I've spent months planning a road trip to visit the best Christmas destinations in North Carolina, but at the last minute my boyfriend backs out of both the trip and the relationship. Since my other friends already have plans, I invite Chase to join me instead.

Some people call Chase a slacker, but I prefer to describe him as extremely laid-back. He has no clear ambitions, and he's always hanging around, making obnoxiously insightful comments but never taking anything seriously. I've known him forever, and he's never boring, so having him as a travel companion is better than going alone.

The trip was supposed to be cozy and romantic, but I've never once thought about Chase that way. Until suddenly I do. Each day of the trip throws my feelings for him into more of a tailspin. I'm starting to see him in entirely new ways, which is only asking for trouble. He's always just been Chase to me. He'll never commit or take life seriously.

But ten days on the road with him for Christmas might change everything.