Chapter 6
Chapter Six
Caroline
I wake up to my Jingle Bells ringtone and smile until I sit up and remember what happened last night. I open my front door to see if he’s still there. It’s a ridiculous emotion, but I’m saddened to see he isn’t there and the snow has covered up his footprints.
I close the door and sigh. “Where did my Christmas sunshine go?”
A dog barks down the street, and then I remember that I have to be at work, so I rush back inside and get ready. It’s a crazy time of year where so many people are getting pets, and the weather brings pets in for cold injuries.
I put on my scrubs with pets in stockings on the top. It’s too cute, not that the dogs and cats care, but sometimes the kids come in and enjoy it.
It takes a little longer to get to the office because of the snow, but I get to work on time. My boss greets me with a grin, but it’s Anne’s face that catches me off guard. She’s practically growling at me like one of our ornery dogs.
“A good morning to you, too.”
“What did you do to Tom?”
“I didn’t do anything to him. Why?”
“He was all upset and said it was the worst experience of his life.”
“Well, maybe you shouldn’t have set me up with an animal-hating, rude man who was more busy staring at the server’s ass than giving me any attention.”
“You jealous?”
“No, of course not. I don’t ever want to see him again. Besides, he seems to like you more. Why aren’t you dating him instead?”
“Because he’s not financially stable.”
“Wow, so you thought he would be good for me? Thanks. I see what you think of me. Well, thanks for the wasted night.”
“He said you ran off with another man anyway and he had to pay the bill.”
“Ha. I didn’t run off with another man. He escorted me to my car and also paid for the dinner, so don’t let Tom lie.”
“Girls, what’s going on?”
“Nothing, Dr. Lee. What do you need me to start with?”
“Check on our overnight patients.” I go back and get to work, avoiding Anne as much as I can. She does the same, but I do catch her glares every once in a while when our paths cross.
“You’ve done an amazing job today, Caroline. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
“Thank you, Dr. Lee.” He cups my shoulder and gives it a squeeze. “Don’t let Anne get to you. She’s been looking for jobs during her down time, so she’s miserable here,” he says with a smirk. “Do you have plans for the holiday?”
“No. My family doesn’t live in Illinois anymore, so I’ll be just enjoying the warmth by myself with hot cocoa and holiday movies.”
“Well, you’re more than welcome to join the wife and me. We’re having family and some friends over on the twenty-fourth for a big party.”
“Thank you. I might take you up on that offer,” I say. After all, I had no one to spend time with, so it would be nice to not be alone during the holidays.
“Have a good evening. I’ll see you tomorrow.” I wave goodbye and leave the building, heading to my car only to find a note with one word written on it.
Whore
Well, at least they didn’t key my car. I take my gloved hand and crumple it up before getting inside.
I don’t look for the person who left it because there are only two people who could have written the note: Tom or Anne.
She left fifteen minutes before me and Tom knows where I work, so he’s the prick who thinks I’m a whore.
I would call the police, but with the sirens blaring, I’m assuming they’re pretty busy.
I’m shocked by it, to say the least. After how bad our date went, I thought he’d be grateful to never interact with me again.
Maybe this is a one-off message. Before I can debate my feelings on it, my phone rings.
It’s my dad. “Hey, Dad, how is it going?”
“Okay, Princess. I was wondering if you planned on coming home for Christmas.”
“No. You know I can’t travel right now. I only have a couple of days off and don’t have the money. Why don’t you and Mom come to see my new home?”
“Sorry, dear. We told you not to buy a house up there. It’s in the middle of nowhere and so far from the city.”
“It’s forty-five minutes to an hour.”
“Between the flight and everything, we wouldn’t be there for very long, and then we’d have to get back because your mom and I have our dance nights.
” I nod to myself, lips pressed together.
“Besides, we don’t like the cold.” I groan and then pull the phone away from my face before I say something terrible.
“You don’t need to continue with the excuses.
Talk to you another time.” I end the call and then finally pull out of my parking space.
The plow trucks have gotten the snow cleared, so the trip home is quick and painless.
I grab my mail and then enter my house, strip out of my clothes, and shower.
The one thing that comes with working with so many animals is that sometimes you smell a little ripe by the end of the day.
Once I’m in my leggings and hoodie, I open my fridge, regretting that I didn’t prep anything to eat.
I make a quick chicken salad and then go into the living room to read a book.
It’s a cozy mystery novel set in the middle of winter.
I try to get into it but I can’t, so I set it down and turn on the television to put on some cheesy small-town holiday romance.
I have to turn it off because the guy looks too much like Parker.
I sigh and then look at all my pretty decorations, realizing I have no one to share them with. My heart feels empty as I go around the room touching the white garland.
“Maybe I’ll try the book again,” I mutter to myself. I snag one of my snickerdoodles from the table and walk back to the sofa, only for the doorbell to ring. “Who could be here?”
