Page 125 of Santa Has a Six-Pack
And that’s totally okay with me.
“Alright. I’ve taken up enough of your time,” she says after my hug lasts a little too long for her comfort level, I suppose. “Take your beautiful baby, Banks.”
Banks takes the baby from her as they both stand, my mother moving immediately toward the door.
“That’s it?” I call after her. “You headed out?”
She turns. “It’s been a long day. I’m staying with friends tonight, and they’re expecting me. Thank you for… well.”
She doesn’t finish her thought, and neither of us needs her to.
“Merry Christmas, Mom,” I say.
“Merry Christmas, sweetheart.”
And then, she’s gone, leaving my sister and me staring at each other in silence, wondering what the hell just happened.
If my mom and I can take steps to make things right between us, it feels like anything is possible.
“I know that look,” Banks says.
“What look?” I pat my face, trying to figure out what she’s talking about.
“The look that says you’re about to hop a train back to the city to get your man.”
I laugh. “Since when do I have an I’m-about-to-hop-a-train-back-to-the-city-to-get-my-man face?”
“Since right now!” she squeals, quietly though, because the baby is still sleeping. “You’re going, aren’t you?”
“Is that okay?” I wince. “I mean, it’s Christmas Eve, and I came here to be with you, and?—”
“Penny Whitaker, if you don’t pack your bag and leave this house as soon as possible, I’ll never speak to you again.”
My face breaks out into the biggest grin. “I love you, sister.”
“I love you too. Now go get your man.”
Chapter 35
Matt
I’m seeing things.
After spending two days straight painting walls, installing flooring, and making as much progress on the loft space as possible, I’m clearly delirious and seeing things.
Because that can’t possibly be Penny sitting next to my apartment door, a rolling suitcase beside her.
“Penny?” I say cautiously.
She lifts her head and shoots to her feet. “Hi! Your neighbor downstairs let me in the main entrance. I hope it’s okay that I’m?—”
“It’s more than okay. But what, um, what are you doing here? At my apartment? On Christmas Eve?”
I know what I want her to be doing here, but I’m too nervous to get my hopes up just yet.
She pauses.
Takes a deep breath.
