Chapter 15
Lola opened his eyes to the sun beginning to peek through his window. It was Christmas Day. The only day that he was confident would be quiet and relaxing. Christmas alone. Christmas to himself was not new to him. Since his mother’s death several years ago, he had spent this day alone because he had no other family. Rolling onto his back, he flung his arm over his eyes. He had no plans. Not that he really made plans anymore. The club owned him, and his time was theirs to plan. And plan, they did.
Eight months down and more to go. He grinned. But at least no more hanging lights, assembling Santa gifts, escorting the women on shopping sprees to carry bags, or any other minor holiday chore. All these things were done while maintaining his normal work hours and required club business. But what would fill his time next? He couldn’t say but no doubt tomorrow would set things in motion again.
At least he wasn’t demanded to play Santa. Although Santa was his last task before the club Christmas party last night. He met Santa, a very convincing one at that, at the airport and took him to the clubhouse. A laugh escaped him. Imagine how the kids on that flight felt seeing Santa on the plane when he should be preparing his sleigh for the night. It turned out that Santa was a friend of Brew and Baylee’s. Needless to say, the children were excited to see Santa again. He knew each and every one of them by name and by family.
He rolled his head to glance at the chair in the room. Specifically, to the gift bag in that chair filled with what they called a prospect kit. Every possible pain killer, energy drinks, plus many “helpful” items to carry him through his probate time, including tissues for all his tears. One thing it did not contain was sleeping pills. Not that he needed them, but because it was clearly noted there was no time to rest for a prospect. How true.
He rolled to sit on the side of the bed, dropping his elbows onto his knees. He had family now. He had a father. Mac. Would he want to see him? Probably not. He didn’t mention it last night at the clubhouse. Besides, Mac would be occupied with his girlfriend, Lorelei. Lorelei was great. Lola liked her and they were having a baby. Correction. Two babies. He laughed out loud. Karma. Mac missed his childhood, and now, he would have twins to raise in his fifties.
Lola blew out a breath. Life had not turned out how he had ever imagined. The jury was still out on whether it was the best decision to come here or not. Inhaling deeply, he stood and rolled his neck as he made his way to the tiny bathroom in front of him.
He took his time checking his phone just to make sure no one had demanded his services and tossed it onto the bed, considering his options for the day. They were few, but he hoped deep down that he would not be required to leave the house. A relaxing day with beautiful women was what he needed. Yes, indeed. Just him and his girls. When King had given him the freedom to move from the house months ago, he had opted to stay. He had reluctantly grown to like it here. With both Amber and Mia. He smiled to himself and headed downstairs still in sweatpants.
Cinnamon. He inhaled. Cinnamon, indeed. Following the aroma, he found himself in the kitchen. “What’s all this?” He scanned the dishes of food on the island and on the table.
Mia stood next to the refrigerator returning a bottle of juice. Dressed in the same baggy, cut off sweats she usually wore, he chuckled to himself. She would stay bundled in a coat if she could function that way. She straightened and tilted her head, watching him as he moved closer. Her eyes seemed to twinkle with a light of holiday spirit.
“You’re cooking Christmas dinner?”
Her sweet smile transformed her face as it grew more radiant than he thought possible. “For just us? You have no one else to spend the day with?”
She slowly swung her head side to side, pointing to him and then herself.
What was he getting into? No way could this end well. She was so sweet. He didn’t want to insult her or break her heart. But he wasn’t sure this was a good idea. Not now. Oh, he loved teasing her and watching the color rise in her cheeks just before she looked away. She always looked away and he could only guess why, but he liked it. But this? This seemed a bit personal.
She crooked her two forefingers, hooking them and then flipping them to do it again. He stood motionless. With no response from him, she tapped his chest then her own.
“Woman, you know I don’t know that stuff.”
Tapping their chests again, she didn’t hesitate or show discouragement.
“You and me. Us,” he said.
Nodding, she placed her palms together. Still focused on his face, she pulled then apart.
“Large? Big?” he guessed.
Once more, she crooked her forefingers and tapped one on his chest and the other on hers. Then hooked them together again as she did before. Only mouthing the word simultaneously.
“Friends.” He relaxed and grinned. “Great friends. Yes, I agree. No better way to spend the day than with good friends. Come here.” He reached for her arms, pulling her into a hug. “Merry Christmas, Mia.”
After a small breakfast of coffee and a slice of toast, he returned to his room to dress. Pushing his foot into the last boot, a knock brought up his head. “Come in,” he yelled.
The door swung open, and Amber leaned inside. “Are you planning on staying in here all day?” she teased.
“Only if you plan on joining me.” He laughed when she just rolled her eyes. “I’ll have you know that I’ve already had breakfast and pleasant conversation. All while your lazy ass was still in bed.”
She laughed without disagreeing. “Late night last night.”
“Studying?”
Color raised in her cheeks as she glanced away. “On the phone.”
