Cocky Notes - Leesa Bow Page 0,49

your first Christmas with your new girlfriend,” I tell him. I walk him out the front to where Bernadette has pulled up in her SUV.

“Merry Christmas,” I say to her. She opens the door, and we hug each other.

I move to the other side of the car holding the esky while Dad gets in. “Enjoy yourselves.” I kiss him on the cheek before he closes the door, then stand on the sidewalk and wave as they drive away.

It’s weird walking into the empty house. I switch off the Christmas carols playing in the background and head to my room.

I message Georgia.

How is your Christmas going?

I check my phone for new messages. I smile when one comes through from Reef.

Merry Christmas, beautiful.

Have you opened your present?

Hope you’re enjoying your time with your father.

Looking forward to seeing you soon xx

Not yet.

I’m opening it tonight.

I’ll love it no matter.

Miss you xx

I can’t help thinking about his previous comments about gifts. More to the point, expensive gifts. And why he said those things. It has to be because of an ex-girlfriend. Now I’m thinking, what was she like? Wrapping my arms around my middle, I recall his words of telling me I’m his type and recall the look on his face when he said the words. Only I recognise his expression—one of lust, not love.

Picking up the small box, I turn it in my fingertips, then place it down deciding I don’t need another thing to mess with my head today.

It’s six o’clock. I receive the call from Oliver asking if I can come into work as Tara has gone home sick. So I send a message to Bernadette asking her to let Dad know since he can be unreliable with his phone.

I don’t hesitate because it’s better than staying at home alone. I may be working my arse off, but I’ll be surrounded with work friends and happy revellers enjoying the festivities.

By the end of the night, I’m exhausted, and when Oliver offers everyone drinks on the house, I accept. After downing a couple of glasses of wine, I check my phone and see a message from Georgia and Bernadette.

Holding my breath, I swipe the screen and read the one from Bernadette first.

Hi Macy

Peter is staying the night.

He’s had a few beers and since you’re working, I thought it best for him not to be home alone.

Enjoy your night.

B x

I open the message from Georgia.

Merry Christmas, babe!

I’m heading to the city tonight.

In the mood to hit up a nightclub?

If so message me.

Having a few quiet vinos with the family before heading out later.

Let me know!

Why not? I have nowhere else to be with anyone special.

I’m already at Lombardi’s, although I am in work clothes.

I can’t drive as I’ve had a few wines, so I’m heading out in black.

Suits my current mood.

Meet me here?

I continue drinking wine with Oliver and Tyler since the rest of the staff left to be with loved ones. Georgia arrives an hour later with a red dress flowing behind her as she holds it on a hanger over her shoulder.

“Merry Christmas, babes.” We exchange hugs and kisses. “Here…” She shoves the dress toward me. “Go try this on.”

I know the dress before taking it from her. She has worn it a few times, so she’ll probably sell it rather than be seen in it again. On her, it’s the figure-hugging dress that turns heads, and it will look ridiculous on me. Like I’m a try-hard or wannabe.

“I’m good. I can go out in these. I have clean work clothes for tomorrow,” I tell Oliver when he raises his brow.

“Try the dress, Macy. I’m sure it will look great on you,” Oliver says.

I gape at him. “Do you even understand women’s fashion?”

Oliver folds his arms beneath his broad chest. “Of course, I am Italian.” He’s wearing an expensive designer shirt and pants and pointy leather shoes.

“Right. Point made.”

“It’s the colour of Christmas,” Georgia says, grinning in a cheesy way.

“Have the tinsel ready to wrap in my ponytail,” I shout over my shoulder as I head to the restrooms to try on the damn dress.

Kisses are given freely at Christmas. A peck on the cheek with a hug from a stranger. A nightclub is the best place to be when you’re lonely.

Dim lights hazed by red smoke blowing out of machines on the stage fail to hide the sultry look on girls’ faces and the pining sexy expressions on the men. Eyes dip and wander down the length of my torso,