Chapter 13 #2
Tyler holds my gaze. “Lainey and Enzo are, of course, welcome. In fact, save us all and join us.”
“I, uh, oh.” I swallow in defeat. “Okay.”
The entire room goes quiet because his mother just strong-armed us all, and she’s happy as a clam.
“I’m going to head out.” I swoop down to grab a few presents and the bag of meat.
“I’ll help you.” Tyler joins me and picks up the biggest box.
We manage to ignore them both as we quickly scoot away out of the living room until we have to stop because the bags of groceries are a barricade by the front door, and we place the presents down.
“I’m so sorry,” Tyler says quietly so only we can hear, and he sounds completely guilty, but he shouldn’t feel that way. “I didn’t know they were arriving early.”
I chuckle and smile. “Your parents are… unique.”
“Tell me about it.” He blows out a breath.
“It’s fine, we don’t have to stop by tomorrow.” I’m giving him an out.
He shakes his head. “Nah, it will be fun. You two should stop by.”
“Really?” My voice pitches higher.
“I mean, they are a pack of vultures who are eager for every detail of my life, but I’m hoping the presence of a child and a game of dreidel will deter them and keep them occupied.”
I clink my tongue. “Smart. Okay, what can we bring?”
“Sanity,” he deadpans, and my smile returns. “Seriously, nothing.”
For a moment we stay silent, except our eyes have their own conversation. One where we recognize that the situation between us is shifting. We’re not the same two people around one another as we were a month ago. Neither one of us seems to mind.
“Even if I don’t kiss you now, I’m sure my mom will plant mistletoe strategically around the place by tomorrow afternoon,” he explains casually and leans against the door.
“My mouth might be busy.” I bite my inner cheek.
He whistles out a sound. “Just had to take us there, huh?”
With purpose, I push out my chest and put on my best sultry face and voice. “Yes.” I step to him and kiss his cheek before brushing my mouth to his ear. “Enjoy your evening.”
My intention was to only kiss his cheek and rile him a little with a whisper, but he moves the angle of his head to capture my lips for a quick kiss.
Except the kiss will still leave an effect on me. I’ll still be smiling like a girl with a crush for the rest of the night. Most of all, my mind will be racing with possibilities of what we are.
Being only friends with benefits is the lie of the century. It isn’t possible.
When he pulls away, it’s as if his eyes are giving me an unknown promise. His mouth twitches because he is aware that he has a pull on me.
It’s a few seconds before we break our moment and handle the logistics of the bags.
Five minutes later, with presents hidden in my closet, I double-check the stockings above the fireplace.
They are perfectly in place as they have been for weeks, but I need to occupy myself.
It’s hopeless because my mind is lost on one person.
Enzo is safe and happy, which is why it feels okay that I’m allowed to have moments where I can only think of one other person. The hockey guy living across the hall.
Enzo is so engrossed in his new remote-controlled race car that I ignore the scattered opened boxes and paper everywhere but admire the twinkling of tree lights on this Christmas morning.
I’m resting on the sofa in pajamas, with my feet tucked under my knees. Cup of coffee in one hand and my phone in the other while I sit at the kitchen island.
“Sorry. Santa’s gifts veto calls with uncles,” I tell my brother as we talk over video, and Enzo says merely a hello before returning to his presents.
He chuckles and scratches his scruff. I wish he would trim his beard. It isn’t long and maybe borderline stubble, but I don’t think it suits him.
“I’ll accept that. Happy he got the race car.” My brother grins.
“Way to go, overshadowing Santa,” I tease him.
I do my best to have a little order to holiday presents for Enzo.
Something he wants, something he needs but has no clue he needs it, something practical, something to wear, and one extra toy that I think he might enjoy.
Seb? His rule is to go for the most overpriced electronic toy there is.
The wheels will ruin the floor, but it’s Seb’s place, so his responsibility.
“I’m going to have to head off. I need to get dressed before we head to a colleague’s for brunch.”
My son perks his head up. “I’m hungry. Hey, Uncle Seb, we’re going to Tyler’s later!” he calls out before returning to his toy.
My lips roll in then quirk out, before I face the screen to notice Seb’s face has gone blank.
“It’s nothing. He has his parents in from out of town, and they invited us for Hanukkah stuff later.” I do my best to downplay this.
Lines form on his forehead. “Tyler’s Jewish?” But he quickly shakes away curiosity and turns serious. “Why have you been spending more time with him?”
“It’s a grandmother of a grandmother kind of thing,” I explain the first part of the question and avoid his real question.
“Okay. And the second part of that question? Bjorn already told me that you arrived at his holiday party with Tyler. I was just waiting for you to tell me yourself. So let me repeat: Why are you spending time with Tyler?”
I take a quick sip of my coffee to give myself time. “We’ve just been hanging out. Holidays and helping with Enzo. He needed a tree and, of course, trees with lights are not his thing.”
My brother’s eyes squeeze and his nostrils flare. I can tell that he is having his own internal conversation. “Fine. But if there is something more, then he better do the honorable thing and talk to me.”
I shush him instantly and nearly jump off the couch and race to the kitchen. “Will you be quiet. Enzo was in earshot,” I scold him in a hushed tone.
“Fair enough.”
It’s not a good idea for Enzo to get ideas that there is more going on with Tyler. To Enzo, we’re neighbors, that’s it.
“Listen, there is nothing to talk about, and I really need to go.”
He shakes his head. “Avoidance, Lainey. You’re my sister. I know you.”
“Is that so? Oh no, my coffee is cold. Need to get Enzo dressed. Oops, need to take the casserole for brunch out of the oven. Have a great day with your girlfriend, bye now.” I string the sentence together then hang up and set the phone down on the counter as if it’s a hot potato.
The last thing I need right now is to discuss Tyler with Seb.
Blowing out an exhausting breath, I do notice that the time says we need to go in thirty minutes.
Half an hour later and repeated asks that Enzo brush his teeth, and we’re opening the door. I’m balancing the egg casserole that I promised to bring, and Enzo is busy pulling on his hat.
“A present.” My son is diving down to the doormat before I can even check what he is talking about.
Lo and behold, there is a present wrapped in Hanukkah paper. I know instantly who it is for, and Tyler must have run out of the other wrapping paper that he got.
“It’s for me. My name is on it.” Enzo is ripping through the paper before I can even protest. “Whoa… it’s the hockey rink edition of my model blocks.”
Be still my little heart. My entire insides melt. It is so incredibly thoughtful. My gaze travels to his front door then back to my son who has a goofy grin on his face.
I’m feeling more attached, and I’m beginning to realize that I’m comfortable with this feeling. It’s not scary, only exhilarating.
That’s the best Chrismukkah Day gift possible.