I have to find out

IVY

“Ivy! Ivy, wake up!”

I’ll have sworn she was only in my dreams if Sierra isn’t shaking me so hard my teeth rattle.

I groan, burying my face deeper into the pillow.

My head feels like it’s been stuffed with cotton, and my mouth tastes like I licked the bottom of a shoe.

We had so much wine to drink in the garden last night, it’s a miracle I even ended up in my bed.

“I know it’s Christmas, but I went to bed late and…”

“This has nothing to do with Christmas!” Sierra cuts me off. Of all the things she says, it’s the panic in her voice that gets my attention.

I force my eyes open, squinting against the morning light streaming through the window. It’s bright, really bright this Christmas morning.

Sierra’s face hovers above me, her expression is somewhere between fury and concern.

“Sit up, now.”

My own panic starts to claw at my chest. What could it be that has her frantic this early? And on this holiday?

I push myself up on my elbows, my brain still foggy.

What time is it?

Then