The Christmas Memory by Barbara Winkes

Author:Barbara Winkes [Winkes, Barbara]
Language: spa
Format: epub
Amazon: B0CKTGKLH6
Publisher: UNKNOWN
Published: 2023-11-02T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Fourteen

Clare

The next few days would be busy for both of them, but Clare hadn’t forgotten about her determination to make time for what mattered. She wondered if she and Avery could manage a weekend out of town, rent a cottage for a couple of nights, go on a sleigh ride…

It might be tricky, but why not? Everything else was going perfectly. She and her team were making good progress, Jay and Parker were happy, her family was happy, and she was…beyond.

She and Avery had mostly spent time at her apartment. Clare didn’t mind, and since she assumed that Avery appreciated the privacy, she hadn’t pushed the issue. She had met one of the roommates, Max, who worked at The Ground Floor too, a few times.

Around Christmas would be a good time to raise the subject of moving in together. Clare already had a brilliant idea how to do it.

Avery’s friends were obviously important to her, and Clare wanted to meet them, so she had suggested a dinner at her place the next time.

On her way to Avery’s apartment, Clare reflected that she had expected more resistance. Or perhaps she had simply misunderstood a handful of things in the moments after that strange incident.

In any case, moving in together would be a big step, and a great way to start the new year—and take their relationship to the next level.

Tonight would be a casual dinner, everyone preparing something. Clare had brought wine and a selection of cheeses from a local deli, hoping that would make a good enough impression.

Moments after she knocked on the door, a woman about Avery’s age opened.

“Hi! You must be Clare,” she said with a welcoming smile. “Come on in. You brought wine, great. We have tons of food and booze, just find a seat and enjoy. Avery is almost ready.”

Almost?

Clare looked down at her dark red sweater and jeans. She didn’t think this occasion required dressing up? Taking a look around, she was relieved to realize that everyone wore equally casual gear. On the huge table at the end of the room, a buffet with mostly cold dishes was displayed, though the enticing smell came from the huge pot on the stove, probably soup.

“Thank you for having me.”

“Of course. I’m Chantal. Let me introduce you to everyone.”

“We’ve met. Hi, Clare.”

She wondered what Max’s somber expression was all about. Was there any reason why he wouldn’t approve? Did he ever think he had a chance with Avery?

No. Christmas was almost here, and she’d been invited to a dinner with Avery’s friends. She’d give everyone the benefit of the doubt.

“Hello, Max.”

“This is Max’s boyfriend Shane, Ryan and his girlfriend Haley, and my girlfriend Millie. Max, Ryan, Avery, and I are the ones who live here fulltime. The others mostly hang around and drink our booze.”

The slightly indignant protest turned into joined laughter.

“Thank you. I feel like I know everything I need to know already.”

“Well, not until you’ve tasted the soup Ryan made,” Max, who seemed more relaxed by degrees, commented.

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