Chapter 8

CHAPTER 8

Jett

Thanksgiving comes and goes in a blur. Mom and I do a small meal at her house, then we sit together to watch her favorite movie, The Grinch.

The tradition of it all is relaxing. I don't have to worry I'll get anything wrong, nor do I have to put in a ton of effort.

Mom is fine with whatever we do together. She thinks I'm the greatest gift she's ever received. And though she still fights me when I spoil her with gifts, I know it doesn't mean she doesn't love me. It's more that she struggles to deal with me spending my money on her.

With Christmas quickly approaching, I know she'll be even more upset with what I'm planning. I have no doubt I'll get an earful the second the travel agent calls to confirm her information today.

I'm finishing up practice when I see her name flash across the screen. Ignoring the guys around me, I answer, "Hey, Mom."

"Don't you talk all nonchalant with me, young man! I know what you did!"

Her yelling echoes through the locker room, drawing looks from the other guys. Aries snickers and stage whispers, "Somebody is in trouble."

I shake my head. "Mom, you deserve the trip. Why am I in trouble for taking care of you?"

My words are enough for the other guys to turn away. They don't care about this. If it were drama of a different sort, they'd be all over it.

She sighs over the line. "It's just not right. I'm the parent. You shouldn't be spoiling me like this."

"You took care of my growing up, Mom. Worked multiple jobs and sacrificed a ton to get me to where I am. This money is yours too. Let me spend it on you, please."

"What am I supposed to do in Greece during Christmas? I've barely been out of the country except for that cruise you took me on three years ago."

I shiver at the memory of that vacation. There were too many older men hitting on my mother for my liking. Thank goodness we had separate rooms on different floors. I didn't have to see anything that went on between her and her gentleman callers.

"The travel agent can book anything you want, my treat. Besides, you won't be alone. I've arranged for you to have company."

"You did? Who — Oh, there's someone at the door. Hold on, son." I hear her moving around on the other line, then there are sounds of joy between multiple people.

Knowing my mother's tendency to overthink and deny my gifts, I went above her for this one. Her two best friends also got fully paid trips to Greece for the winter, which makes the experience a girl's trip — something I know they all love but never make time for.

Well, I made the time for them.

Mom comes back on the line a bit breathless, likely from how the three of them jump around and scream when they get together. "You have outdone yourself, son. I can't believe it."

"Believe it, Mom. You deserve this trip."

"What about you? Are you coming or will I spend Christmas without you?"

"I'll be fine, Mom. This trip is a once in a lifetime thing, and my schedule is too busy to take an international trip in the middle of the season. I'll be one call away if you need me or want to chat."

"Even with the time difference?" she asks.

I grin. "Even with the time difference. I love you, Mom. Take the trip with the girls. Enjoy the holiday somewhere new and fun. I'll be right here when you get back. Nothing will change."

Her hum indicates disbelief. I'm not sure what she thinks could happen during the eight-day trip I booked for her. My life is regimented for a reason. Nothing out of the ordinary happens to me. I'm the most predictable person around.

"I've got to go, Mom. Practice is done, and I need to shower." She doesn't need me to say anything else to understand my need to keep to the schedule. Of anyone in my life, she's the most familiar with it, given I cultivated this personality from the time I was old enough to read a clock and set alarms.

"Very well, son. I love you so much. Be good while I'm away. We can do dinner when I'm back so I can tell you all about the trip."

"Sounds good. Love you too."

As soon as I hang up, Bellamy approaches me. "You got your mom a vacation for Christmas?"

I nod, confused at his interest. He's never one to approach me unless it's about football. We're fine as teammates, though I wouldn't call us friends.

Could be residual from the party at Monty's house. I did speak with his group of friends quite a bit that night. Well, quite a bit by my standards. Anything more than a greeting is more than I'm used to.

"I did. She's going to Greece for eight days."

"Does that mean you'll be alone for the holiday?"

I tilt my head to the side. "Yes, it does."

Where is he going with this?

"Oh, cool. I was actually thinking of doing a Secret Santa exchange between me and some close friends right before the holidays. It's not serious or anything, but it would give you a chance to not be alone during the holidays. You in?"

I stare at the man in front of me. In no world would I think he'd be inviting me into his social circle to do a gift exchange.

Something about this is odd. I simply can't figure out what though.

He heard my call. Realized I'd be alone. And now he's decided to bring me into the fold?

Actually, this situation does make sense now that I think more about it. Bellamy's husband was a bit of a loner as well when they met. He took the younger man under his wing, and they've been nearly inseparable since.

No wonder he wants to invite me. It's pity.

I open my mouth to say no, yet I hear myself say, "Sure, why not," instead.

Bellamy's smile is blinding in return. "Perfect! I'll text you the details and then put you in contact with my sister. She's coordinating who gets who so it's actually a fair game."

With that, he leaves me watching after him and wondering why I feel like I've been duped. I ignore the awkward emotion as I shower, dress, and head home. I'm probably overthinking things anyway. What could possibly happen?

Bellamy stays true to his word after practice. As I'm pulling into my place, my phone dings with a message from him. It's quickly followed by more alerts, all from him.

Bell: My sister's name is Carmen. She'll be in touch shortly. I passed along your number.

Bell: Basic rules of the game are that you'll be given a basic list of things about the person you're paired with to be able to buy a gift. You won't be given a name until after the exchanges are complete unless the person chooses to reveal themselves sooner.

