Page 174 of Faking the Goal

This time Taylor loses the battle completely.

A bright laugh spills out of her, warm and genuine, and when she looks back at me, the hesitation that had been sitting in her eyes moments ago has all but disappeared.

She bites back another smile before looking at Mom.

"...Okay."

Mom beams.

"I'll come."

Then Taylor turns to me, mischief dancing in her eyes.

"But only because seeing Ken-chan's embarrassing baby pictures sounds far too tempting to pass up."

Mom looks far too pleased with herself.

And despite myself, I can't help smiling too.

CHAPTER 24

TAYLOR

I give myself one last look in the mirror.

The sleek black dress hugs my body before flaring gently into a subtle mermaid silhouette at the bottom. The plunging halter neckline leaves my shoulders bare, while the open back adds just enough drama without feeling too over the top.

Or... at least I hope it isn't.

I smooth my palms down the front of my dress for what has to be the tenth time tonight.

This is my first Christmas dinner with... well... anyone.

I don't even know if I can call it a dinner party. It'll only be Harumi, Kentaro, me, and the nurse who's been helping take care of Harumi throughout her treatments.

Still.

My stomach is a tangled mess of nerves.

Maybe it's because I've never really been invited to something like this before. Or maybe it's because I have absolutely no idea what's considered appropriate attire for a Christmas gathering.

Too late now.

I reach for the bottle of wine and bouquet of flowers sitting on my tiny dining table.

I have absolutely no idea what people are supposed to bring to a Christmas dinner, but wine and flowers seemed like a safe bet.

Showing up empty-handed after everything they've done for me didn't feel right.

I switch off the lights, step outside, and nearly jump.

Kentaro is standing right outside my apartment, his hand suspended in midair, clearly seconds away from knocking.

"Oh, hey."

A smile immediately finds my lips.

"I didn't know you were coming."