Page 29 of Christmas With My Ex

Nicholas catches me staring and offers a crooked smile that sends a jolt through me. That smile, half mischievous, half knowing, was always my undoing. It’s like he knows exactly what effect he has on people, on me especially. I can feel my cheeks flush slightly as I make my way back to our table.

As I sit down, he leans forward slightly, bridging the gap between us with an ease that makes my heart skip a beat. His voice is low and smooth when he speaks, drawing me back into the moment completely.

“You have to see this.”

I glance down at the screen, unsure of what to expect. Within seconds, I burst out laughing.

It’s a video compilation of Christmas bloopers—people falling off ladders while putting up lights, kids knocking over Christmas trees, and one especially dramatic moment where a giant inflatable Santa takes flight in the wind, knocking over an entire yard display.

“Oh, my God, this stuff never gets old. Why is it so funny when people fall?” I laugh, shaking my head, trying to catch my breath. “That poor Santa!”

Nicholas is laughing so hard, tears are forming at the corners of his eyes. “Right? And the guy trying to save his reindeer in the background is totally priceless.”

The video keeps going, each clip more ridiculous than the last. By the time it’s over, we’re both laughing so hard that we’re holding our stomachs. The worry from before about how we would segue from insane sex in the bathroom to being normal people in public is completely gone, replaced with the light, carefree feeling I’ve always loved about Nicholas.

“Where did you even find this?” I ask, still giggling.

Nicholas shrugs, wiping his eyes. “Someone sent it to me earlier. I was looking at it while you were in the bathroom and had to share. I figured you’d appreciate a good holiday disaster, seeing as you had your own.”

“Well, you weren’t wrong.” I take a deep breath, feeling the last bit of awkwardness fade away. "I'm sure if there had been someone with a camera there yesterday it would have been the star of a blooper to add to this."

This lightness between us is why I feel in love with him in the first place. Whatever shit we had, whatever differences of opinions that made us butt heads, we always laughed.

I settle back into my seat, taking another sip of my beer. “Well, now I worry about drinking too many beers and giving content. I'll surely fall on my ass in that snow tunnel if I get too tipsy.”

Nicholas smirks, raising his glass. “Cheers to that. We should all hope to catch enough of a buzz on Christmas Eve that we provide content. Isn't that what the holidays are all about?”

We both laugh again, the kind of laughter that makes the entire room fade away for a moment.

The bar is filling up, more people crowding in to escape the cold, but it doesn’t feel overwhelming. If anything, it adds to the warm, holiday vibe, the Christmas lights twinkling, the hum of conversation and music making everything feel festive.

“This place is getting packed,” I say, glancing around. “It’s like the whole town decided to show up here to celebrate Christmas together.”

“I kinda love it,” Nicholas replies. “It’s got that small-town Christmas feel. Like something out of a movie.”

I smile, fully leaning into the easy vibe between us now. It does feel like Christmas and it feels good to be here with him.

We’ve been sitting here for a while, laughing, talking about everything from bad holiday movies to ridiculous family traditions when I hear a familiar voice behind me.

“Rives-Leaves!”

I turn around to see Megan from Dr. Harper’s office, grinning as she makes her way over to our table. She’s holding a drink, her tacky, red Christmas sweater and huge star earrings are on point. I love it when someone doesn't take themselves too seriously.

“Megan!” I say, surprised to see someone I know here. “Hi!”

She gives me a quick once-over, then looks at Nicholas with a curious smile. “Well, well, I see you’re getting around okay.”

“Yeah, something like that,” I laugh. “Just taking it easy.”

Megan turns her attention to Nicholas, extending her hand. “Hi, I’m Megan, from Dr. Harper’s office. Rives here has been my favorite patient this week.”

Nicholas shakes her hand, smiling. “Nice to meet you. I’m Nicholas.”

“Wait,” I say, suddenly remembering. “I missed the call about my MRI results yesterday. I’ve been trying to reach someone at the office today, but no luck.”

Megan waves a hand. “Oh, we’re closed for the holidays, but don’t worry. I took a look at your results myself, and it’s good news!”

Relief washes over me. “Good news?”

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