Page 58 of UnLucky Christmas
We sit down to eat and talk about how to rearrange his furniture.
“There’s one more thing you need,” I exclaim. “Let’s go get a Christmas tree.”
He raises his eyebrows. “Tonight?”
“Yes.”
“Okay,” he replies, his eyes lighting up.
After we finish eating, we go to Target to pick up groceries, a new Christmas tree and a bunch of ornaments. When we return from the store, we put away his groceries and then organize the stacks of boxes, moving them into their proper rooms. We have so much fun as we decorate the tree—laughing and reminiscing. I fight back tears many times throughout the evening, but I know I needed this as much as he did. The tree adds a whole new feel to his new home, and I know he notices it too.
When it’s time for me to go, he hugs me for a long time.
“Thanks for helping your dad tonight,” he says. “I love you, kiddo.”
“Love you too, Dad.”
I wait until I’m on the road before I let the tears flow.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Ican barely concentrate on doing any work because in just a few hours I’m seeing Grant. It’s surreal that I’m actually going out with him, and I have no idea what to expect. I’ve replayed different scenarios in my mind about how this evening was going to transpire. Grant and I have never spent time together without other people around, so it will be interesting. He sent me a text this morning saying he’d see me tonight, but that was it. It’s Monday, so I’m sure he has his head buried in his work. Admittedly, there was a tiny part of me that was hoping he’d show up at my office today.
When I get home, I give Dasher a hug before jumping into the shower and then stand in my closet forever trying to decide what to wear. It’s chilly outside, and I’m not exactly sure where we’re having dinner, so I finally decide on a pair of black skinny jeans, a long sleeve white bodysuit, and the tallest pair of boots I own. If Grant shows up in his usual suit, I have a backup option ready to go. I add a few lose waves to my hair, redo my makeup, and put on some red lipstick for a pop of color.
Just as I finish up, I hear my phone ringing, and when I see Macy’s number, I panic. I feel like the worst friend ever for not telling her about seeing Grant tonight. I know I can’t keep it from her much longer, but I promised Grant I’d wait. I’m also kind of relieved I haven’t heard from Chad yet. I’m expecting he won’t be happy when he learns I had dinner with Grant, but I owe him an explanation as well. I let Macy’s call go to voicemail, if I don’t answer then I don’t have to lie to her.
I put out food and water for Dasher, and it occurs to me that I have no idea if Grant likes cats. I guess I’ll find out soon enough. I have a feeling I’m going to learn a lot about him tonight. This is both exciting and terrifying. It’s very possible we have nothing in common other than our mutual physical attraction.
At five minutes to seven there’s a knock on my door.
“Here we go,” I say to Dasher.
When I open the door, my stomach instantly does a flip. It takes about half a second for me to remember why I’m so attracted to Grant. He’s wearing a gray button-down shirt, black pants, and no tie. The top two buttons are open, revealing the top of his chest.
“Hi,” I breathe.
“Hi.” His eyes run over me thoroughly.
“Come on in.”
“Thanks.” He steps inside and looks around. “Very nice.”
Dasher slowly approaches us, and I hold my breath as Grant and him eye each other curiously.
“Who’s this?” he asks bending over to pick him up. He holds him up in the air before bringing him into his chest. Dasher doesn’t seem to mind as he lets Grant pet him.
I exhale slowly.
“Do you like cats?”
He nods.
“My mom loved animals,” he says, looking down at Dasher. “My dad was allergic so we never had one, but she would put food out for the strays in the neighborhood.”
I smile. “That’s nice.”
“What’s your name?” he asks Dasher.
