“Having sex early in the relationship is not a bad thing,” Sarah adds, a playful smile on her face. “Jared and I, we moved pretty fast.”

“Am I the only one who feels like I wasn’t on the fast track to love?” Caroline protests.

Kelsey raises her hand. “You’re not alone. I was stuck in the friend zone for a long time.”

Well, look at them now.

“Please, Caroline,” I say, reflecting on her timeline. “You and Alex moved pretty fast once you reunited.”

Caroline smiles. “True.”

“Keep banging him,” Stella tells me, right before she takes a sip from her mimosa. “Invite him over Christmas Eve and leave the tree lights on and nothing else. Dress provocatively or…wait! Wrap a red bow around your boobs and that’s it. Tell him Merry Christmas.”

Everyone laughs except me.

“But I didn’t put a tree up this year,” I protest.

Stella makes a face. “Fine. Throw up some twinkle lights everywhere. Anywhere. Wear something soft and seductive. Ply him with wine and jump his bones on the couch.”

I don’t think he likes wine—not that I need him to drink it to get him in the mood. And when Stella says seductive, I’m pretty sure she’s meaning lingerie, while I’m thinking more along the lines of a soft sweater that feels good to the touch.

Two different planes here. And Isaac isn’t complaining any, so I don’t think I’m doing anything wrong…

“I have the perfect suggestion. You should come by Bliss and I’ll help you pick something out,” Sarah says, referring to the lingerie shop she still works at.

“That’s a good idea,” I say with a slow nod. Maybe. Though I don’t want to look like I’m trying too hard. “But I work all day tomorrow, so I won’t be able to until after Christmas.”

“What are you doing for Christmas?” Kelsey asks me.

“Going to my parents’ house like usual,” I answer. Cousins and aunts and uncles will be in attendance and they’ll all ask me the same thing. Have I met anyone? What are my future plans? Have I considered starting a family yet? I’m not getting any younger. How many kids do I want to have?

The list goes on. It’s excruciating.

But you know what? I can face it and answer them with confidence. I don’t need to feel inferior because I’m not married yet. I’m an independent woman. I can do whatever the hell I want. They can take their judgement and stuff it.

Gah, it’s liberating to just think that!

“You bringing Isaac with you to meet them?” Caroline asks.

“No way.” I shake my head. “It’s too early for that, don’t you think?”

Caroline shrugs. “Maybe not.”

Hmm. I probably should. Mother likes him a lot. I’m sure my father will too. Maybe. He’s so protective of me. And it always takes my big brother some time to warm up to anyone. Palmer might not like Isaac. He could believe Isaac is too young or not serious enough.