7. Neva
Chapter Seven
NEVA
I can’t stop staring at Elden’s profile as he drives us - expertly - through the howling snowstorm to my house. It’s like days have passed, but we were only stuck in the elevator for maybe an hour.
There’s a glow inside me from the brilliant orgasms I’ve had which seems to be affecting my vision. Either that or I’m really wearing rose-tinted glasses and this is love.
We pull up on the driveway and he cups my face with his big hands.
“I want to see you tomorrow.” He looks serious.
“Me too.” I smile up at him.
“I have to go back to the store tomorrow but we shut at two. I’ll come knock on your door.” He kisses my lips slowly, languorously and it sends sparkles of anticipation up and down my body, from my mouth, to my nipples and deep into my core.
I wake up the next morning from a dream that Elden is dressed as Santa but I’m naked, and he’s whirling me around and I’m laughing and shouting “Harder! Faster!” Memories of our time in the elevator flood back and I’m impatient to be with him again.
Luckily as it’s Christmas Eve, there’s plenty to fill my time through the day - wrapping presents, helping my Mom and sisters cook, teasing my little brother Alfie about his new girlfriend, washing my hair and getting ready to wow Elden when he comes over.
There’s a honking of a horn outside; maybe the delivery guy? Or is it Elden already? I dash outside, filled with excitement at seeing him again.
Parked outside in a taxi is my ex-boyfriend Tony.
His face brings back a rush of emotions to me, from momentary sadness to blazing anger. I walk slowly up to the car and he gets out.
“Neva, hi.” He doesn’t look great - I’m not sure if it’s in comparison with the perfection of Elden or if he’s always this scruffy and tired.
“What are you doing here?” I can’t believe he’s just shown up at my house. Although considering he shacked up with his work colleague and moved in with her after I’d just lost my job, nothing surprises me at this point.
“Babe, I’m sorry. I got it really wrong.” He’s staring at me pleadingly. It’s like I’m a million miles away from him. This can’t be happening on Christmas Eve? Just when the holidays were starting to take a turn for the better.
“You got it wrong? You moved in with your colleague by mistake? Got the wrong door?” I can’t help taunting this idiot who’s caused me sleepless nights and sorrow.
“Look Neva, it didn’t work out. I’m sorry, I made the wrong decision. People make mistakes - what do you want me to say? I love you. I’ll spend so much time making it up to you.” He steps closer.
I’m frozen to the spot. From my house comes the sound of Bette singing Christmas carols while my Mom plays the piano. It’s familiar, cozy and miles away from this madness.
Tony interprets my silence as acceptance and puts his hands on my shoulders. “I’m going to make your Christmas so special. Just you, me and your family.”
“What?” I shake my head.
“My bags are in the taxi. I couldn’t bear the thought of spending Christmas without you.” He stares at me as if he’s waiting for me to crumple into his arms.
I stare back at him. Elden’s Jeep pulls up in his driveway and he gets out. He’s seen Tony’s hands on my shoulders and he looks at the two of us for a minute before turning and starting up the path to his house.
A red rage is building inside me.
“Get your hands off me Tony!” I shout. “How dare you come back here and expect me to be sitting around pining for you.”
Tony’s hands tighten on my shoulders in disbelief. This scenario is obviously not playing out the way he had planned.
At the sound of raised voices our door opens and my Dad comes out. He’s not much of a threat since he had his accident, but as a former sheriff he can sound scary as hell when he wants to. I’m glad he has my back.
“Release my daughter and get the hell off my property!” He shouts, raising his fist, which would be more effective if he wasn’t holding a walking stick.
The dogs rush outside, and start growling and barking at Tony.
They never liked my ex. I just need the cat to come and attack him and we’ll have a full house.
Tony’s confused. And when he gets confused he makes bad decisions. And his bad decision is to try and kiss me.
As he goes in for the kiss I shout “No!”
I’m trying to get away from him but the icy ground and his pincer like hands gripping my shoulders means I’m dragged forward. The last thing I want is to be kissed by my ex-boyfriend while my whole family, the next-door neighbor who I’m in love with and a crowd of barking dogs spectate.
I’m shaking my head back and forth as I press on Tony’s chest when suddenly he’s not there any more.
Tony goes flying into a snowdrift, burying the entire top half of his body as his legs flail up and down.
Elden is standing there with a scowl on his face.
He pulls Tony out in one move and sets him on his feet.
A chunk of snow falls from Tony’s damp hair.
“Looks like Neva’s had enough. Get in the taxi and go.” Elden points at it. The driver’s mouth is open in a round O-shape of disbelief.
Tony stares pleadingly at me but when he realises I’m not going to rescue him, he slumps dejectedly towards the taxi and gets in.
As it drives away, Elden walks over to me.
“Are you ok? He was gripping you pretty hard.” I can tell he’s concerned.
“Yes I’m fine. I just wanted him to go.” I stare up into his eyes but he’s not meeting my gaze.
“Right - I need to get back.” He walks down the path, leaving me standing there. I turn around to witness my entire family enjoying the little drama unfold.
“Guys, get in the house!” I just want to get back inside and process this drama. Half of me wants to cry and half wants to punch something.
Everyone goes back into the house except Bette. She reaches to give me a hug.
“I saw the way Elden looked at you. He’s got it bad. Give him some time to cool off.” She squeezes my hand.
I have to make things right with him but right now I don’t know what to do.