Chapter 15

Chapter Fifteen

Christmas Eve

Echo

S till wearing my robe over my pajama bottoms and faded ancient band T-shirt—yes, it’s nearly noon, sue me—I slump down onto my couch and close my eyes. I worked the past six days so I could have today off.

Two days off. Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Just me and Dean. And Ariel of course.

At the moment, she’s eyeing the small Christmas tree on my coffee table. I work most of December so it’s my concession to the festive season. It even has lights. As long as no one looks too closely they won’t know they’re penis lights, will they?

“How could I forget my baby?” I croon, giving her a tickle under the chin.

That seems to please her, and she rolls over on her back for a belly rub.

I extend my hand warily toward her furry tummy. Ariel has two approaches to belly rubs. Oh, more please and Nasty hand, die! The trouble is, you never know which one you’re going to get because both start with her offering her belly. Today it is purrs and pleases and don’t stop or I’ll kill your hand. I don’t mind giving Ariel lots of loving.

Dean is due over soon. We’re spending Christmas together. He has officially handed back the Santa suit and is ready to put the whole thing behind him. But he’d promised to go visit Curtis this morning. He and the older guy have hit it off since that first visit. My boy is making friends. I tease him about it, but really I’m grateful he feels relaxed enough to quit worrying what the town thinks about him and his life.

Tomorrow I’ve been invited to the mayor’s house for Christmas lunch. I’m having a freakout about that. The mayor! I know he’s Dean’s brother. That’s not the point. But Dean always goes there for Christmas Day after church, and I’ve been invited too. Dean isn’t bothered whether I go with him to church or not. I’m still deciding. I have a rocky relationship with religion, he understands that, but I won’t stop Dean going. It’s important to him. I love the compromises we can make already.

In the evening we’re visiting Aunt Hebe, as I hate the thought of her and Heather being on their own on Christmas Day. The mayor invited them to join his family, but Aunt Hebe declined, saying she and Heather like spending time with the residents as not all of them have family. I think she’s as freaked out as me at the thought of spending family time with the mayor. They aren’t always on the same side where town issues are concerned. But as long as I see her at some point, I don’t mind where she spends Christmas Day,

More than one resident has stopped me in the street to promise they’ll look after Hebe now that I’m taking care of Dean. They mean well, I know they do.

I think about breakfast, okay brunch, okay lunch, but in my sleep-haze when he kissed me goodbye this morning, I seem to remember Dean saying he’ll stop via CC’s and bring back sandwiches. I hope he’s not too long. My stomach gives an anticipatory rumble. But the idea of coffee is just as good. I stand, swiftly moving my hand as Ariel lashes out, unhappy at me moving.

“You can stop that, princess,” I scold gently, risking my fingers to give her a belly rub before I shuffle into the kitchen.

She grumbles but it turns into a purr. My girl is easily pleased.

I yawn and scratch my belly as I wait for the coffee. The last of the water drips into the pot as there is a knock at the door. I can’t help the soppy smile that crosses my face as I limp to the door and fling it open…

To find Gloria holding a CC’s box.

“What are you doing here?”

I look past her to see if Dean is there too, but she’s on her own.

She rolls her eyes. “Hello to you too.”

“Sorry,” I mutter.

Maybe I don’t sound as welcoming as I should to a friend, but I want Dean here to start our first Christmas together.

She sniffs, thrusts the box at me, and brushes past me in her faux fur coat. “Coffee! You don’t know how much I need this.”

“Hands off the pot,” I bark.

Gloria freezes, hands almost at the coffee pot.

I slid between her and my precious caffeine. “Sit on the couch, and I’ll pour the coffee.”

“I can pour my own coffee.”

“I know you,” I point out. “I’ve watched you drink an entire pot by yourself.”

She smirks as though she’s proud of herself. I grunt, knowing I’m right.

“This is my coffee, and I haven’t had a cup yet.”

But because she’s my guest and I love her, I fill two cups almost to the brim and doctor them both with creamer. I bring them and the box to the coffee table and slump down beside her.

Gloria takes a long slurp and sighs happily. “I needed this.”

I take a long swallow of mine and agree with her. “I thought you were working today.”

“Marion asked if I could swap shifts as her little one has a tummy upset. I said I’d cover both shifts and for her to stay home. She’s done the same for me. So Rena is covering this shift, and I’ll work a double from tonight. I don’t mind. It’ll save me from my mom’s lumpy gravy.”

I know Gloria adores her mom and Christmas, so I pat her knee. “That’s kind of you.”