A part of me hopes that Parker doesn’t give up, even if I know our relationship won’t work. I head to the front door and peek through the side and see it’s a delivery man.
I open the door and smile. “Good evening.”
“Good evening, ma’am. Are you Caroline Cole?”
“Yes.”
“Please sign here.” I sign and accept the delivery. I haven’t ordered anything. Still, I wonder if it’s from my brother overseas.
“Thank you.” He nods and then heads down the stairs into a sleek black SUV. I step inside the house and close the door. Smiling, I look for a name, but there’s no return address. I open the small brown box, and I’m shocked when I read the note.
Day one of learning not to be a Christmas hater
Underneath is another box wrapped in expensive gold holiday paper. I set the brown box on the side table and then sit on the sofa and open the pretty wrapping. A gasp falls from my lips as I stare at the adorable trinkets.
Inside, there are two ornaments: a rose-gold cookie and a matching taco.
My smile is so big and wide I think my cheeks are going to burst. I can’t contain my happiness.
I hang them on my tree right away. There is no information on who sent them, but I don’t need a name. The tokens inside say it all.
I read the card again and again. He wants to change for me.
A man I’ve just met. It seems like total bullshit, but can it be real?
The card doesn’t have anything else on it, there is no contact information, and the delivery driver hadn’t said anything else, so maybe Parker will stop by later, at least, so I can thank him for his adorable gifts.
I stare as they shine perfectly with the lights.
I try not to wait, but I find myself distracted.
I keep peering outside, pacing back and forth and checking the front window to see if his car is outside.
That’s when I remember that I have snow that needs to be shoveled.
Popping on my winter gear, I step outside and then go to work, clearing the snow from my front steps and the walkway.
I’m just about finished when I see his sister come home.
She waves at me, and I return it. She has her hands full, so I holler, “Do you need any help?”
“No, I got it,” she grunts, shutting her passenger door with her hip. I understand her to a tee. I’m like that too. One trip, and I don’t need any assistance from a soul.
“You’ve got enough going on there.”
“I suppose you’re right.” I laugh. “Goodnight.” I wave and finish the last two feet before putting my shovel in the garage. I go inside and make hot cocoa and sit on the sofa with a movie.
The moon is high in the sky when I finally give up waiting for another doorbell ring.
It’s past time for me to call it a night, and it’s clear he isn’t coming.
I pull two pillows from my bed and make myself a little cozy spot on my large sofa to nestle down.
My eyes focus on the tree and my two new ornaments until I finally fall asleep.
****
When I moved in, I bought stickup cameras. I attach it to my car when I park and want to see if someone tries to send me a nasty message today. I’m not bothered about it because I received such a sweet note last night.
The day goes fine for the most part, but then I get a note again.
You’re a stupid bitch. This time I have it recorded, and I drive home to check it in the safety of my home.
I make sure no one is around, then I go inside.
When I check the footage, it’s Tom. Seriously, why is he doing this?
He didn’t even seem to like me, and yet he’s leaving nasty notes.
I send him a message.
Me: Tom, stop with the notes. You don’t even like me, so why are you harassing me?
Tom: I’m not doing anything to you. You’re crazy.
Me: I’ll go to the cops.
Tom: You’re nuts. I send him a screenshot of him putting the note on my car. You better not call the cops or I’ll ruin you.
ME: Just leave me alone.
I try to calm down, but I’m stressed out. As I walk around my house, I wonder if he knows where I live. The doorbell rings, and I jump out of my skin. I peek out, and it’s the same delivery guy from yesterday. “Thank you,” I say as I accept it. This box is so much larger than yesterday’s gift.
“My pleasure, ma’am.”
“Do you know who is sending these?”
“I’m sorry, but I’m not given that information.” I nod and thank him again, even though I don’t believe it. He just isn’t allowed to tell me. I close and lock the door before opening.
Day two of learning to not hate Christmas
Inside is a pretty pink and white wreath. I gasp and put it on my front door, replacing the cheap one I had on there before locking it again.
The rest of the night I’m on guard. I should be a little more cautious and contact the police, but I’m hoping the picture is enough to warn him off.
The next day, I don’t see Tom and there is no note, but I do receive my gifts.
Day three of hating Christmas a little less
In the box is a pink and white mug set with a fancy hot chocolate brand I’ve never heard of and some classic Swiss Miss with two different bags of marshmallows. I laugh and smile.
I repeat my day again, and just like before his delivery man comes with a new package.
Day four of forgetting my hatred of the holiday
In the new pretty pink foiled wrapping is a matching hat, scarf, and glove set in a gorgeous pale pink. On the front edge of the hat and the end of the scarf is a tiny golden Christmas tree. It’s perfect. I press them on my face and feel the soft, warm texture.
I don’t know how long he plans to play this game, but it’s working.