Page 58 of GAF Factor

“Oh, what a load of bullshit! People only pretend to be holy on Christmas. And you have to be good or Santa won’t visit you. What a load of crap!”

“What’s your problem with every other holiday?” he asked.

I stepped back, grinning as I watched it all unfold.

“Name one,” she challenged.

“Thanksgiving. Tell me what’s wrong with that.”

“What’s going on?” IKE asked, walking up beside me.

“Just watch.”

Riley tossed up her hands, scoffing at Bowie. “Thanksgiving? That’s one of the worst holidays. A day to be grateful for all we have. Just one day? That’s all? All the rest of the days, we’ll tear each other apart and shit on all the blessings we have, but for one fake day, we’ll pretend we all love each other.”

Bowie crossed his arms over his chest and glared at her. “Valentine’s Day. Certainly, you can’t have a problem with love.”

She barked out a laugh. “Are you kidding me? You’re really celebrating a massacre. The rest is all a holiday created to sell more greeting cards.”

“Veteran’s Day,” he challenged.

“Yes, because we should only be grateful and celebrate our veterans once a year. Are you fucking kidding me? You’re a veteran. Are you telling me you think anyone really goes to those backyard parties and actually thinks about veterans? They’re thinking about barbecues and getting drunk. Same with the Fourth of July and Memorial Day. And don’t even get me started on St. Patrick’s Day.”

“What’s wrong with St. Patrick’s Day?” IKE asked.

I jabbed him in the ribs, hushing him before he could start World War III.

“What? Does she have something against the Irish?”

I glared at him, hoping he would just shut up.

“Christ, it’s like I don’t even know you!” Bowie snapped.

“A-ha!” Riley shouted in victory. “Right there. Taking the Lord’s name in vain on Christmas Day. Ladies and gentlemen, my work is done.” She turned and bowed, then walked into the living room and plopped down on the couch to watch a movie.

“And that is why I have no problem leaving,” I said to Bowie. I walked to my bag, hoisting it over my shoulder, but it was snatched out of my hands moments later by IKE.

“Ready?”

I nodded, grinning when he pulled me in for a kiss.

“Great,” Bowie huffed. “Now I have to watch the two of you making out.”

“Not for long,” IKE muttered. “Let’s get out of here.”

He dragged me to the door and led me outside, closing the door behind him. The car was idling by the curb and we quickly rushed down the sidewalk to it. I was met by toasty warm seats, making me feel like I’d never left the comfort of home.

“Are you sure you don’t want to stay?” IKE asked as he slid in beside me.

“Positive.”

He smirked at me and shifted into drive, hitting the gas. His hand slid across the console, wrapping around mine in a warm embrace. As his thumb brushed over my hand, I leaned back and enjoyed the drive to his house that ended way too quickly. I enjoyed sitting in silence with him, not feeling at all like either of us had to fill it.

When we pulled down his driveway, I turned to face him. “Can I ask you something?”

“You know you can.”

“Were you in love with Jane?”

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