Bell: You will also need to give Carmen some details about things you like. It helps whoever pulls your name pick out their present. That's really it. Super simple, yet fun.

I stare at the message apprehensively. While it sounds like something I shouldn't be worried over, the notion of secrecy behind it feels daunting. How am I supposed to fit in a shopping trip as well as select items for someone else to get me? It's not like I have an Amazon wishlist or anything. Mom has tried to get me to make one for years, but I refuse.

Besides, the best presents always come from the most obscure little shops or online boutiques. My favorite train sets are proof of such.

Jett: Is there any price limit or minimum?

Bell: Not really. Depends on the person's list. Everyone involved has access to money, so it's no biggie. Don't buy someone a Rolls or anything. Lol

A Rolls? It takes me a second to get the joke, though I don't laugh.

Jett: Hopefully no one puts a car on their list. That seems excessive.

Bell: Eyeroll. Just joking, bud.

I shake my head, tucking my phone away. Keeping up with the conversation would be too tedious for my energy levels. I need to rest and watch some footage to prepare for the team strategy meeting later this week.

Twenty minutes into the first tape, I get a text from an unknown number.

Unknown: Hi! I'm Carmen. My brother should have warned you I was texting about the gift exchange.

Jett: He did explain things earlier.

Carmen: Great! Here's a list of the things your person wanted. You do not have to get all of them. It's best to get one, but we put more than that in case you have trouble finding something.

Carmen: Link to Google Doc

Carmen: Do you have anything on your list yet?

Jett: I've compiled a few things, yes.

I send over a short list of items I know won't be outrageously expensive but will still bring me joy. Most of them are train related of course. It's only right for me to focus on my favorite things.

Once I send the information over, Carmen replies with a thumbs up. I set my phone down on the coffee table and go back to taking notes, the exchange forgotten. I've got more important things to focus on right now. Besides, we're still three weeks out from the holidays. There is more than enough time to find what I need.

A week later

Ok, so maybe I didn't read the message from Bellamy well enough the first time because I'm now standing in the aisles of a home goods store trying to find a specific type of blanket before heading to the drop-off point today.

All gifts were set due on different days and different times. Mine just so happened to be before most everyone else for some reason.

It doesn't make sense that we have to turn in the gifts so far ahead of the holiday. Why would anyone want to open a gift this far ahead of the holiday?

"Can I help you find anything?" A young woman with a pixie cut and bright red glasses smiles up at me. She's barely five feet tall if I had to guess. I'm sure she feels like I'm a giant as she sidles up next to me.

I point at the paper before me. "I'm trying to buy a gift for someone for Christmas. It doesn't seem as if you have anything I need though."

"May I?" she reaches for the paper.

Handing it over, I watch her as she scans through the items. "You're right that a couple of these won't be found here, but we carry most of it. Would you like me to help you shop for them?"

"Is that part of your job? I'd hate to take you away from something else." I question.

"I've already finished all of my work for the day, and I still have three hours left on shift. You're helping me out by letting me do this for you."

Since I understand her plight, I don't argue further. It would be a waste of time.

"I'd appreciate your help then—" I pause once I realize I haven't asked her name. My mom would have my head for my improper manners.

"Pepper. Yeah, I know it's freaking weird. My sister is Thyme, and I have a cousin named Oregano."

I grin at her. "Nice to meet you, Pepper. I'm Jett."

"Oh, I know who you are. Your face is on the big team banner they hung at the entrance to the stadium. And I've seen your games. You're good for the Bulldogs."

Without another word, she turns away from me with the list in hand. I take slow steps to keep up with her shorter pace as she makes her way down the list. I don't have the heart to tell her I only needed one thing once she starts grabbing item after item.

By the time we finish, I have six presents for my Secret Santa. Well, then.

"There you go! List complete!" She waves the paper around, then checks her watch. "Poop! I still have too much time before I have to go. Guess I'll have to find something else to do."

Tilting my head, I take Pepper in from head to toe. "Are you always this efficient with your work?"

She nods quickly. "I am. My brain works faster than most people, or so my doctors say. I've tried to explain it to all my managers, but they never have enough for me to do or they simply don't believe me."

"Understandable. Most people cannot understand when someone needs accessibility to other methods of work, whether it be a different way of doing the job or something else ADA compliant."

It's as I'm speaking that I notice how easy it is to speak with her. Pepper isn't like most people I meet where I feel the need to put on a particular face to the world.

"How old are you, Pepper?"

"Twenty-eight as of August 27th. I know I look younger though. Why?"

"I like you. I want to be your friend. Talking to you is easier than I find it with others, and I might be able to find you work that keeps you busy for longer," I admit.

Her eyes go wide. "I want to be your friend too. I just didn't want to seem like a cleat chaser or anything. No offense or anything. I'm not into dudes… Or really anyone."

Internally, I give her an amen back to that thought. The fact that there would be no sexual tension between us makes her an even better friend option.

"Here's my number. We can hang when your schedule allows or something," she says when I don't reply right away.

I hand over my phone so she could put in her number, then text her my name. "Now then, the most important question: How do you feel about trains?"

Pepper laughs softly. "Are we talking locomotives, bullet trains, passenger trains? There's a difference, you know."

Smiling at her, I nod and begin to discuss the merits of each. The presents sit in the basket completely ignored. Who knew this whole silly Secret Santa thing would lead me to find a new friend?