Page 29 of One Night at Christmas

“Alright. How about this? Let me give you some money.”

“No.” Desperation shouted inside yes.

“For my meal. That’s only fair. I came here and ate dinner unexpectedly. I bet from what I ate you and Naomi could have eaten leftovers for a couple days.”

She snorted. “That’s true. You still eat like a horse.”

“Thanks.” He wasn’t offended.

“Okay, fine. I’ll take dinner money.”

“Good.” He pulled a leather wallet from his back pocket, and with deft fingers flipped through the bills. She was glad she couldn’t see clear enough to know how much cash he carried around. Not that she was jealous or resentful of Bryson. He worked damn hard for his money.

He handed her the cash and folded her fingers over it. Before she could stop him, he drew her into a hug. Her entire body came to life, and even as she told herself not to, she hugged him back. He felt warm and strong and comforting. This was her friend, her previous lover. Tears welled in her eyes, and she tried blinking them away. A couple slid down her cheeks, but by the time he drew back, she’d wiped away the evidence.

He dropped his hands to his sides and curled his fingers into his palms. “I’m going to go.”

“That’s best. Thanks for stopping by.”

He frowned but didn’t comment.

“Take care of yourself, Bryson.”

“You do the same.”

There wasn’t much more either of them could say. He drove away, and she slumped into the chair she vacated. The tears wanted to fall, but she wouldn’t give them permission. Instead, she let the chill in the air freeze her emotions. When she came to herself, she realized she was outside alone at night and went inside, locking the door tight behind her.

She grabbed her purse and took it with her into the bathroom. The bills were stuffed in her bra like an old lady. Of course she’d done it only after Bryson left. Now, she removed them and counted them out. That grocery store rotisserie was some expensive stuff in Bryson’s mind. He’d given her two hundred dollars.

Chapter Twelve

Charon pulled up to her friend Janice’s apartment building only to find Janice tearfully stuffing a bag into her car. Charon unbuckled her seatbelt and thrust the door open. “Stay still, baby.”

She hurried over to Janice’s car. “What’s going on, Janice? Are you okay? Did you and Bo have a fight?”

Janice burst out sobbing. “No, Charon, it’s my mother. My sister called to say she had a heart attack last night. They don’t know if she’s going to make it.”

“Oh my God, I’m so sorry. Is there anything I can do?”

She shook her head, braids flapping around her face. The misery in her eyes tore at Charon’s heart. “I just can’t believe they waited until this morning to call me. I have to drive up there. They could have told me last night. I’d be there by now. She can’t go, Charon. She can’t!”

“I know, girl. But it’s going to be okay. She’ll pull through.”

“I’m not so sure. She’s on heart medication already. I don’t even know what to do with myself. I can’t think. All I want to do is be there.”

“I hear you. Is Bo going with you?”

“No, he has to work.”

Charon frowned. “He can take off! You need him. I’m not even sure you’re in your right mind enough to drive all the way to Maryland. Wait a minute. Let me talk to him.”

“Girl, no. The last time you and Bo got into it, I was caught in the middle. I don’t have the strength, not with my mother.”

“I’m sorry.”

“It’s not your fault, and don’t worry. I’m a mess, but I’m going to get there one way or another. Believe that.” She gasped, and her eyes rounded. “I can’t believe I forgot about you. I was supposed to watch Naomi. You’re due in this morning.”

Charon waved her off. “It’s fine. I’ll ask somebody else.”

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