Twelve

Garrett

I drove to the restaurant we’d decided on which was near Sunrise mall but not too far from the freeway, making it convenient for both of us. It was a local taqueria that was both cheap and amazing. As I was parking, I saw him walking toward the door and waved. I had no clue what we were doing. We were different in so many ways, but I loved chatting with him, and I still hadn’t forgotten that kiss we’d shared.

“How was work?” I asked as I jogged over to where he stood. He leaned in and kissed my cheek before I had time to react. My shock made him grin and he took my hand before he spoke.

“It was good, lots of new people. The kids are getting more antsy, and the parents are on their last available nerve, but other than that it’s great,” he said making us both laugh.

“Sounds like a lot of fun,” I said.

“It could be worse, way worse.” We walked up to the counter and placed our order before choosing a table near the window. “My manager told me I have an attitude today.”

“He did? What happened?” Garrett asked, and I recounted my near slipup and how Terry had stopped me just in time.

“Honestly being around Terry is like constantly walking on eggshells. So far, I haven’t seen him lose it on anyone, but he always seems like he’s right on the edge,” I said before taking a chip and dipping it in the salsa we’d chosen.

“Well, I had a pretty good day, my deliveries all stayed on schedule, and then I got that Little Debbie cake for a bonus. I can’t believe someone did that. I mean occasionally people will leave goodies outside their door for us, but I’ve never had someone leave it on my truck.” I grinned at the memory. The gesture really made my day and the treat that reminded me of my childhood hadn’t been a bad thing either.

“Maybe you have a secret admirer,” Steve said.

“Maybe. As long as they give me cake, I don’t mind at all.” He met my eyes then and the look he gave me made me think I was missing something, but I had zero clue what it could be, and figured I was probably hoping he had some secret message for me. Which was weird. “Do you get time off for Thanksgiving?”

“Yeah, but just that day, apparently the day after is a shitshow and it only gets worse right up to Christmas Eve,” he said.

“I didn’t even think about you having to work on Black Friday, that kinda sucks.” My job was crazy after Thanksgiving, but his had to be on a whole other level.

“The elf gig is all over on Christmas Eve Day though, that’s my last day.”

“Do you want to do something that night? My family has their yearly thing and sometimes I go to a movie on Christmas Eve.”

“I’ve never done that before. Would you want to go a movie this year?” he asked.

“I’d like that. Is there anything you want to see?”

“How about that new Christmas movie where Santa looks more like a superhero. Know which one I mean?”

“Yes, I know exactly which one. I’ll get the tickets. Any preference on where we go?” Steve asked as he scrolled.

“One of the theaters with food? We can make it a night out,” I said, and apparently, I couldn’t stop myself from asking him to do more and more with me.

“That sounds great. Let’s see what’s available.” He took out his phone, opened the app, and the two of us looked over the different times at various theatres. Some of them did not serve more than snack food, but a few had dinner, so we chose the one in Rocklin and reserved two seats. “It’s a date,” he said and set his phone down.

“And here you told me you hated Christmas,” I said and batted my eyes at him.

“I’m still on the fence about that. I have decided there are some parts I don’t mind, but I still hate the crowds and the way people get so crazy about everything. I’ve also decided that I love Sunrise mall. It might be a ghost town but it’s a great place to shop.”

“So, you’ve been shopping? You’re ahead of me, I usually have most of mine done by now but not this year.” I usually bought gifts as I saw them through the year, but this year I didn’t get them done.

“Not really, but I have a few ideas. I haven’t actually bought gifts for a while. I’m more of a gift card giver.” Something told me he hadn’t done that either for a while, but I was happy to hear he was at least considering giving this year.

“Does your family not exchange gifts?” I knew some families didn’t. They spent time together and called it good.

“They do. I just haven’t participated.” A sad look washed over his face, and I reached across the table and squeezed his hand.

“Christmas isn’t all about the gifts,” I said.

“No, you’re right, it’s not.” He squeezed my hand back where I still covered his and when they called our number he hurried up to the counter. I watched him from where I sat. He was very nice to the worker and thanked her once again for our order before bringing it to the table.

“This looks so good, have you eaten here before?” he asked as he set down both trays.

“At least once a week. Best carne asada in the area,” I said before taking a bite of the tacos I’d ordered.

“There’s a taqueria near my house that’s famous for their breakfast burritos. I try to force myself not to eat there more than once a week. I’d love to go there daily,” he said before taking a bite of one of the fish tacos he’d ordered. “This is good.”

“Everything here is good,” I said making him smile, something I noticed he did far more now than that first day.

“Well I guess I’ll have to limit myself on how many days a week I eat here on my way home,” Steve said. “I need to maintain my elf-like physique at least until after Christmas.” And just like that it hit me that I liked him, like really liked him.