Page 49 of Christmas Wishes

I laughed. “No big news. I promise.” Though, oddly, I felt an urge to tell her about Riggs. I’d never told Mom about a guy I liked. Not since I was still in the closet, anyway, and told her about the “totally awesome” guy friends I had at school.

“That’s good then. How long are you staying down there?”

“Another week.”

“Why are you staying longer? I didn’t realize you had an interest in Arizona. I’d love to have you in the house, sweetheart.”

That was the million-dollar question. “I thought I was going to a part of Arizona without snow.”

Mom’s tinkly laugh was bright through the phone. “Oops.” We both laughed, but it faded. “Are you okay, Keat? Why didn’t you tell me about your job?”

I swallowed the lump in my throat as I watched Joule tuck her paws under her like a loaf of bread. “It’s not a big deal. Just another job I’ve lost, but I’ll figure something out. You know I always do.”

“Sweetheart, I want to know what’s happening in your life. You know that, right?”

“Sure, Mom. But this isn’t exactly exciting fodder for the group chat.” Not exciting for me, anyway.

She clicked her tongue. “Keaton…”

“Can you believe Christmas is next week? Arlo and I are excited. Don’t be surprised if everyone gets a crocheted dish scrubby in their stocking. I learned how to crochet this week.”

“Crochet? That’s fabulous! You can teach me. I’ve always wanted to learn. What have you made so far?”

“I’ve got a start on a potholder, but I haven’t finished anything yet.” Probably wouldn’t if I were honest with myself. That required sticking to something.

My parents’ dog began barking in the background. “You will. It’ll be a good way to keep your hands busy while you watch those makeup videos you like.”

That was sweet of her to say.

“Baxter is barking about something. I’d better go investigate. I’m excited to have you home next week, and you and Arlo are welcome to stay as long as you need to. I’m glad you’re safe. Love you, sweetheart. See you and Arlo next week.”

“Thanks, Mom. Love you too.”

I leaned my head back on the recliner headrest. “That could’ve gone much worse,” I told Joule. She didn’t seem interested in my drama as her eyes fell closed.

At least the news was out to the one person I felt bad about not telling. Keeping my layoff secret from Mom had been weighing on me more than I’d realized. Maybe I’d made a bigger deal out of being a disappointment than was deserved.

I unlocked my phone and saw a new notification. Evie had replied to a mini rant I’d posted to my IG story about the lack of skin tone color options in most major brands. Evie had sent a series of applause emoji in our DM.

Evie: You should make more videos! How’s it going picking a username?

Keaton: Not great. I keep waiting for inspiration to hit.

Evie: It will [smile emoji]

Keaton: I’d love to get more of your product. Turns out I’m in town for a bit longer.

Evie: I’ll be cleaning for one of Riggs’s neighbors tomorrow. I can swing by with some stuff.

Keaton: Perfect. Message me when you know about what time it’ll be, and I’ll make sure I’m here.

Now that I had more time in Arizona, I should work on some of the videos I’d been thinking about. Maybe if I started the content creation, the brand name would come. I might’ve been going about things in the wrong order. But when did I ever do things in the right order?

Chapter26

Riggs

“We should make s’mores.”Keaton dodged a kid twirling in circles as his harried mom pushed a cart down the aisle past us.

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