Page 129 of If Ever

I laugh at his expression, then a miniature Spiderman jumps into view and yells, “Rahr!”

Tom cracks up. “And this is Jasper.”

“No, Unca Tom, I’m Spido-man,” the little superhero says.

Bella grabs for his mask and pulls. Jasper swats her. Tom is trying to hold the two apart.

A young woman appears and snatches the baby out of Jasper’s reach then bends to the screen. “Hello, you must be Chelsea. Happy Christmas! We’ve heard loads about you.”

I’m taken off guard at her unexpected appearance, and paste on what I hope resembles a natural smile.

“This is my sister, Hannah, mother to the adorable demon children.”

“Hi,” I say to the pretty blonde with sandy-colored hair that matches Tom’s.

“My brother best be nice to you. If he’s not, you let me know. I could take him down when he was seven, and I can certainly take him down at twenty-seven.”

Tom rolls his eyes.

I laugh. “Thanks, I’ll keep that in mind.”

Hannah disappears and Tom peeks back at me. “Forgive me, love, but the whole lot wants to meet you.”

Before I can object, his laptop is being passed around and I’m faced with one stranger after another. They all know who I am, but I can’t keep track of them. His mother pops in with a cheery hello, and his grandmother smiles sweetly and tells me Tom is a lovely boy. Then suddenly he’s back.

“That’s all you get,” he yells at his family and the noise of their banter grows distant. “Okay. I’m in my room with the door shut. At least it used to be my room before Mum turned into a craft hut. Sorry for putting you on the spot there, but thanks. You’re a novelty.” He settles onto his bed and seems so happy.

“Why’s that?”

“They’ve never met anyone I’ve dated before. Add to that the fact that you’re American, beautiful, and a woman.”

“Oh, were they expecting a dude?” I laugh.

“Let’s just say that after spending my life singing and dancing, I could never totally convince my dad and brother I’m straight.”

“Maybe you should have introduced them to a girl sooner.”

He gets a cock-eyed grin. “But where’s the fun in that.” He settles onto his bed and leans back, relaxed. “You know, when you and I are done talking, I think I’ll show them some of your Celebrity Dance Off videos, so they can see the real you.”

“Oh, God, please don’t.” But he grins and I know he will. “You look good,” I say.

“You like my new jumper?” He looks down at his sweater. “I got three. No one knows what to buy me. Oh and several pair of socks, and new underwear, of course. Wait till you see them all.”

I want to reach through the screen and touch him. “Time off has been good for you.”

“It has. I just wish you could have been here with me.”

“I know.” Maybe next time, I hope.

“So what are you doing today?”

“I’m trying to decide what show to binge watch. Do I go for a Gilmore Girls marathon, or a classic like Alias? My mom’s favorite. Plus it has Bradley Cooper.”

“Aren’t you going to be with friends?” He asks, confused.

I realize my mistake. “Nah. Most are out of town. The others are busy with their families. I’ll probably order Chinese later.”

He sits up, his relaxed demeanor gone. “Aw hell, Chelsea. You shouldn’t be spending Christmas alone.”

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