Page 75 of Love on Tour
“Who doesn’t?” Christine said.
“Have you heard from Austin?” Matt asked.
“Some texts. He wants me to visit, but I think it’s a very bad idea, so I said no.”
“It’s unfortunate you have to hide your relationship.”
“No wonder famous people get tired of all the rumors in rag mags and on the internet. People can make up anything they want.”
“I’m a big believer in freedom of speech, but there should be a limit to freedom of lies,” Matt said.
“Agreed. Especially now that I’m on this side of it. Where are you spending the holidays?”
“Back home with my family in Ohio. My brother and sister are still living there, and my parents love it when we’re all together. Typical Midwestern family. You?”
“I’ll spend it with my folks as well. Central Pennsylvania. There’s something calming about going home and letting Mommy and Daddy dote on me.”
“So true. Austin doesn’t hit the road until mid-January, so I’ll probably stay until after the first.”
Christine felt a surge of hope at the realization that Matt and Cait wouldn’t be together on New Year’s Eve. She knew it was ridiculous. What was one night? But it was an important night in a relationship, so maybe they weren’t that serious.
They finished their lunch and stood to throw away their trash.
“Here. I’ll take that.” Matt reached out and took her empty plate and cup.
“Chivalry. Such an attractive trait.”
“Remind me to throw away your trash more often,” Matt said with a wink.
They left the food court together and came upon Santa posing for photos.
“Shall we?” Matt asked, a twinkle in his eye.
“Seriously?”
“Oh, why not? Let’s send it to Austin and make his head spin.”
“Why would his head spin over a photo with Santa?”
“It’ll drive him crazy that I’m here with you.”
“You’re as bad as my stalkers. He doesn’t care if we’re at the mall together.”
“Trust me, it’ll drive him crazy.”
“All the more reason to do it. He certainly drives us crazy enough,” Christine said.
They got in line to sit on Santa’s lap. When it was their turn, Christine took the right knee and Matt the left.
“Ho ho ho! Aren’t you a nice-looking young couple?”
Christine smiled.
“We sure think so,” Matt said.
“And what would you like for Christmas?”
“A nice picture with Santa to send to our good friend,” Matt said.
