left for Stamford. No, since I ended things with Ryan. I'm constantly torn between wanting to be with the old Ryan and being disgusted by the person he's become.

Please don't tell him I said that. You promise you won't? Somehow I don't believe that.

—

Rachel stepped into the kitchen the moment Kelly Kapoor exited the bathroom. She was otherwise excellent at avoiding the preppy girl, but she'd made a mistake today. However, unlike her last encounter with Kelly, Rachel was not serenaded, but instead attacked with an embrace.

"Rachel!" Kelly squealed at the top of her voice. "I haven't seen you in forever!"

She was finding it hard to breathe, perhaps Kelly still hated her and was strangling her. Rachel was finally let go, and a genuine smile lit the smaller girl's face.

"Have you been avoiding me?" Kelly put a hand on her hip.

"Uh... no?"

"Good, because I thought you did because of Ryan you know? He's the best boyfriend ever. Three weeks ago he—"

She wasn't jealous, nor upset that he was doing it for Kelly, not her. She was entirely happy for Kelly. Nothing more and nothing less.

"Oh my god I missed my best friend!" Kelly giggled, squeezing Rachel into another choking embrace.

And somehow, she was way happier with just that.

—