Page 67 of UnLucky Christmas
“Let us know about Friday,” my mother says, giving me a kiss on the cheek.
“Will do. Good-bye.”
I try desperately to hold back tears as I make my way to the office.
* * *
I’mon edge for the rest of the day after meeting up with my mother and Bill. And I’m exhausted by the time Grant picks me up to go to Macy’s.
He takes one look at my face as I get in the car and asks me what’s wrong.
“I’m just tired.”
“Do you want to talk to Macy another time? It doesn’t have to be tonight.”
I touch his cheek. “No, I want to do this now. I don’t want to keep it from her any longer.”
“I’m assuming the meeting with your mother didn’t go well?” he asks, as he pulls into traffic.
I shrug. “It was fine, just strange seeing her with another man.”
I’m trying to be very careful not to complain about the situation with my parents. I want to be sensitive to Grant’s feelings and his loss.
“How was your day?” I ask.
“Busy,” he says. “A lot of people are taking off for the holidays, so it’s a whirlwind to get things wrapped up.”
I nod. I can’t believe it’s almost Christmas. There’s been so much happening that I don’t think I’ve fully gotten into the spirit this year.
“By the way, I have a surprise for you later.”
“Oh, what is it?” I squeal.
“If I tell you then it won’t be a surprise, come on.”
I giggle.
When we pull up in front of Macy’s house, I suddenly feel sick to my stomach. I cover my face with my hands and let out a groan.
“Are you really that worried?” he asks, placing his hand on my back.
“What if she’s not happy?” I wail. “What if she thinks we went behind her back or that I’m not right for you?”
He takes my hand in his. “Okay, slow deep breaths.”
I do as he says.
“I’m the one who should be freaking out,” he exclaims. “My sister knows everything about me. The good, bad, ugly—she might tell you to run fast and far.”
I nod. “You might be right. She’s probably going to remind me that you’re a grinch.”
“Exactly,” he agrees. His tone is serious.
“Alright, let’s do this,” I demand, a wave of courage coming over me.
As soon as we reach the front door, Grant stops me.
He wraps his arms around me, and I hug him back. He kisses me on the top of my head as I bury my head into his chest. His embrace is comforting, and hopefully, I’m worrying for nothing.
