Page 106 of Subbing For Santa

His eyes dip to mine, his skin lighting up with reds and greens from the glow of the fireworks.

“Well, I had hoped that by the time the fireworks were starting, we’d be about to finish our game.”

“Shit. Our game. I must have dropped the key.”

He smiles, but it doesn’t reach his eyes. “I have a spare.”

“You should finish your game.” Selena says as she steps up to the railing next to us. “We could use a little fun and celebration right now.”

Griffin turns his frown at Selena, while I frown at his chest, trying to figure out what Selena means. Why would our game be a cause for celebration?

“I don’t think sending her on a scavenger hunt now is a good idea.” Griffin sighs and Ewan comes to stand on the other side of his wife, putting his arm around her waist.

“Why not give her the gifts she was meant to find?”

My frown deepens as Griffin looks at his dad before he glances back down at me.

“I don’t know. I don’t want the two things tied together on the same day.”

“It’s Wednesday now.” Bernadette comes to stand on our other side. “And a new year. Why not start it off with something good?”

“But, what if…” Griffin frowns at his older sister, not completing the sentence, and I’m left to wonder what the hell they are all talking about.

“I think you’d be surprised, Griff. She loves you. She didn’t need to save us to show me that.” Ewan comments, and I’m left reeling.

“Care to clue me in?” I ask, and Griffin turns his gaze back to me, studying my face.

He reaches up to graze his fingers over my cheek before stepping back and releasing me.

“I’ll be right back.”

As Griffin rushes off below deck, I glance at his family, who are no longer wearing sadness or trauma, but are instead, smiling.

“Come on. Let’s sit down.” Bernadette takes my hand, leading me to the oversized outdoor lounge, and everyone joins us.

The air sparks with an excitement I’m not privy to, and I eye each of the Marx family here with me, trying to pick up on what’s going on. When Griffin returns with a box, his family members shift around in anticipation, leaving me even more stumped.

Taking a seat next to me, Griffin places the box on the table and turns to me.

“So, you found the bracelet and elf charm, and the key.” He holds up a key. “You were looking for what it opens.” He holds up a small timber box and hands me the key. “Open it.”

Smiling, I take the key and insert it in the keyhole, turning it all the way around until it clicks. Then I lift the lid to find another charm. Reaching in, I pull it out, and a laugh bubbles up as I see what it is.

“Santa.” I giggle, and everyone around us joins in.

“Here, let me put the charm on for you.” Cassandra offers, holding her hand out, and Griffin unclasps the bracelet from around my wrist before he passes it to his sister.

“What else is in the box?” Griffin asks, and I grin, looking inside to find another note.

With shaky hands, I unfold the note, my eyes reading over it before they flash back up to Griffin.

Go to the bedroom and open my drawer.

When you find the latex, you’ll have all the access you want.

You can come when you please.

I frown through my smirk, not sure I understand, and Griffin passes me a box of condoms. Everyone starts laughing, but Griffin’s eyes don’t leave mine as I eye the box curiously before opening it to find a condom, slightly ballooned, with a key inside and a note.

---