Page 13 of Holiday Friend Zones
“Because my parents don’t drink, and while they totally allow their kids to drink, we have to bring our own.”
“So I’m taking away your family Christmas vodka?”
“I have another bottle.Mostly because there are nine of us, plus spouses.It adds up.”
“You’re a lifesaver.Once again.I don’t know what I’d do without you,” she sing-songed.
“You’re just going to have to show how appreciative you are later.”
We both paused, and I realized how sexual that sounded, but as the room began to warm, I realized I really didn’t care.
“Okay, let’s get prepared for a long night.Hopefully we can leave as soon as the storm’s up.”
“And they plow the roads,” I mumbled.
She winced, but didn’t say anything, but she did go straight for the wine.
A few hours later, we were glad that we also had enough water to drown out the amount of alcohol in our systems.The box lunches had been fantastic, as well as the cheese board that could nearly rival a decent basic Montgomery charcuterie board.
“It wasn’t that David and I hated each other, it was that we didn’t like each other in the end.”
“So that’s why you two got divorced?You just didn’t like each other?”
“No, we got divorced because he liked our neighbor’s vagina more than mine.”
I coughed on my vodka soda and set down my glass.
“Are you fucking kidding me?”
“Nope.I thought we were doing just fine, trying for children, and when that didn’t work out, he tried with others.Go me.”
“Do you need me to kill him?I mean if I can’t, I have siblings.And I know the Montgomerys would help.”
Her lips twitched.“Oddly you just saying that helps.But don’t worry.He’s already divorced from her, and working on his third wife.Still no children, but it turns out he didn’t want any.”
I winced.“I’m sorry.”
“I’m really over it.He’s an asshole, but he’s not part of my life.Much to the chagrin of my parents.”
“Did they like him?”
“They loved him.And they loved that I wasn’t alone.”
“I’m sorry.”
“I don’t think they realize that there’s a difference between being alone and being lonely.Yes, I tend to hermit, but that’s because I work from home.I like being comfortable.And I go out with people sometimes.”She paused as my lips twitched.“Okay I go out with you.To the point that my neighbor thought we were dating.”
I blinked.“Oh?”
“Yes, because you constantly pick me up, so we don’t have to drive my beater of a car.”
“You can afford a better car.”
“I know.I’m just cheap.And I like that car.I bought it with my own money that I made from narrating books.Not from anything having to do with David.”
“That’s good then.”
“I think so.And it’s sad to say goodbye, but it’s time.However, I’m not lonely.And technically I’m not alone.You’re here.”
