Chapter 639

Julien agreed to Connor's gathering, mainly to avoid dealing with Josie. The group consisted mostly of men—those who were married stayed home, while the single ones sought any excuse to escape the holiday atmosphere of being alone at home. Julien, however, wasn't quite like them. He wasn't running from loneliness; he was avoiding Josie. A fleeting thought crossed his mind—if he were married, he wouldn't be out wasting time with this crowd. However, he quickly dismissed the idea with a bitter laugh. He had had his chance at marriage—and he had destroyed it with his own hands. Now, here he was, spending the New Year with this rowdy group, passing the time with aimless chatter. In the private room, everyone was drinking and smoking. He neither drank nor smoked anymore, though sitting in the haze of secondhand smoke did him no favors. His thoughts drifted to Helen—if she were here. Connor noticed Julien's unusually quiet demeanor. "What's with you tonight? We're all here enjoying ou