She shrugs one shoulder. “You know what those viruses are like. She brings it in, and we all spend Christmas barfing. I can celebrate with my family later in the week.”

She has a point. The current virus is nasty. I’ve missed it so far, but it’s run through the staff at Randy’s, including the big man himself.

I peer at her over the rim of my cup. “Why are you here?”

“I thought you’d like to see the tree.”

“That’s bullshit,” I say bluntly. “Try again.”

She huffs and drinks more coffee. “You’re so mean to me.”

“What part of I know you are you missing?”

Gloria leans forward and smirks at me. “I’m on a mission.”

That sounds more like her.

“What kind of mission?”

“I can’t tell you. It’s secret.”

I give her a skeptical look. “You come here to drink my coffee and tell me you’re on a secret mission.”

“The coffee’s just a bonus, but the rest sounds about right.”

“Gloria, much as I love you, could you go away now? Dean is on his way over and I have plans that don’t need a witness.”

“Ew! My virgin ears don’t need to hear that.”

I open my mouth and shut it again. I’m not going there. There are some things about my girlfriends I don’t need to know. I use girlfriend in the loosest sense. She’s more like a backseat wife…for the whole town.

“Anyway,” she continues, clearly ignoring me, “he’s not coming.”

I stare at her. “Wh…what?”

I check my phone. Nothing from Dean, or from anyone else for that matter. Was he dumping me via Gloria? I never thought he was the type of guy to be that mean. I thought…I thought…I have no idea what I thought except it was him and me together.

She flaps her hand. “Don’t look so worried, big guy. He still loves you. He was strongarmed into helping Geraldine. Something to do with Barky. He’ll be over later today. Eat your sandwich.”

“He told you that,” I say dubiously, opening the CC’s box. My belly rumbles at my favorite sandwich.

“He told me to tell you that. And gave me the box. Something about lunch and you being hangry if he doesn’t feed you?”

Every time Gloria opens her mouth what comes out is worse and better than before.

“Okay, thanks for telling me.” I take a large bite. I really am hungry.

She pats my hamster cheek. “He still loves you,” she repeats.

“Am I really that obvious?”

Another eye roll. I guess that’s a yes. It’s disappointing, but I guess I can go back to bed and catch up on my sleep.

I wait but she doesn’t move. “Uh…Gloria? If there’s nothing else…”

“We could spend the afternoon together,” she suggests brightly. “Go on, shower and get your party gear on.”

“You’re taking me to a party now?”

“I’m working later,” she points out, like I’m talking out the top of my head. “You know what the Creek is like. There’s always a party somewhere.”

“There is? Why have I missed all the parties?”

I haven’t been to a party outside the town celebrations. Mind you, there are more than a few of those.

“Because you’re always working,” she points out. “The party comes to you. You know what Randy’s like.”

“It’s not exactly a party when people are barking drinks orders at you.”

Gloria thinks about that for a moment. “True.”

“Maybe I work too much,” I muse.

“Now you don’t have to. You have your boy to party with.”

I snort. Dean isn’t exactly the party kind.

She grins at me as if she’s read my mind. “Give him time. He’s never had anyone to party with before. He’ll relax. You’re good for him.”

I hope so, I really do. Because he’s good for me too.

I regard Gloria for a long moment. “You have a big heart, you know that?”

“I do, but don’t tell anyone. You’ll ruin my reputation.”

I hold up my hand. “Scouts honor. I promise never to reveal your secret.”

“Were you a scout?”

“No. My parents didn’t approve of the scouts.”

She gives me a curious look, but I don’t elaborate, so she says, “You have a big heart too. Not many people would have found the key to his closet. None of the other guys here even tried.”

“Did Dean give them a chance?” I know what it’s like faced with a guy who refuses to admit he’s gay.

She shrugs. “Probably not. But he trusted you.”

I smile at that, because it has taken time, but he’s learning to trust me not to break his heart.

Gloria claps her hands. “Get your party gear on, Echo. If your man is busy, you’ll have to rely on me.”

I wrinkle my nose. “I don’t feel much like partying, honey. I’m happy to crash out on the couch for the rest of the afternoon.”

“No. It’s party-time.”

I give my annoying friend the side-eye. “You’re not going to let this go, are you?”

She gives me a brilliant smile. “You know me so well.”

I sigh and get to my feet. “Okay, okay. Shower, shave, and?—”

“Moving on,” she says hastily.

I suddenly miss Dean. What’s he doing with Geraldine? Couldn’t I have come too? I know I’m being ridiculous. I’m overtired after the long week, and I just want Dean in my arms.

