Chapter 55

Riley POV

Nina’s yawning brings my mind back to the room. “Are you tired, sweet girl?” My mom asks her. Her little head bops up and down as she goes to speak, but she just ends up yawning again. It’s only 6.30, but it’s been a long day for her and after an early start, I imagine she’s more than ready for bed. After a few minutes of chatting, I start to gather our stuff while Julia gets Nina all wrapped up warm before we head out into the cold.

“I’d best make a move too,” Josh says as he removes the tiara from his head. His words give me a strange feeling, and I’m not sure what to do with it. We’ve spent every Christmas day together since we left school and his parents left to go travelling. Him saying he’s heading off seems wrong even if I do appreciate him thinking about my family... my family.

“Where are you going?” Julia asks him. He looks at me and then her before smiling, but I know full well that he’s forcing that smile. “I’m going to head to the club.