Ten

Garrett

I forced myself not to go to the mall for the next few days, and all that did was to make me think of Steve even more than I had before. We texted often and I hoped he looked forward to every message the same way I did. Thanksgiving was coming up and I wondered what plans he had, or if he had any. I knew he didn’t like the holidays, but I wasn’t sure that it included Thanksgiving.

“Speaking of family,” I mumbled to myself as I pressed answer on my phone while navigating the truck through traffic. “Hello?”

“Garrett, how are you doing?” Dad asked, his voice so full of happiness I could hear his smile through the phone.

“Hey, Dad, doing good, how about you?”

“Good, good, hey we were wondering what time you plan to be here for Thanksgiving and if you’re bringing anyone else.”

“I’ll be there at whatever time you want me to be, and so far, it’s just me. How many are going to be there?” To say we had a big family would be vastly underestimating the total number of aunts, uncles, and cousins around the Sacramento area. But luckily, they wouldn’t all be there for Thanksgiving.

“So far, we’re looking at around thirty-five, but it could be closer to forty depending on if your Uncle Joe decides to join us. How’s work going?” he asked.

“It’s good. It seems busier this year than last, but it might just be early shoppers or people stocking up ahead of Christmas,” I said and pulled to a stop in front of a small house.

“Alright, son, well don’t work too hard, and I’ll let you know what to bring for Thanksgiving.” He hung up before I had time to answer, but that was my dad, always busy and always onto the next thing on the list.

I hurried up to the house and left the package where I hoped it was hidden from the street before jogging back to the truck. One thing about this job, I did not need a gym membership to stay in shape. All the lifting and loading and unloading kept me fit, but also left me ready for a good night’s sleep after a day of it. Today was one of those days.

After a few more hours of lugging packages and dodging the rain when the sky opened up, I was finally able to take a break and eat lunch. As it had become my habit the past few days, I sent a text to Steve.

How are you doing, Mr. Elf?

When he didn’t respond immediately, I opened my small ice chest, took out my usual sandwich and chips I’d packed, and began eating. I’d just started scrolling my socials on my phone when a text came through.

Hey, I was wondering if I’d hear from you today. I’m doing okay. I haven’t been puked on so that’s always a good thing. How’s your day?

O.O How would you get puked on? No, never mind, I don’t need to know. My day is going great, busy as ever.

Don’t worry, I’ll tell you all about it the next time I see you.

I can’t wait . . . I think. LOL Sounds like you’re having quite a day.

Yeah, once again I’m questioning my decision to take this job. But other than the puke incident the past few days have been good.

What are you doing for Thanksgiving?

We usually get together for a game night. We don’t do turkey we just do snacks and get into some cards or board games.

That sounds fun. My big ass family is getting together so it’ll be another day of chaos at my parents lol.

Well, that sounds like a lot of fun O.O.

Oh, loads of fun.

I grinned as I read the messages we exchanged. Steve liked to say he hated the holidays, but he seemed excited about his family getting together for Thanksgiving.

How many will be there for Thanksgiving?

Dad said around 35.

O.O

I know! And like I said that’s not even all of them. Idk you get used to it after a while. Plus, there aren’t as many youngins right now.

Youngins?

Yeah, the younger cousins who always want you to sit at the kids’ table or keep them entertained.

Oh yeah, youngins.

I laughed at his response as he tried to interpret what I was talking about, but at least he gave it a try.

Oh, something fun happened to me today. You know the Little Debbie trees?

Yes, the ones they have for Christmas.

Exactly! Well, someone left one on my windshield when I was making a delivery at the Galleria. Isn’t that nice? I’ve never had anyone do something like that. It was a nice surprise.

That was very thoughtful. Do people usually give you guys gifts during the holidays?

Sometimes, but it’s usually places we frequent that will give either a bag of cookies, or a gift card. But I’ve never had anything on my truck. Hopefully it wasn’t a mistake because I just ate it.

I’m sure it was someone just saying thanks.

We chatted a while longer before it was time for me to get back to deliveries. I hated to say goodbye to him, but I was filled with hope that we’d speak again. And if he enjoyed our back and forth as much as I did then I would guarantee there were more conversations ahead for us, and hopefully more.