Page 4 of Not Like Christmas At All
“Pebbles is amazing, as always,” she promises. “I actually brought her over to my place today, and Potato was excited to have a friend!”
Potato’s never excited aboutanything, let alone seeing Pebbles. That cat has one mood—grumpy.
I laugh. “Yeah, right.”
“How is your shift going?” she asks, the sound of a door closing in the background.
“Long. I’d much rather be baking Christmas cookies right now, but you know I’m on the crazy hours work grind these days.”
“Totally get it. Well, I’m making Miller go caroling this weekend if you want to come with us,” she offers, and I hear him groan in the background.
“Say less, I’ll be there. Should I buy us matching sweaters?”
“What kind of question is that?”
“You’re right, a foolish one. I’ll place a pickup order and swing by the store after my shift. Any preference?”
“Nope!” she pops her p. “Whatever you think is cute, I’ll think is cute.”
“Love that for us. I’ll get Miller one, too.”
“Not necessary!” he yells from a distance.
Both Zee and I start laughing. Pulling the phone from where it’s cradled against my shoulder, I check the time. “Alright, I gotta run, my break is just about over.”
Before I hang up, I can’t help but pull up my shopping app to see what I can add for a pickup order.
“Sounds good,” Zee says in response. “I’ll probably check on Pebbles one more time tonight.”
“You don’t have to, I have the pet service coming over to walk and feed her. She’ll be fine, but thanks for checking on her earlier!”
HA! Bingo. I add three ugly sweaters to my cart, and man, do these take the spiced cake on ugliness.
“Anytime! You know I’m always happy to help. I’ll see you tomorrow! Get home safely.”
“See you tomorrow!” Hanging up the phone, I finish placing my order, then toss it onto the couch next to me, rolling my neck from side to side.
I’ve been up for nearly twenty-four hours, and I’m absolutely exhausted, but there’s still a few hours left on my shift. I should have slept while I could, but sleeping while at work takes some getting used to.
Dragging my eyes to the window, I notice the clouds darkening as they roll in. What started out as a sunny day here in San Diego, now looks as dreary and bleak as an afternoon in Washington. A shiver runs through me as I think about living somewhere that constantly rains—no thank you!
With that being said, San Diego hasn't had rain in a while, though, at least in the last few weeks. I wonder if we’re about to be hit with a winter storm.
Ireallyhope that’s not the case considering Christmas is in two weeks, but I guess we’ll just have to wait and see.
I guess it’d be kind of fun to have a white Christmas for once…
Chapter Two
Peppermint or gingerbread?
I stare at the creamer options in my refrigerator. The pot of coffee gurgles and spurts as I decide what flavor I want my morning lifeline to be. Finally, I opt for peppermint.
My eyes burn, having pushed myself past the brink of exhaustion. I only slept six hours when I got home, and while that’s an adequate night’s sleep for some people, I need a full eight.
When my steaming cup of coffee is in my hand with the sweet and sharp notes of peppermint wafting into the air, I sit in the oversized chair by the window. I pay an exuberant amount in rent for this gorgeous view of Mission Bay, overlooking the sparkling water and sandy bayside beach, so I try to enjoy it as much as I can.
While I’m lost in thought, my phone vibrates in the pocket of my robe. Carefully, I shift my cup into my left hand and pull it out, seeing Zee’s name lighting up the screen.
