Page 129 of Santa Has a Six-Pack
Matt pulls back slightly from the hug. “Before you think this is one hundred percent selfless, though, I gotta confess that there are a few ways I benefit from this arrangement too. Most importantly, I get more time with you. And I’ve done some research. Turns out that one of the biggest things holding people back from exercising is lack of childcare. So I’m thinking we market a combo deal where the kids dance with you while their parents work out with me. It’s a win-win for everyone involved. What do you think?”
“I think I love you,” I say. But then something occurs to me, and my stomach drops. “What about your daily ‘Seven Minutes in Heaven,’ though? You’ve never wanted to give up this space. You love it up here.”
“I love you more,” he says. “You, Penny Whitaker, are all the heaven I need.”
Epilogue
Matt
“One thing about Matt Barbera? He always keeps his promises.” Eugene claps a hand on my back. “Case in point. That is truly the ugliest sweater I’ve ever seen.”
It’s New Year’s Eve, and while his wedding plans were a bust, my buddy’s Ugly Christmas Sweater New Year's Eve Party dreams have officially come true.
“I thank you, friend. That means a lot to me.” I spin so he can get a better look at my Pennywise the Clown sweater. “When I found this bad boy at Mother of Junk, I knew it was kismet. It’s an ugly sweater for sure, but it is worn in honor of the most beautiful woman.”
I spot that woman across the lounge.
My Penny.
My heart flutters in my chest like it always does when I lay eyes on her.
She and a few of our gym members stand with their noses pressed to the windows overlooking Times Square. She’s practically bouncing with excitement. The ball is going to drop in just a few minutes, and the energy in the room is palpable.
“Have I thanked you enough for getting us the best possible location to ring in the new year?” I ask. “This is really amazing.”
“Thank my failed engagement, sir.” Gene lifts his beer to mine.
“To your failed engagement!”
We clink, and we drink.
Gene scans the room for what has to be the third time tonight, and I wonder who he’s looking for. I’m about to ask him when the countdown clock hits sixty seconds. Partygoers blow their horns and spin their metallic noisemakers.
“I need to get over to Penny!” I say to Gene over the happy chaos.
“Of course! Go!”
“What do you think, buddy?” I shout as I start making my way across the room. “Is there a New Year’s kiss in store for you tonight?”
“Ha!” Gene shouts back. “I wouldn’t count on it! Enjoy your time with Penny, man. I’m really happy for you two!”
I wink at him, then weave through the crowd toward my girl.
When I reach Penny, I wrap my arms around her from behind and rumble into her ear, “I thought I couldn’t love you more. Then I saw you in that sweater. Knitted abs? What a world we live in.”
She turns in my arms to face me. “You get it, right?” She taps the white pompom on her red hat, then runs her fingernails down the bumpy knit on the front of her sweater. “I’m Santa with a six-pack!”
“Now, where would you come up with a silly idea like that?” I laugh.
“Some hot guy at the gym inspired me.” She drapes her arms lightly around my neck.
“Oh, did he?”
“Mm-hmm. We’re dating now.”
“Really?” I tease.
She tips her chin up to whisper in my ear, “If you’re lucky, I’ll introduce you to him sometime.”
