Page 36 of The Christmas Letters
Favorite beverage: Cheerwine, of course. Or sweet tea with raspberry puree and a twist of lime. I made that last one up, and it’s to die for.
Last book I read that I couldn’t put down: This one is tough. Because I love books for different reasons. But the last novel I listened to that was just so gripping I couldn’t turn it off?The Other Side of Thinking, by Jenna Rafferty. So thought provoking. Have you read it? If you haven’t, you should. Then we can talk about it.
What about you? Same questions. Game. Food. Beverage. And the best book you’ve read in a while.
Sincerely, Your Christmas Pen Pal
Dear Pen Pal,
At your recommendation, I just finishedThe Other Side of Thinking. I listened to it actually, since that’s the way you enjoyed it. I walked six miles on the beach last night just so I could get through the last few chapters. Wow. What a book. I can’t stop thinking about the way the main characters judged each other without even realizing they were doing it. It’s so interesting how our life experiences filter into what we see in the world around us.
I loved it. Thanks for the recommendation.
I love your business idea. I think it’s amazing. Do it. People will love it.
Favorite game. Would you believe it’s also Tetris? I swear it would have been my answer even if you hadn’t said it first. It’s my favorite because I never lost. I see a tournament in the not-so-distant future. Tetris and Cornhole.
Favorite food. What can I say? I love to eat just about anything. But I love a really good burger. And sweet potato fries. I can’t believe you said sweet potato pie because this is also a favorite of mine. My grandma makes an amazing one.
Favorite beverage. I’m not much of a social drinker. I like food too much to consume too many liquid calories, so my boring answer is water.
As for reading, I’m going to cheat and say the last book I read that I loved was the one you recommended to me. Thanks again, by the way. Before that, I read Macy Finley’s latest thriller and enjoyed it. Have you ever read any of her stuff? I’d love to hear what you think if you have.
Is it weird that multiple times a day, I find myself wondering what you’ll think about something? When I see something interesting or hear something funny, you’re the person I want to tell. I hope you know how much I appreciate these letters.
You’re important to me. I hope that doesn’t scare you off.
Yours, Max
Dear Max,
It doesn’t scare me at all. You’re important to me too. Getting your letters has become my favorite thing lately. I worry my mail carrier thinks I have a crush on him because I’m always waiting at the mailbox when he arrives. I hope that doesn’t make me sound silly.
Macy Finley’s stuff is SO SCARY. I listened to one of her books, and then I couldn’t sleep for a week.
It just occurred to me that you still haven’t told me anything about the kind of work you do. If this is on purpose, and you haven’t mentioned it because you CAN’T mention it, forget I asked. I’ll assume you’re a CIA operative and you’re staying silent because telling me would mean having to kill me. But if it’s just an oversight, I’d love to know how you spend your days.
Also (deep breath) do you think it’s time for us to meet? Or maybe advance our correspondence to something slightly more modern? Texting might be fun.
I’m not going to lie. These letters have been amazing. But I can’t pretend like I’m not spending inordinate amounts of time imagining what it might be like to meet you in person.
If the thought scares you as much as olives on pizza scares me, pretend I didn’t say anything. But I’m ready whenever you are.
Your Christmas Pen Pal
Istareatthefinished letter, wondering if I ought to include my phone number at the bottom. Deacon would tell me it’s too risky. That I ought to just set up a time to meet Max in person so I can see for myself that the guy isn’t a creeper before I give him something as personal as my phone number.
It isn’t a bad suggestion. I still don’t even know the guy’s full name.
But his letters don’t give me creeper vibesat all. He’s funny and engaging and we like the same books and the same food.ANDhe thinks my business idea is amazing. That has to mean something. So what if he’s the only person aside from Chloe whom I’ve actually told about my idea. I had to start somewhere, and clearly, he was a brilliant choice.
My phone buzzes with an incoming message, and I slide the letter onto the coffee table and grab my phone before stretching out full length on the couch, my feet propped on the armrest.
Chloe:Just finished the last bit of online shopping you sent my way. It’s all being shipped to you, but it’s only two-day shipping so you should have it in plenty of time before Friday.
Tess:Perfect. Thank you!
I was so relieved when Chloe agreed to handle some of the shopping for the toy drive. I’ve been all over Charleston looking for the toys the Santa letter kids have requested, but there are a few things I haven’t been able to find in person. Chloe has ninja-level online shopping skills. I swear, the woman finds things that no one else can ever find.
