Page 14 of Check the Halls
His eyes widen and I remember I’m talking to a minor, not a locker room full of adults.
“Shit–I mean, crap.” The fact that I keep fucking up gets the smallest of smiles from my new buddy and I take it as a win. “That’s awesome.”
I glance around the room, searching for anything that might help me crack the wall this kid has built up.
I spot the bookshelf in the corner. Unlike the rest of the house, it looks meticulously in order.
“Wow,” I say, nodding toward it. “That’s a lot of books. You read all of those?”
Sam doesn’t look up from his chessboard, but his shoulders lift in a small shrug. “Most of them,” he mutters, barely audible.
I walk over to it, scanning the shelf. It’s an eclectic mix—dog-eared paperbacks, shiny hardcovers, even a few old, leather-bound volumes. Fantasy, sci-fi, biographies, graphic novels. A well-worn copy ofThe Hobbitleans against a towering stack ofPercy Jackson.
“Percy Jackson, huh?” I say, pulling one of them off the shelf and flipping it open. “I tried reading these in high school. I couldn’t keep all the names straight.”
For the first time there’s just a flicker of curiosity in his green eyes. “You couldn’t keep the names straight?” he asks, like I’ve just admitted to being the idiot he suspects me to be.
I shrug, setting the book back in its spot. “Yeah, I guess Greek mythology wasn’t my strong suit. But hockey stats? I’m unbeatable.”
He snorts.
“You like fantasy stuff?” I ask, nodding toward the shelf.
Sam hesitates, then shrugs again. “I guess.”
“Yeah, I get that,” I say, crouching down to scan the lower shelves. “It’s like an escape, right? Different world, different rules.”
He doesn’t say anything, but I can feel him watching me now, his interest piqued despite himself.
I grab a book at random and flip through it quickly. It’s got a fire breathing dragon on the cover. “This one any good?”
His eyes narrow slightly, and he finally unfolds his arms. “That’s part of a series. You can’t just start in the middle.”
“Ah, rookie mistake,” I say, putting the book back and standing. “Next time we hang out we should go to abookstore. You could show me some books you’re interested in? Maybe recommend some stuff you think I might like?”
“You’re…you’re going to come back?” He’s doubtful, to say the least, but instead of being irritated by his low opinion of me, it makes me sad. Sam’s too young to be this jaded. What happened to him to make him this way?
“Of course I am.”
The creases in his forehead relax the slightest bit and he shrugs. “We’ll see.”
I watch him turn back to the chessboard only feeling my determination grow. This kid doesn’t know it yet but I don’t back down from challenges.
A few hourslater I’m stretched out on my couch, beer in hand brushing up on my chess skills with an online game. I’ve got it set to beginner, but the app is still kicking my ass.
As I’m debating my next move, an incoming call notification appears at the top of my screen. I don’t recognize the number and am about to decline the call but then pause. I left my number with Elliot before I left her and Sam. Did I forget something? I swipe to answer.
“Hello?”
“Ben Michaels?”
“Yeah.”
“Alyssa Beauchamp with the Love & Light Foundation.” The woman’s voice, while friendly, lacks any real warmth. “I won’t take up much of your time. We’re looking for a new Festive Fellowship ambassador and host for our Star Of Christmas Gala fundraiser in December.Your name was put forward as an option and I’m reaching out to confirm your availability.”
I sit up rubbing the bridge of my nose. Thewhatof Christmas? A Gala? And they want me to host? I’m no stranger to charity work, but entertaining a bunch of rich people in some stuffy ballroom is not my thing.
“I’m sorry, I’m not really sure what you’re talking about. You’ve got the wrong guy.”
