Page 46 of Holiday Hostilities

Ironic. I cannot believe you live with those people.

Lol and you didn’t even meet the pantie thief.

I almost drop my phone.

There’s another roommate? Of the underwear-stealing variety?!

Unfortunately, yes.

I fully plan to find a new place by January, by the way. It’s my early resolution.

I hear ya. I’d hate to find out what Regina George plays on the bagpipes for New Years.

I pause for a moment, and then quickly type out one more text.

Speaking of, did you manage to get your Christmas schedule sorted out?

I press send before I can talk myself out of it. It’s not like we ever text, never mind texting for small talk, but I’m curious.

The bubbles pop up, then disappear. Once, twice. Three times.

“Marino!”

I look up to see Tony standing in the doorway of the kitchen, clad in a puffy North Face jacket and a baseball cap with the Cyclones logo on it. His face is more relaxed than usual, his lips almost turning upward at the corners. Beside him is an attractive woman who looks to be in her early twenties. She’s got long dark hair, deeply tanned skin, and the same piercing eyes as my coach.

“Hey, Coach.” I pocket my phone and give him a wave. “Just fueling up after hitting the gym.”

“Glad to hear it.” He indicates the woman at his side. “This is my daughter, Caelin.”

“Hi.” I stand from the table and stick out a hand. I’ve met Coach’s wife a number of times but never his daughter. “Nice to meet you.”

“Likewise,” she responds with a big smile, shaking my hand. “I’ve heard a lot about you. And the others.”

I laugh. “Good things, I hope?”

“Not in the least.” Tony snorts, but his eyes are glinting with humor. “Caelin’s just come back from Asia.”

“That’s awesome. Vacation?”

“Backpacking,” she replies. “Toured Southeast Asia and Australia, and then taught English in Singapore.”

“I’m impressed. Most tropical place I’ve been to is Hawaii.”

“She’s a go-getter,” Tony says proudly. “But I’m glad to have her home.”

“I’ll bet.” I look over at her. “Are you staying in town for long?”

“At least until the new year. I’m ready for a real Christmas. Last year, I was in Sydney, and a Christmas barbecue on the beach felt wrong on so many levels.”

“I can imagine. I’m from Jersey, so even Atlanta doesn’t feel like real Christmas to me because it never snows.” I chuckle. “Hey, if you’re ever at a game, you should find Jake Griswold’s sister, Olivia. She’s a flight attendant and has been to a ton of places. I’m sure she’d love to chat with you about traveling.”

And I’m sure she’d love to meet more like-minded, normal people in this city, given the characters she currently lives with.

“Oh, cool. I totally will.”

Coach clears his throat. “Cae, do you mind heading to my office while I have a word with Aaron?”

Caelin says her goodbyes, and Tony turns to me.

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