Page 40 of Stuck With My Christmas Crush

This gift cannot be found under the Christmas tree.

Look inside your heart.

That is where your wish might be.

“How odd,” says Lou taking the flimsy piece of paper from my hand. “What does it mean?”

Lou looks at Calvin who shrugs and says, “That family must have you confused with someone else, I think.”

I stare into space as an idea slaps me. “I think it’s from Jason,” I say quietly as I reach for my mimosa and take a swift slurp.

“Really?”

“Open the box,” Lou demands.

I pull the ribbon from the square cardboard package and carefully take the lid off. Inside is something sparkly wrapped in pink tissue. I take it out and peel away the layer of thin paper.

“It’s a bracelet,” I say turning the dainty string of glittery stones arranged in a series of flowers over in my hand.

“So pretty,” says Lou with twinkly eyes. Then she says, “Well, if it is from Jason. How do you feel about that?”

“I don’t know. I’m surprised. I love it.” I put the bracelet on and admire how it sparkles. “It’s just so unexpected. I mean, we haven’t really connected since that day at the mansion. He left a message, but I haven’t called him back.”

“It could mean that he’s had a change of heart,” says Calvin topping up our glasses with what’s left of bubbly wine.

“Call him.”

“No. It might not be from Jason. Anyway, he’ll be with his sister and…”

“Well. He might just turn up. You did invite him for Christmas dinner, remember?”

“Speaking of which,” Calvin says as he stands up holding his glass. “I should get busy in the kitchen.” He leaves Lou and me in the living room, sipping his mimosa as he goes.

We clear the debris of Christmas wrapping from the floor. Then Lou goes to the kitchen to help Calvin as I lay the table and arrange the candle centerpiece.

I pause to look at the pretty bracelet again and hold it up to the light. A warm glow fills me as I think about Jason, the most practical, sensible person I have ever met. And the consideration and effort that went into my gift. Maybe I read him all wrong. I had him pegged as a dry, decidedly unromantic man who would never understand me. The bracelet proves that there’s much more going on than I first thought. If the gift is from Jason, that is.

I light the candles on the dining table and admire the cozy living room with all its tinsel and twinkly lights. Nat King Cole sings about roasting chestnuts on an open fire and I feel all tingly inside - the sort of tingles that only happen at Christmastime. Then I realize that Nat King Cole is my phone ringing and not the track on theChristmas playlist. The device vibrates and lights up on the bookshelf, where I left it, beside the mini-Santa in his sleigh pulled by some very life-like reindeer.

I pick up my phone and answer without checking caller ID.

“Hey, Charlie. It’s Jason.”

I gasp in surprise. My heart is about to burst, but manage to say, “Ah, Jason. Merry Christmas. How are you?” I’m nervous and gabbling. “Are you having a nice time? Is Rocko wearing his Christmas collar? Where are you spending your day? At the mansion? Is it cold up there?”

“No.” Jason laughs. “I was at Meredith’s this morning, but now I’m right outside your place.”

Still holding my phone I hurry to the window and peek out through the drapes. Jason is standing on the path. Snowflakes fall softly. He’s holding a big bag decorated with Christmas angels. I’m stunned for a minute by the magical scene, then drop my phone on the couch and rush to open the door. Christmas tingles are now heart-fluttering jitters. I fling open the door but almost slam it shut again.

Then I get it together enough to say, “Hello, Jason. What a surprise.”

“Is it?” Jason smiles at me through the falling snow. “You invited me. I have the card here, just in case youforgot.” Jason holds up the Christmas card that I had given him with the juggling balls. “It is Christmas day. And I guess it is coming up to dinner time. So, here I am.”

I shiver in the evening chill. “Jason. I can’t believe you're here.” My breath appears in clouds. “Come in. Please.” I step aside to allow Jason to pass, then close the door.

“You didn’t return my call, so I really only had one option, Charlie,” Jason says shyly as he follows me into the living room where the table is set for four. “It is still okay for me to…”

“Yes. Yes, of course. I’m just, um.” I shrug. “I didn’t think you’d come. That’s all.”

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