Page 21 of Christmas With My Ex

Bobby’s jolly face appears in the background, looking tired but amused. He could almost pose as a young Santa with his rosy cheeks and full, bushy beard. "He’s already snooped through half the gifts," he says, shaking his head and tousling his son's mop of hair.

"I didn’t snoop!" Sammy protests, but it’s clear he’s fibbing.

"Right," I say, laughing again. "Sounds like you’re in for a fun night, Bobby. I sure miss you guys."

"Always," Bobby says, rolling his eyes but smiling. "How’s the snow out there? Sammy’s been asking when we can go for a ski trip together. Might be fun to do something like that next year with our boys since you'll have Nicky."

I make the turn into the lobby, head down, watching Sammy bounce around the screen as Bobby tries to keep him in check. I’m halfway through laughing at one of Sammy’s Christmas stories when—bam—I nearly run straight into someone.

"Oh, shit!" I stop dead in my tracks, jerking my head up just in time to see Rives stumbling backward, her crutches nearly sliding out from under her. I reach out instinctively, grabbing her arm to steady her before she falls.

God, I’m so sorry," I blurt out, guilt rushing in. "I wasn’t paying attention to where I was going. Are you okay?"

Rives looks startled but regains her balance quickly, leaning heavily on her crutches. "I'm fine, no worries at all," she says, giving me a quick, tight smile. She nods at my phone. “Hopefully, whatever you're looking at is exciting."

I glance down at the screen, realizing Sammy’s been watching this whole thing unfold. "Oh, yeah, ha! I’m Face Timing with my nephew, Sammy. My sister's son. You remember Bobby, right?"

"Of course," she answers more enthusiastically than I expected. Okay, we can do this.

"Who’s that, Uncle Nick?" Sammy’s voice calls out, breaking me from my trance, loud enough for Rives to hear.

I clear my throat, feeling a little awkward. "Uh, it's my friend, Rives."

"Can I see her?!" Sammy’s excitement is contagious, even if it makes this moment a thousand times more awkward. I rub the back of my neck, feeling the tension coil in my chest, uncomfortable to throw her in the middle of this family stuff I already know she isn't wild about.

"Sure," I mutter, flipping the phone toward Rives with a half-hearted smile. I mouth, "Sorry" to her. "Here she is."

Rives raises a hand, offering Sammy a smile that feels more genuine than mine. "Hey, kiddo," she says, her voice light, warm. She’s always been good with kids, and it shows in the way her expression softens. "Nice to meet you!"

"Hi, Rives!" Sammy grins through the screen, his messy hair sticking up in all directions. "Uncle Nick almost knocked you over!"

She laughs, the sound easier than I expected. "Yeah, he’s a little clumsy, isn’t he?"

Bobby appears in the background, waving. "Good to see you, Rives," he says. "Hope you’re having a good Christmas."

"Trying my best," she replies with a smile, but I can see the strain behind her eyes. "You two staying out of trouble?"

"Not a chance," Bobby chuckles, giving Sammy a playful nudge. "We are in sunny Florida. I hear y'all have been battling a snow storm. Stay warm!"

I shift my weight, the awkwardness building as I stand there holding up my phone like an idiot. I’m not sure if Rives isabout to bolt any second, or if I should be the one to end this uncomfortable run-in.

"Uncle Nick, are you skiing with Rives?" Sammy asks, his voice full of curiosity.

Rives and I exchange a glance. "No skiing for me," she says, giving a slight shake of her crutches. "I’m stuck on crutches for now."

Sammy’s face falls. "Oh, no. I'm sorry you got a booboo."

"It's okay, bud," she agrees, her tone light, but her smile fades quickly. "I better run. So good to see you, Bobby. You guys take care. And Merry Christmas, Sammy!"

There’s a long beat of silence before Bobby pipes in. "Well, we’ll let you guys go. Sammy’s got some presents to shake under the tree. I'll call you later, Nicholas."

"Sounds good. Have some eggnog for me, Bobby.”

He gives me a thumbs up.

"Bye, Rives!" Sammy waves at the camera before the call cuts off.

I shove the phone back into my pocket, exhaling a breath I didn’t realize I’d been holding. Rives shifts on her crutches, not looking at me.

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