Page 32 of No Time for Traditions

Sarah busied herself making pancakes while Brittany tended to the eggs. They were almost finished putting everything out on the counter, buffet style, when Amber’s voice called from the living room.

“Merry Christmas.”

Brittany listened as they greeted Marty before making their way into the kitchen. All but Scotty. He chose to wait in the living room with Paw Paw . . . and his presents.

“Merry Christmas.” Amber walked over and hugged Sarah, then Brittany.

“I’m so glad you could be off today,” Sarah said.

“Well, I worked twelve-hour shifts most of this week, but if it means I can spend half the day with you guys and half with my family”—Amber let out a big puff of air—“it was worth it.”

“We’re glad you did. And those pajamas look adorable on you. Sorry they didn’t come in petite.” Sarah frowned as she noticed the baggy pants legs on Amber’s short frame.

Amber laughed. “It’s fine. They’re very comfy.”

Scott hugged Sarah and kissed her cheek before making his way to Brittany. He whispered in her ear as he hugged her, “How’d last night go?”

She elbowed his ribcage, causing him to grunt.

“That bad, huh?”

Brittany mouthed “I hate you” his way.

“Now, kids. Don’t fight. It’s Christmas.” Sarah glared at both of them the way she did when they were young.

Scott smiled at Brittany over their mom’s head. She rolled her eyes, remembering what she hated most about having a boyfriend. Her brother’s teasing.

Not that Greg was her boyfriend. They’d only had the one kiss and the one date. Brittany’s stomach sank as she remembered two days from now, she’d be leaving. The next time she returned, Greg might be dating someone. She sucked in a breath and tried not to think about it.

“Okay, family. Are we ready to eat?” Marty walked in carrying a giggling Scotty across his shoulder like a stick of firewood.

Sarah confirmed they were ready to eat, and everyone bowed their heads. Marty prayed, but Brittany didn’t hear a word of it. Her mind blurred as she tried not to focus on going back to the real world—one which didn’t include Greg.

Once they sat down, Brittany ate in silence, letting everyone else do the talking. It was easy with her being the most introverted of the bunch and Scotty wanting to tell anyone who’d listen all about what Santa brought him that morning. They all ate way more than normal, making Brittany grateful for the elastic waistband on her pajama bottoms.

She offered to put away the leftovers while everyone went into the living room to see Scotty open his gifts from Paw Paw and Say Say. As she packed up leftover pieces of breakfast casserole, Brittany thought back to the day she’d packed up leftover lasagna for Greg. And as she loaded coffee cups into the dishwasher, she thought about the day she’d given him her hot chocolate.

Everything made her think of Greg.

“Brittany, come on, sweetie. That can wait.” Sarah stood at the archway between the kitchen and living area, arms crossed.

“I’m coming.” Brittany wiped her hands on her pajamas and headed toward her mom.

Sarah caught her by the arm as she passed her. “Are you all right?”

“Yes. Just tired.” Brittany put on a fake smile, knowing her mom wouldn’t buy it. But at least it would let Sarah know that although something was bothering her, she didn’t care to talk about it right now.

Her answer must’ve sufficed for now, because Sarah let go of Brittany’s arm. By the time Brittany made it to the couch, Scotty had opened his last gift. “Did you get the one from me?”

“Yeah, you got me clothes.” Scotty snarled his nose her way.

Amber popped his wrist. “Be nice. Those clothes are lovely.” She scowled at Scotty before turning to Brittany. “Thank you, Brittany.”

Brittany laughed. “You’re welcome.” If only everyone were as honest as four-year-olds, nobody would have to worry about misread feelings.

* * *

The rest of the morning,Brittany made sure not to put herself alone with her mother. Amber being off work helped tremendously, as that meant they weren’t alone in the kitchen. And Brittany made sure to steer clear of any topics that might lead to Greg. Which was harder than she’d expected, considering all things reminded her of him.

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