I take my time showering, ignoring Gloria’s bellows. I consider rubbing one off in the shower fantasizing about my special man, he gives head like his life depends on it, but it would be just my luck if she walked in at the crucial moment. She would; Gloria’s like that.

Gloria squints at me fifteen minutes later when I walk back into the lounge. “Not bad.”

I look down at myself. Tight jeans, black shirt with a faint sparkle, Chelsea boots worn to perfection. I could have made more effort with the boots, but if I’m standing for hours then I need to be comfortable.

She’s already got her faux fur coat on plus hat and gloves and is ready to go. I reach for my leather jacket, but she pushes me out of the way and hands me my thickest winter coat and hats and gloves.

Now I squint at her. “Aren’t we going to a party? I’m only going in your car.”

“My car might break down,” she says, thrusting everything at me.

I pride myself on not dropping anything. Hey, I can juggle. Then she’s herding me out the door almost before I’ve gotten my keys from the hook.

“You were a sheepdog in your previous life, weren’t you?” I grumble.

She shrugs. “I’ve been called worse.”

Ariel isn’t anywhere to be seen.

“I should feed the cat.”

“Already done,” she says cheerfully. “She’s a fussy girl just like me.”

I keep my mouth shut. I would never have said that to Gloria’s face in a million years, just saying.

It’s cold outside but not as bad as I expect. Still, I snuggle into my jacket and can’t hold back a yawn. Gloria stays with me as I limp down the stoop. I don’t need her help because Dean has kept the stoop and drive free of ice and snow for me, but I appreciate it anyway. He’s also helped two of my elderly neighbors with their drives. The man can’t help himself.

“Where are we going?” I ask as we slid into the seats. I shiver a little. Gloria’s right. It’s cold out here. “Why all the Secret Squirrel shit?”

Her grin is downright wicked. “Because it really annoys you.”

“You’re just mean.”

She leans over and kisses my cheek. “But you love me.”

I huff. I love someone else too, but he’s not here.

Gloria usually drives like a NASCAR racer, but thankfully she takes it slowly today. Real slow. Gloria never drives like this, even in bad weather.

I turn to her. “Why’re you driving like my grandma?”

Her focus remains fixed on the road. “I’m under orders.”

I furrow my brow. “What orders?”

“To get you there in one piece.”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” I say.

She releases her clutch on the wheel to pat my left thigh. Gently. Otherwise, I might have screamed. No, it’s not that bad now, but my ankle has its moments. Just ask Dean about last week when he went down on me in the shower before I was ready, and I kicked the tiles using my dodgy ankle. I spent the next five minutes clutching onto him trying not to cry like a baby.

We drive down Main Street, and I love peering in the windows at the Christmas decorations.

“It’s so pretty here,” I murmur.

Gloria flicks a glance at me. “You like it here.”

“I do. I’m glad Aunt Hebe persuaded me to apply for the job at Randy’s.”

“New job, new friends, new boyfriend.”

I can’t help my smile. Dean is top of my best things about Collier’s Creek list.

“Here we are,” she says, and she sounds relieved for some reason.

I look around. We’ve reached the town square. There’s a party here? It looks pretty empty to me. Last time I saw the square was driving past the Christmas Bash and it was bustling with people. Now there’s just one lone person dressed in a red coat, gazing up at the tree. The breath hitches in my throat. Not a red coat. A red suit. A Santa suit. I knew that suit so well.

What is Dean doing in a Santa suit? I thought he’d returned it to JoBeth.

“He’s waiting for you,” Gloria says as she rolls to a halt as close as she can to the tree and turns to me.

“This is a set up,” I say.

She beams at me. “Totally. Go get your man. He has something to say.”

I stare at her.

She stares at me. Finally, she loses patience.

“Go on then. Or he’ll think you don’t love him. And remember, you both owe your Aunty Gloria.”

Aunty is a bit much, but it’s Gloria so I lean over and kiss her cheek. Then I slide out of the car and walk carefully over to Santa by the tree. He doesn’t seem to notice me, lost in a world of his own.

I cough lightly. “Santa?”

He turns and his smile melts my heart. “I thought you’d gotten lost.”

“Yeah, well, thanks to your messenger I had no idea what was going on, or I’d have been here sooner.”

He wrinkles his nose which is all kinds of adorable above the beard. “That was my fault. I asked her to make it a surprise.”

I swallow hard. “I thought Geraldine needed you.”

He shakes his head. “I wanted to talk to you by the tree.”

He’s so nervous, I can see that, so I hold out my arms and he falls into them.

“What do you want to say, sweetheart?” I whisper in his ear as I hold him close.