Lola raised a brow. She’d never blushed before.
“I may be glad to be away from the club, but I did have friends there who I keep in touch with. I’ve been invited to drive down and stay the night.”
He draped his arm over her shoulder as he turned her from the room. “I’m happy for you.” They descended the stairs and chatted then he steered her toward the lush and elaborately decorated tree in the foyer. He lifted a small bag from the floor. “Merry Christmas, Amber.”
“Awe, I have something for you too,” she said dropping to her knees and resting her bottom on her feet. Reaching underneath the tree, she produced a red box. “Here,” she offered it from where she sat on the floor.
He dropped to sit on his heels next to her and exchanged gifts. Ripping it open, he discovered a long-sleeved tee while she held up the necklace that he had bought for her.
“It’s beautiful! Put it on me,” she said as she gained her feet and held up her hair, turning her back toward him. The instant he hooked it, she spun back, throwing her arms around him. “Thank you.”
“Go. Have fun. Not too much fun though.”
She grinned and walked to the door, grabbing her coat and a small overnight bag sitting next to the wall.
As soon as the door closed, Lola turned and met Mia’s gaze. With a lopsided grin, he joined her in the kitchen. “I have a surprise for you too. But not until after dinner.”
Mia smiled and bumped her hip into him as he walked by.
“Ah, teasing won’t get it sooner.” He laughed. “I need your cooking first.”
Mia shook her head and slapped an oven mitt onto his chest.
“What? Really? You’re going to make me help?”
She crossed her arms, and her lips twitched.
My girl is trying to sass me. His chin dropped and he feigned his reluctance. “Fine. I’ll slave away with you in the heat of the kitchen.”
Mia shook her head and jerked the oven mitt from his hand.
Lola laughed and stepped closer to where they finished cooking and shared the holiday meal.
***
Finally, Lola relented and told Mia to join him on the steps. He liked it here. It was intimate and she had no choice but to sit next to him rather than if they exchanged gifts anywhere else.
Mia settled on the same step as him, their legs touching. She held out a small package wrapped in brown and held together with bright green ribbon curled around his name. “Tim”.
He tugged the ribbon off and peeled back the paper to reveal a keychain. He rubbed his finger over the tan rope that matched Mia’s swings in the yard. She had woven this for him. No one had ever hand made a gift for him. His heart felt full, and an unfamiliar feeling settled in his stomach. “Thank you, Sunshine. This is perfect.”
He pulled his key ring from his jean pocket, hooking the new macramé tag to the simple metal ring that held his few keys. He then reached behind him, brought out a large bag, and sat on the step in front of Mia. His focus remained on her face as she pulled out a night gown. Long and warm, and soft to the touch. Things he had searched until he discovered the right combination.
She smiled and lifted the material to her cheek. She lifted her hand. “Thank you,” she signed.
Mia jerked from Lola and toward the door as it opened.
“Knock, knock,” a female voice called out.
He felt Mia tense up and jerk the gift to her chest.
“Just walk inside,” Mac demanded from the other side of the door.
Lola dropped his head with a shake as he listened to the couple banter.
“I can’t just walk in. What if he’s not decent?”
“The door’s open, walk in. And you sure wasn’t concerned about decency earlier today.”
“Mac!”
“Come in and shut the door,” Lola called out. “We’re right here,” he yelled again when they were both inside and removing their coats. “You guys on the wrong side of town, aren’t you?”
“Merry Christmas,” Lorelei greeted, holding a covered dish. “I brought some sweets.”
And my dad. He glanced toward Mia. They do have that parent timing down pat. “That was thoughtful,” he told Lorelei.
“I wanted to call. Are we interrupting?” Lorelei asked.
“You’re welcome anytime. No need to call,” Lola told her, then cocked his head toward Mac. “I don’t think I really have a choice, do I?”
“No. Wasn’t taking the chance of you avoiding me. So, here I am.”
Probably a good thing. Lola stood and pulled Mia to her feet. He slipped his fingers through hers and together they joined Mac and Lorelei. Not his plans for the day, but he had to admit, he wasn’t mad about it. Not really. Since their confrontation at the clubhouse, Lola had stopped judging Mac as harshly. But there were times when the resentment demon would raise its ugly head, causing Lola to pull back for a day or so. But he would struggle through and move on.
As the day came to an end, the house once again became quiet and dark. Lola showered, and with only a pair of joggers on, he eased from his room to check the house and grab a drink. Reaching the top step, he caught a glimpse of movement in the faint glow of the Christmas tree lights. Mia, in her new nightgown, sat against the wall, watching the twinkling and blinking of the lights. Quietly, Lola walked over and slid down the wall next to her. He draped his arm around her, and she leaned into him. Together they sat in silence.
This is what Christmas is about. He dropped his head to rest on hers. He wouldn’t change anything of the day. Not even his father showing up.