A Cross-Country Christmas
Courtney Walsh
Prologue
Texts from Spencer to Lauren: December 1st, 8:32 am
I know you hate talking on the phone so I’m trying your favorite mode of communication…
I figured out a way for you to get home for Christmas…
Since you promised you would—
Call me!
Texts from Spencer to Lauren: December 1st, 11:38 am
Are you avoiding me or just busy with your sitcom?
If you’re busy with work, I understand.
I know you’re really wanting to make an impression on your boss.
And fake people need perfectly decorated homes.
If you’re avoiding me, knock it off, bozo. <clown emoji>
Texts from Spencer to Lauren: December 1st, 2:42 pm
You know I can tell that you read all of these, right?
Texts from Spencer to Lauren: December 1st, 6:18 pm
Lo, I really want you here when the baby is born.
And honestly, I’m not sure I can handle Mom and Dad for another holiday by myself…
I feel like <Insert Gif of Stretch Armstrong>
Text from Spencer to Lauren: December 2nd, 1:36:24 pm
Okay, Lo, way to give a guy a complex.
I’m your brother and it’s Christmas and I’m having a baby and …
You’re getting a ride home with Will.
Texts between Lauren to Spencer: December 2nd, 1:36:32 pm
Uh wut?
Heck no. I’d rather fly!
Really?
I’ll book you a ticket right now!
It’ll cost more than my mortgage because you waited so long <eyeroll emoji>
But THATS BROTHERLY LOVE RIGHT THERE, BABY!
Stop it!
Don’t book a ticket…
You know how I feel about flying
<plane emoji> <eye roll emoji> <puking emoji><tombstone emoji><crying emoji>
Thus, the ride-share.
Nobody says “thus.”
<Emoji with nerdy glasses><thumbs-up emoji>
A bus then. Or a train.
Do they still have trains?
For people like you who refuse to fly
<chicken emoji>
Train then.
I’ll book it.
Or you can ride for free with Will
I know you guys don’t know each other well but he’s a really good guy.
I know he’s your friend and you’re my brother and I love you…
But no.
Great so I’ll text you the details on where to meet him?
NOOOOO
I’ll find my own way!
I promise I’ll be there.
If you’re sure <shrugging emoji>
I do not want to ride across the country with your womanizing egotistical playboy friend.
<eyes wide emoji>
He’s not really like that anymore.
People don’t change.
Case in point: Dad
Fair…
But still Will isn’t Dad.
And he isn’t like that anymore.
I’ll figure out my transportation, and I promise I’ll see you soon.
December 10th, 10:18 pm
Spence, bad news.
I waited too long to book my ticket.
I know. Shut up.
So, you need a ride?
…
Just texted Will.
He’ll meet you at some diner on the Santa Monica Pier.
I’ll text you the details.
…
Fab. Can’t wait.
<eyes wide emoji>
Chapter 1
Spending a few days alone in a car with Will Sinclair was just about the worst way to kick off a holiday.
Lauren Richmond could not believe she had agreed to Spencer’s ridiculous solution to her fear of flying. Sure, her brother had done a Mom-level job of guilting her into coming home for Christmas, but his plan on how to get her there was faulty at best.
“What’s the big deal? You’ll spend a few days road tripping with a hot guy, do your obligatory Christmas rounds, and you’ll be back here before you know it.” Her best friend Maddie slurped her milkshake, even though the cup had been empty for a solid five minutes. And a milkshake was not an appropriate breakfast.
“I think you got it all.” The booth in the diner on Santa Monica Pier felt suddenly cramped with her packed suitcase sitting next to her.
Another slurp. “Now I got it all.” Maddie pulled her feet up underneath her, sitting cross-legged, knees tucked under the table. She looked calm and amused. She thought this whole thing was “fate” or “magic” or “destiny.”
Lauren thought it was ridiculous.
Maddie didn’t know the truth. Not about this. Not about him—the “hot guy” who would be driving Lauren from Southern California to Northern Illinois in T-minus twenty minutes （or whenever he showed up.）