The Cynic's Christmas Conundrum: A Novelette (Love Cynics Anonymous) by Bennett L.M

Author:Bennett, L.M. [Bennett, L.M.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: L.M. Bennett Books
Published: 2023-12-04T00:00:00+00:00

Khalil's text came through just as I was settling in for the evening. Amara had finished her practice. I was freshly showered and ready to watch Claire Foy and Matt Smith snark at each other when my phone dinged.

Can't take another minute cramped up here. Meet me for a drink?

I glanced at the time. It was later than I'd normally go out, but the thought of getting out of my apartment and hearing one of Khalil's wild stories was just too tempting. The exchange from earlier was still simmering in the back of my head, and I needed to get out of mine for a bit.

When I arrived at the wine bar, I spotted Khalil tucked away in our regular corner booth, a glass of red wine already waiting. Donny Hathaway played softly from hidden speakers, singing about what he wanted to do for Christmas. The worn leather and heavy wooden tables gave the place an old-school vibe, perfect for trading stories over drinks. The small, hand-held menus boasted holiday drinks and cocktails. Khalil had already taken the liberty of ordering the second bottle.

"River, sis." He nudged the stool out for me with his foot. "Sit. Another day cooped up with Amir and chile, your gworl was about to lose it."

I laughed, flagging down the waiter. "That bad?"

"Girl, you have no idea. He meal plans for the week. We both work from home ! Who does that?!" He downed the last bit of red wine in one gulp. "Distract me. What's new with you?"

I told him about the nonprofit project as a server set down a tapas plate. Khalil listened thoughtfully as I unloaded, chin propped on his hand.

"I'm so sorry, girl" he said when I finished, reaching across the table to pat my hand. "I know how much you've been wanting work like that."

I took another sip of the wine, already feeling lighter. Or was that light-headed? Whatever. "It is what it is."

No idea which wine this was, but it was tasty. Then, I looked over and a familiar figure caught my eye. Amara, sipping on a glass of white wine, deep in conversation with a friend. The figure-hugging white sweater dress she wore made it a struggle to keep my eyes above her shoulders.

Before I could stop myself, I called her name. She turned, surprise flashing across her face before her pained expression smoothed into a smile.

Had I misread this somehow?

"River, Khalil, hey."

As she walked over, Khalil kicked me under the table. "Mmm, let me find out y'all made nice."

Immediately, Khalil scooped Amara into a hug. "How are you, sis?"

She shrugged. "Eh, I've been better."

"Aww, sweetie. Did they get back to you about a new date? Those are stuffed with crab. Try!" Khalil handed over a small bite of crab-stuffed mushroom to Amara, who rolled her eyes back.

"OMG!"

"Wait, hold on. A new what?" Clearly, I wasn't up to speed.

Amara winced, holding up a finger as she chewed the food. "They rescheduled my concert." She turned to Khalil. "They have pushed it back to Thursday, but now all these posters have the wrong date.

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