Page 49 of The Love Penalty

“Ugh, no. Never that.” I shake my head and shudder.

“Okay, love,” she says softly.

“Hey, that’s mine. Find your own,” I say and tickle her. She laughs and swats me away.

After a quick brunch, we go our separate ways and since she can’t visit me for Christmas, I won’t get to see her for another couple of weeks. Maybe this makes me a giant simp, but I already miss her. I only had her in my arms for one night, and it wasn’t anywhere near enough. I want so much more, but I need to be patient.

We spendthe next week video calling every night and staying up way too late talking. She tells me about her day and how work has been, she catches me up on all the books she’s reading while she travels from one game to another. I tell her about how I missed two games, but have been playing better since my sling came off. And I also tell her about how the cats are doing and how my mom and Alice ask about her every time they get a chance to.

And yet, it’s not enough. Tomorrow is Christmas Eve and as I watch her tired face answer my video call, I realize that I want to be with her right now. To be cuddled on a couch, drinking hot cocoa, watching a holiday movie together. I notice her living room still doesn’t have any Christmas decorations.

“Are you going to put up any garlands or a small tree or something?” I ask.

“No, I don’t really decorate. I’ll be spending Christmas Eve and Day at Grams’, so I guess I don’t see the point,” she says on a yawn. “I’d only be putting them up and then taking them down. I don’t get to enjoy them really.”

“Are you spending the night at Grams’?”

“No, I’m driving to her place for dinner tomorrow night, then back again for brunch the day after,” she says tiredly. Olivia is in her room now, laying in bed, one hand tucked under her head as she faces the phone. Her eyes are heavy and she looks like she might fall asleep at any point.

I glance at the clock and realize it’s past midnight. I know she had a long day, traveling by bus back from Ohio. “Hey, Olive?”

“Hm?” She mumbles back, opening one eye.

“Goodnight. I miss you,” I sigh and give her a small smile.

“Miss you too. I wish you were here.” Fuck, I want to be. As I watch her fall asleep, I keep thinking that maybe I can be there. I know she doesn’t want me to help her with money for tickets and that’s the main reason she didn’t come here for Christmas. Butshe didn’t say anything about me going to her. I think she just assumed I wouldn’t because my whole family is here.

I send my sister a text to ask her for a second opinion.

How mad do you think Mom would be if I didn’t show up for Christmas?

It doesn’t take her more than a minute before she responds.

Depends on the reason, I guess?

I should’ve known Alice was up at this hour, probably reading a smutty book.

Do you think it would be crazy if I got a last minute flight to Minnesota?

Before I can type out more, I have an incoming call coming from Alice.

“Hey,” I say as I answer.

“HOLY SHIT. Are you serious about going to Minnesota?”

“Yes. But I don’t want to overwhelm her. You two have gotten close recently. What do you think I should do?” I ask and bite my thumbnail nervously.

“Well, when we talked earlier today she seemed a bit sad, honestly. I don’t know how many people she talks to outside of you and me, but I got the sense she was feeling a little lonely, too.”

I bring out my tablet and start searching. “I found a flight that leaves at eight in the morning. It would get me to her house by eleven. Any chance you want to drive me and catsit for a couple of days?”

“I would never pass on the opportunity to leave my annoying roommates and this awful apartment. And to see my nephews.”

I sigh, exasperated and say, “They’re cats, Al. Stop calling them your nephews.”

“Well, until you marry Olivia and have kids of your own, those adorable fur babies are your kids, therefore, my nephews.”

“I just bought the ticket. I’m going to pack now.”

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