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It’s not even about having been stuck in a plane in the middle of the woods To be honest, I haven’t been myself since we left Deep Creek My emotions are all over the place This whole crazy situation is getting to be toome

Taking a few deep breaths to calm myself, I say, “I didn’t mean to lash out at you like that”

“I understand” He wraps his arainst his chest “It will soon be over, kiska”

I craneon?” What isn’t he telling me?

He kisses my forehead “Do you want me to postpone the call with Joanne until you feel more like yourself?”

“No,” I say quickly, freeingmy hands over my hair “I’d like to chat with her”

Giving oes back to the sofa, takes a seat, and wakes his laptop screen to connect a video call I sit down on the edge of the seat next to him

Three seconds later, ood to see you” She’s walking through a spacious rooain” She plops down on a brown leather sofa, folding one leg under her, and puts the laptop on a coffee table

“Thank you,” I say with a genuine s “Merry Christmas to you too”

Ricky waves fro in a pot “Merry Christuys”

“We’re at Ricky’s place,” Joanne says “He’s renting a loft apart District” She s”

She’s wearing ht I can count on one hand the number of times I’ve seen her without her spiral curls

“You look a,” I say

“Thank you” A blush colors her cheeks “It’s a special occasion”

Ricky co a bottle of wine in one hand and two glasses in the other “Once you two are done with your honey a seat next to Joanne, “I’ll invite you for dinner too”

“We’d like that,” Alex says

Ricky winks as he pours the wine “I’ll hold you to it”

“How’s your mom?” Joanne asks “I can’t believe you flew all the way to North Carolina and didn’t stop over to see us”

Alex throws an are, duty called”

“You work too hard, Alex” Joanne takes the glass Ricky offers her “Co from me, that says a lot”

Alex chuckles “It’s a busy period It will calm down after the new year”

Joanne takes a sip of her wine “Back to your mom, Katie What’s new?”