Page 3 of Five Days of Christmas Spice

“Hey, I didn’t expect any.” I lift my hands, trying to convey innocence. “Only putting a bug in your ear. I know the press loves him and wants to get as much from him before he heads back to L.A. to start filming the second season.”

“Consider the bug placed,” Patricia drains her glass. “You know I adore your gift. Thank you.”

My gift to Patricia had been a pair of tickets, centre row orchestra to a symphony performance of Bach.

“You’re welcome.” I check my watch.

“Guess I have to get ready for Christmas at the beach.”

“Did you want to do something different for Christmas this year?”

I swallow past an unexpected lump in my throat. Christmas is kind of hard for me.

“I don’t know. Phil’s family doesn’t really get together, and mine gets together for Thanksgiving. When I was a kid, it was so perfect, you know?”

Maybe that’s all it comes down to. I long for my childhood Christmases, and because I can’t get that, I pick going away. But who wouldn’t choose to escape the snow and cold and go to Mexico? I know I’m being ridiculous.

A memory of my Gran’s farmhouse, covered in snow and the Christmas tree in the window, floats through my mind, and I think of the Brennon Consortium, who want to buy it. They’ll probably demolish it, eventually. This resort of theirs must be a pop-up thing because how can a kinky winter wonderland be sustainable?

“I think Christmas is like that when you’re a kid, and if it is, you’re lucky.” Patricia squeezes my arm.

“Yeah, I think you’re right.” My throat is tight with tears, and even though we have shared intimacies tonight, I won’t let her see how upset I am. “My Uber should be here any moment. Thanks for sharing your liquor, the dinner and the gorgeous sweater.”

“You’re welcome for the sweater. We have to do this again.” Patricia gives me a hug. “Tell me how Cozumel is and if you change your mind about going to Vixen’s Paradise!”

A security alarm elicits a double beep that indicates a door is open, and Patricia’s face lights up. “Jared’s home!”

I gather my things and follow Patricia downstairs to the entranceway.

“Hello, ladies,” Jared Smythe, all six-foot-something and built like a defenceman, stomps the snow off his boots and flashes a pearly white grin at his wife.

“I’m so happy to be home!” He flings an arm out and catches Patricia around the waist, lifting her. They lock lips, like a Hallmark movie on the doorstep.

Those tears threaten to spill, and I push them away.

“Hey, Jared! Merry Christmas.”

“Merry Christmas. Can I give you a lift?”

“No, I have Uber coming, but thanks.” I throw on my jacket and hug Patricia. “Thanks again. See you in the new year.”

“Merry Christmas, Holly!” Patricia waves as I rush down their snowy steps to my waiting Uber.

“Hi, hope I didn’t keep you waiting.”

“Not even a minute,” the driver flashes a grin. “You’re going to Saskatchewan Drive?”

“Yes, that’s me.” I lean forward to check their GPS, and it’s correct. Settling against the seat, I take out my phone.

As the driver pulls out, I see Jared kiss Patricia through their still-open door.

My heart twists with a twinge of envy. Phil isn’t that affectionate, but he’s stable and kind, and that’s what I want after one lousy relationship led to a series of them.

I don’t want to repeat my parents’ mistakes. Solid is a good foundation. So what if it’s boring and vanilla? The kink stuff is behind me. Been there, not going back again.

I think of Patricia and Jared going to a kink party. Maybe solid and fun is a lot to ask for?

But Phil is fine. He gets along with my cousin and my parents, remembers to take out the garbage and gives me space. It’s fine.

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