I pull my earbuds from my ears as I approach the tree, shining tall and bright and strong in the night, return them to the case, and slide it into my purse. Time to put on a brave face.

I pull out my phone and text my brother to tell him where I am. There’re so many people here, it will be hard to find him on my own. He messages me back that he and Zahra are standing right in front of the tree.

Sliding my phone into my pocket, I make my way over there, pushing through the crowd and doing my best to duck under people’s phones as they film or take pictures of the massive tree. Normally the sight of the tree would send a ripple of excitement through me, especially on Christmas Eve, but tonight it makes my stomach clench. This Christmas isn’t at all what I hoped it would be.

I spot my brother and Zahra, bundled up in their coats, hats, and scarves and standing together. Zahra sees me first and gives me an excited wave, which I return.

I’m looking forward to having a sister-in-law, especially one as upbeat as she always seems to be.

As I approach, I notice an extra gleam in both their eyes. I’m not sure what for. Maybe it’s because it’s their first Christmas together.

“Hi, guys.” I put on my best smile and hug them both.

“Hey, Mac. Thanks for meeting us here.” Finn gives me a weird look I can’t quite decipher.

“Well, you wouldn’t let me say no, so…” I lift both my arms in a “here I am” gesture, unintentionally hitting someone on my right side. “Oh, I’m sorry.” I turn as I’m speaking and still.

Andrew stands there, and the way his gaze bounces all over my face reminds me of a man in the desert who’s just come upon water.

I turn to my brother. “You didn’t say he’d be joining us.” I try to keep my voice even so as not to give anything away, but I’m only ninety percent sure I’m successful.

Before my brother can respond, Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas” plays through the massive speakers. It’s all I can do not to roll my eyes. It’s like the universe is trolling me.

“Kenzie.” It’s Andrew’s voice, but it’s not just coming from beside me. It’s coming from the speakers, louder than the music.

With wide eyes, I turn to my right again and see Andrew’s holding a microphone.

What the hell is going on?

I glance at Finn and Zahra, and they both have wide smiles, void of any surprise.

“Kenzie Montgomery, when we first met, I didn’t know what to make of you, and I know you didn’t like me.”