Hotter than December

I grip the steering wheel a little tighter, the landscape shifting from a busy cityscape to open country roads stretching toward a sleepy small town. This is the first Christmas I’ll spend alone, away from all the familiar faces and, more importantly, all the pressure that comes with them. I tell myself that this holiday will be different. No family parties, no aunts hounding me about my “future plans,” and definitely no forced conversations about why I’m still single at 33. POV It isn’t like I haven’t thought about settling down. I have many times. But things just haven’t fallen into place, and I’m tired of feeling like I’m doing something wrong. I don’t have a husband. I don’t have kids. I’m not even seeing anyone, and right now, that’s okay with me. But try explaining that to my family, who’s constantly throwing me into awkward introductions with “eligible bachelors” they deem suitable. This year, I won’t deal with any of it. _________ The road winds through stretches of tall trees dusted with snow, and I feel my shoulders start to relax. My rented apartment is tucked away in this town where nobody knows me, and that’s the appeal. Out here, I don’t have to be the daughter of a wealthy family, the one everyone expects to marry well. Out here, I can just be…me. No fancy last name, no obligations, just peace. I glance at my phone, which buzzes in the passenger seat. It’s Toby, my agent. He helped me find this place and booked it without so much as a second thought when I told him I needed an escape. I quickly tap the answer button, keeping one hand on the wheel. “Hey, Toby,” I answer, trying to sound calm even though my nerves still buzz. “Laura! Are you there yet? Just checking in. Thought you’d need a little pep talk for this solo holiday adventure of yours,” he says with a chuckle. “I’m almost there,” I say, managing a small smile. “And trust me, I’m ready for it. Couldn’t get away fast enough.” “You know, there’s still time to reconsider. You could always come to the city with me. I know your family’s…intense, but spending Christmas alone?” I sigh, glancing out at the endless fields. “Toby, this is exactly what I need. A few weeks without anyone telling me how ‘time’s running out’ or suggesting their friend’s son. Just…quiet.” He hums thoughtfully. “Alright, but if you need anything, literally anything..just call, okay?” “Will do,” I reply, grateful for his support. Toby’s one of the few people who get it; who knows how exhausting it is to have my life plotted out by people who think they know what’s best for me? The call ends, and I focus back on the road. The town is just a few miles ahead, and I try to imagine what my time here will be like. I want the kind of holiday where I can read books, binge-watch shows, and maybe even take long walks without anyone recognizing me. I’ll keep a low profile, blend in, and let the world go on without me for a little while. There’s a bit of a thrill in knowing no one here has any clue who I am. Coming from a rich family has its perks, sure, but the pressure is overwhelming, especially when everyone’s interested in who I’m dating or if I’m finally “ready to settle down.” It’s like they’ve forgotten I’m a person with my own choices, and I’m tired of pretending I care about their expectations. As I pass the welcome sign for the town, my thoughts turn back to my family and the holidays they have planned. They’ll be having the usual Christmas dinner, no doubt filled with conversations about who’s dating who, whose kids are excelling, and, of course, plenty of sideways glances in my direction—glances that say, “Why can’t you be like them?” Well, not this year. This year, I’m getting my peace. The town center is small and charming, with twinkling Christmas lights strung between the streetlamps and a large decorated tree standing proudly in the square. I can almost feel the tension in my shoulders fading as I drive through. I think back to the outfits I packed simple, cozy clothes that won’t draw any attention. Just enough to make me look like another regular person in town. No one would guess I’m Laura the “unmarried heiress.” Here, I’m just…Laura. I pull up to the address Toby gave me. The apartment building is modest but well-kept, tucked away on a quiet street lined with snow-covered trees. It’s perfect. I grab my bags, step out of the car, and take a deep breath. The air is crisp and cold, and the silence is absolute—exactly what I came here for. Later that night, after I’ve unpacked and settled in, I make myself a cup of tea and curl up on the couch, flipping through channels until I find an old movie to keep me company. Just as I’m starting to relax, I hear some noise across the hall, right outside my apartment. It sounds like someone is moving in—heavy boxes thudding, muffled voices, and footsteps scuffling down the hall. I glance toward the door, raising an eyebrow. Who decides to move in on Christmas Eve? I brush it off, hoping whoever it is will settle down soon so I can enjoy my quiet holiday. The next morning I wake up to the sound of my phone ringing. It’s Amelia, my best friend, calling. She doesn’t waste a second getting into it, her voice full of concern. “Laura, are you seriously spending Christmas all alone in some small town?” she asks, sounding exasperated. “You’re a Donovan, one of the top billionaire families in New York. What if something happens to you out there?” I sigh and smile a little, knowing how much Amelia cares. “Relax, Amelia. No one here knows who I am. I’m keeping a low profile, just like I planned. I’m safe.” She’s quiet for a second, then mutters, “Just… be careful, okay?” I assure her I’ll be fine and remind her that I’m doing this to escape, to have a break from the constant pressure. Just as I’m about to say goodbye, there’s a knock on my door. “One sec,” I say to Amelia, heading to the door. I open it to see a tall, dashing man standing there. He’s fit, with a warm smile and eyes that are sharp yet inviting. He looks about my age, maybe a bit younger, but charming. I’m momentarily taken aback, my words to Amelia faltering. “Uh, I’ll call you back, Amelia,” I mumble, hanging up. The man grins at me and introduces himself, “Hi, I’m Darius. I just moved in next door, and I thought I’d come by to meet my neighbor.” He’s friendly, maybe even a bit flirty, with that easy smile of his. He’s trying to be warm and welcoming. But that’s the last thing I want right now. I give him a brief, polite smile, trying to end this quickly. “I’m not interested in meeting neighbors,” I say, keeping my voice firm. “I came here for some peace.” His smile fades just a bit, but he nods politely, respecting my boundaries. “Got it. Well, if you ever need anything, I’m just next door.” Without another word, I close the door and head to the kitchen to start breakfast. My mind replays the encounter, and I shake my head. I don’t need any distractions, especially not a charming guy like him. This holiday is supposed to be about escaping, and that means no distractions. I just want a peaceful, quiet holiday not one interrupted by handsome, flirty neighbors.