Page 54 of UnLucky Christmas
“Which isn’t a bad thing at all,” she continues. “You’ll just have to soften his tough exterior. What do you think?”
I chew on my lower lip.
“I don’t know. I’ve never been with anyone like him.”
“And that’s okay,” she insists. “Maybe you need to mix things up.”
I sigh. She might be right. I spent seven months with Pete. Things were laid back, normal, and comfortable. However, looking back there wasn’t much excitement. I was attracted to him, but there was never the intensity I feel when I’m around Grant.
“We’ll see,” I say. “Just because we’re physically attracted to one another doesn’t mean we’re good for each other.”
“Or maybe you’re perfect for each other,” she suggests.
The memory of last night brings a broad smile to my face.
“Okay, I need to get up and get moving,” I tell her. “I’m going to knock out my Christmas shopping today.”
“Great,” she exclaims. “I’ll send you my wish list.”
I laugh. “Bye.”
I lay in bed for a few more minutes before getting up to take a shower.
I’m sipping on a cup of coffee when my phone rings again. It’s my mother. I put my ear buds in and answer it because I can’t avoid her forever.
“Hey, Mom.”
“Good morning, honey,” she sings.
Hmm…clearly she’s in a good mood this morning.
She immediately starts talking about being ready for the holidays and preparing the menu for the Christmas Eve dinner.
“We’re going to have yours and Ben’s favorites.”
I sigh. I appreciate that she’s going out of her way to try to make a difficult situation better, but my favorite food isn’t going to make this holiday easy.
“Oh, and if you have some time you should try to call your father,” she says. “He’s moving the remainder of his things out today.”
Ugh, my poor dad. I wish he’d talk about his feelings more. Even when I call, he pretends everything is fine.
“I’ll call him now,” I say. That’s more important than listening to my mom talk about making sweet potato casserole and pumpkin bread.
“One more thing before you go,” she says, clearing her throat. She grows silent, which means I’m not going to like what she has to say.
“My friend Bill would like to meet you, Ben, and Emme before Christmas. Is there a day we could meet you for breakfast or coffee?”
I sigh. I knew this was coming.
“So, your friend is spending Christmas with us?” I ask.
“Yes. He doesn’t have any family nearby,” she says. “I wouldn’t want anyone to be alone for the holidays.”
This reminds me of Macy and Grant’s conversation about him spending Christmas alone.
“I guess you’re right,” I say. “I can meet for a quick coffee this week. I’ll let you know after I check my schedule.”
I may as well get it over with. There’s no point in putting off the inevitable.
