Page 100 of Santa Has a Six-Pack
Chapter 26
Matt
It’s late when we get back to the city.
Penny swore she was okay to drive, but I figured she had to be emotionally exhausted from our day, so I happily got behind the wheel.
As I merge onto FDR Drive, I peek over at her where she’s still peacefully asleep in the passenger seat.
I rub my thumb gently across her cheek.
“Hey,” I whisper. “You up?”
“You shouldn’t ask ‘you up’ unless you’re looking for action,” she croaks, her eyes still closed.
I laugh.
She opens her eyes and smiles at me. “Thanks for driving. Sorry, I fell asleep.”
“You can be my passenger princess anytime, lady,” I say. “Take you back to your place?”
“I thought we were going to decorate your tree?”
“You still up for that?” I ask hopefully.
“Absolutely. Take me home, sir.”
Never were sweeter words spoken.
“Welcome to Château Barbera,” I say as I plunk my very first Christmas tree into its stand with a flourish.
“So you did have a tree stand,” she says.
“Yup. It’s been standing in the corner, along with that box of cheap ass ornaments and string lights, for the past month. All they were waiting for was a tree.”
I bend down and tighten the screws around the trunk.
“For a guy who’s never had his own Christmas tree, you certainly know what to do with it,” she says.
“I’ve gotten some practice at Eugene’s family parties over the years.”
We stand back and admire the still bare, but beautiful tree.
Penny Whitaker is in my apartment.
Dreams really do come true.
“Thank you for the gentle push to make this happen.” I take her hand. “I needed it.”
“Thank you for… everything you did tonight.” She squeezes my hand and repeats my words, “I needed it.”
“Did I go overboard with the ‘Have the Christmas you deserve’ line?” I blurt. “Because I’ve been having considerable regrets over that.”
“Really?”
“Yeah, it felt very mob boss of me.”
She laughs. “I don’t know what kind of mafia movies you’re watching, but… no. I thought it was just right. The way you stood up for me, Matt?” Her voice cracks slightly. “Well. It meant a lot.”
