A Wallflower Christmas

Only because some people, when faced with the inevitable, convince themselves they like it merely to make the situation palatable

"Perhaps its a faccedil;ade," Hannah suggested without conviction. "Perhaps hes a different man inside."

"Most people dont have faccedil;ades," Natalie said dryly. "Oh, everyone thinks they do, but when you dig past the faccedil;ade, theres only more faccedil;ade."

"Some people are genuine."

"And those people are the dullest ones of all

What flaw could you possibly find in his appearance?"

"His posture," Hannah muttered.

"What about it?"

"He slouches."

"Hes an American. They all slouch. The weight of their wallets drags them over."

"Some things cant be measured by time," Hannah said with a tremulous smile.

Hannah, dont be an idiot , she thought desperately. Youre not the first woman with a broken heart, nor will you be the last. You will survive this .

Sometimes, in some rare and wonderful friendships, the bond of sisterly love was much stronger than any blood tie.

"N-no one can manage men," Evie told her firmly. "They c-cant even manage themselves."

"Thats right," Lillian said. "And furthermore, any woman who thinks she can manage men shouldnt be allowed to have one."

Im doomed , she thought.

Everyone loses their innocence sooner or later.

"I dont have any feelings for her."

"So much the better! It will be a steady marriage. It is time to take your place in the world as a man, Rafe." Thomas had made a visible effort to control his temper as he tried to make himself understood. "Love passes. Beauty fades. Life is not a romantic romp through a meadow."

"My God, thats inspiring."