Page 16 of The Gift Rarely Given

Time passes by without another message from her. I find myself waiting with the phone in my hand to see if she’ll say something else. I want to know more about her. I want to talk more. Right when I think she’s done, I get another notification.

Livie: We have momentum going, I think we need to use it.

Me: We do. We do.

Livie: Do you trust me?

Even though I just met her, all I want to say is yes. Is it crazy? Maybe but I haven’t had a good time with someone in a while and something tells me she truly means well.

Me: As crazy as it sounds, I think I do.

Livie: Pick me up tomorrow at 7:00pm. Wear something comfy and warm.

Me: Done

SEVEN DAYS BEFORE CHRISTMAS

On the seventhday of Christmas Baker Oaks gave to me a picnic at the park and a hot kiss by the truck.

9

CAN I KISS YOU?

THIS TOWN, NIALL HORAN

Alex

I’m waitingon the wrap-around front porch of Livie’s old Southern style house with white siding and a deep green door. The temperature tonight is perfect, so even though I’ve been waiting for a few minutes, it’s not uncomfortable. Whatever we decide to do tonight, I hope it’s outside.

Last night I picked her up after work and we served hot cocoa at the park at a Christmas caroling event. We served it to all the kids and adults singing, as well as the patrons who went by. It was a lovely night and I had a lot of fun. She’s so dang funny; I found myself laughing more than I have in years.

This morning, the Baker Gazette had a picture of us smiling on the front page with the heading “Grumpy and Sunshine: Are Alex Haddock’s party days over?” And there was a whole article about Livie and me; the detailsspeculating how this might be exactly what I need to straighten out my life. I’m sure hanging out with Livie and showing up to public events with her has helped, but I don’t want her life to be completely disrupted by the media, so I’m trying to balance out the overly public outings.

When Livie opens the door, soft light illuminates everything about her and her beautiful eyes. Her hair cascades in loose waves, catching the light perfectly, and her smile is infectious. She’s wearing jeans and an olive sweatshirt—that color was made just for her. She looks effortlessly beautiful and my breath catches.

“Hey, ready to go?” I ask, trying to keep my voice steady before I can give myself away. Five days. I’ve known this girl for five days and my heart already races.

“Absolutely!” she replies, her eyes sparkling with excitement. I don’t even notice the basket she has until she passes by. I take it from her and after a cordial exchange of smiles, we head to the truck and I open the door for her. As I slide into the driver’s seat, I can’t help but steal glances at her as she guides me to wherever it is we’re going. The way she talks about little things with such enthusiasm draws me in deeper.

As we pull into the gravel lot beside the football field, I see the giant sign announcing an outdoor movie night. I haven’t stepped foot on this field in forever, and my hands tighten around the steering wheel while my jaw snaps shut.

“Hey,” Livie whispers, placing her hand over mine. “I’m sorry, I didn’t think about the location when I was planning this. We can just leave.”

I know it’s just a place, but it brings so many memories and I just wasn’t ready.

“It’s okay. I’ll be fine. It just took me by surprise.” I find an empty spot near the entrance and step out of the truckbefore she can say anything else. The atmosphere is festive, with people milling about carrying blankets and snacks. I can already hear the faint sound of Christmas music playing in the background.

I grab the basket she packed from the truck bed and open her door, helping her step out. “Are you sure?” Livie asks with question in her eyes.

“I’m sure. I do have a question for you, though.”

“What is it?”

“We’re supposed to be dating, yeah?” I ask.

She raises an eyebrow. “Yes, I thought that’s what we said.”

“Okay, do we need to draw boundaries? You know, like physical affection and stuff.” I search her eyes for regret or discomfort, but what I find is a smile. “I know we’ve spent a few days together already, but I just want to make sure.”

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