Page 49 of A Better Place

CHAPTER NINE

Carly

Captain James: Merry Christmas, Beautiful!

Me: Merry Christmas, Captain. ;)

Captain James: What are you and my boy up to today?

My heart literally jumps when he calls Jack his boy. I know he doesn’t mean his son, but I also know he means it in the fondest way.

Me:Waiting to eat breakfast while we watch Christmas Vacation, then we’ll open a few presents. Pretty quiet day.

Captain James:Oooh, a classic. One of our favorites. Would you mind any company? Lily would like to meet you two, and I may or may not have a couple gifts Santa dropped off here with your names on them. ;)

My heart that was simply jumping moments ago now skips then lodges in my throat, causing a lump to form. And I feel incredibly grateful that Jack asked me if we could pick up a gift for James, as both a Christmas present and a thank you for everything he’s done for him since we met. We found a place that creates wooden signs and brands anything into them. We got the logo for Balance and included his name at the bottom. It turned out really cool. I also picked up two pair of leggings that I thought were cute when a friend was having a Pop-Up sale. And, from what James has told me about Lily, I think she’ll love them. I wasn’t sure if we’d see them on Christmas, or even if I would ever have a reason to give them to her, but I’m really glad I have them at the ready. I always have gift items in my closet for last-minute times. The one and only good thing my mother taught me.

Me:We would love to meet her! Come over around 6?

The second I hit Send my stomach begins to ache. Lily is the single most important person in James’s life. The idea of meeting her makes me happy, but at the same time makes me feel like I could vomit. James and I might not be dating, but there’s that lingering hope that one day — hopefully soon — we could be more than what we are now.

Captain James:That’s perfect! And tell Jack to plan on helping me in the kitchen. I’ll bring over what we need. He told me he’s been hungry for seafood chowder, and I plan to deliver. ;)

Me:James, you know you don’t have to cook for us.

Captain James:I’m hurt! You don’t want my cooking? Sad :(

Me:What? No! I didn’t mean that! I’m sorry! You’re welcome to cook for us any time!

Captain James:Ha! You’re so easy to tease.

Me:Turd. You’re asexual.

Captain James:Uhhhhhh ????

Me:Oh. My. Gosh. Stupid autocorrect! WTH was that!?

Captain James:Been spending time around Tess’s phone? It seems to contain a texting virus.

Me:LOL — hers are the best.

Captain James:That they are. What did you even mean to say?

Me:You’re awful. I’m pretty positive you’re not asexual.

Captain James:Absolutely not.

I start to blush, and he’s not even here, speaking to me directly. Time to redirect this conversation.

Me:So six? Dinner?

Captain James: Can’t wait.

I toss my phone on the couch and look over at Jack, relaxed and lounging back on the oversized chair. He’s still in his plaid pajama bottoms and a long-sleeve blue shirt; his phone is sitting next to him while his eyes are trained on the TV.

“James?” he asks, not pulling his eyes away from the movie.

“Huh?”

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