Page 181 of Rookie Attraction

“I better leave first.” I step up and kiss him. “Text me when you land and call me tomorrow?”

“Video call.”

We’re smiling at each other with extremely sappy expressions on our faces.

“Merry Christmas, Wolfie.”

“Merry Christmas, Dimples.”

Sel - that afternoon

Leaving Finn hits me hardest when I land in California. As soon as the wheels touch down, I text him.

Sel: Arrived. Your mom doing okay? I’ll call later, I miss you already.

Glancing out my window as we taxi to our gate, the only thing I notice is my reflection, the dopey expression on my face. I’m so fucking love drunk, and it’s going to take my best media face to cover up how I’m really feeling.

Finn: She’s stable. Everyone’s good. Can’t wait, I miss you more

When the plane comes to a full stop, most of the passengers pop up and rush down the aisle. I don’t blame them. It’s the holiday season and everyone wants their holiday to start now. Oddly enough, I’m not eager enough to push my way to the front of the line, so I sit and wait. Don’t get me wrong, I’m beyond happy to see my family, but I keep looking around like something’s missing, and of course, it’s Finn.

Eventually, when the plane’s half empty, I grab my bags and shuffle out with the remaining passengers. I’m barely through the exit doors when I hear my name over the din of the airport arrivals.

“Celery!”

I startle at my brother’s voice. Turning around, I find my mom and Karson standing nearby, both wearing ugly Christmas sweaters, shorts, and flip flops. Karson towers over my mom, but they’re mirror images with the same ash-brown hair and gray eyes.

“Surprise!” Mom yells with a beaming smile.

“What are you guys doing here?” I ask.

“We’re flying off to Hawaii,” Karson snarks. “Merry Christmas Eve and see you later.”

“Asshat.”

“Boys,” Mom warns.

I drop my luggage as all three of us come together in a bone-crushing group hug.

“Let’s get out of here before someone recognizes you, kleine wolf,” my mom urges.

“Him? Here in Cali? Doubtful.” Karson’s put-out expression makes me want to laugh. “And what about me? I’m famous too.”

“Yes, you are, Karson. I’m sorry,” she mutters and rolls her eyes at me. “How did I raise a quiet son with so much ego?”

“I’m not quiet anymore. And I can’t help it if the hockey fans adore me,” Karson preens.

His comment reminds me of someone, but I decide it’s best for familial peace to keep my mouth shut.

“I don’t care how popular you are,” Mom insists. “If you want my Christmas dinner, stop talking, start walking.”

She doesn’t need to tell us twice. Mom’s tiny compared to her sons, but her personality is bigger than all three of us combined. Karson grabs one of my bags and we haul ass out of the terminal and into the balmy California day. The sunshine in Santa Barbara is welcome, but the chill that’s lingered since leaving Omaha doesn’t let go. It’s not only about missing Finn, it’s the nervous anticipation about telling my family what’s really going on. Either way, I’m not relaxed, and I’m not even sure if I’ll be able to eat dinner tonight, never mind tomorrow.

Karson leads us to his SUV rental, and it doesn’t take long for us to hit the road.

“Is Finn’s mother feeling any better? And Finn?”

I turn around and look at my mom in the back seat. She’s got her sunglasses perched on the top of her head and the knowing expression in her eyes has me swallowing hard.