Page 29 of Merry Christmas, Cowboy

“Something’s making you smile.”

“Can’t I smile just because?”

Julie gave her a long look. “Does it have something to do with a tall good-lookin’ stranger?”

“Garrett’s not a stranger.”

“Ah-hah! You were thinking about him.”

“Yes, but not in the way you’re thinking. Okay?”

“How do you know what I’m thinking?”

“Because, Julie, my friend, I’ve known you most of my life.”

“True. And we’ve both had a dream of teaching school together, since forever.”

“True too. But maybe I’m thinking about the fundraiser, and how well it’s going.”

“Knock on wood.” Julie made a fist and tapped the table. “But that’s not it.”

“Oh, for heaven’s sake, okay. Yes, maybe I had a nice dinner with Garrett and Cody last night. And maybe he’s not the scrooge I once thought.”

“So, if he’s not a stranger, he’s a… friend?”

“I wouldn’t say that… exactly. But it doesn’t matter. He’s—”

“Playing poker with the guys later tonight.”

“Oh, is he?” And before Julie could get another thought out, she spoke quickly. “That means you’re free tonight. Wanna stop by my place and have a bite? I have fried chicken, mashed potatoes and yeast rolls. Leftovers, but plenty to go around.”

“Sounds yummy. I’ll call Miguel and let him know.”

“Gotta get your permission slip signed.” She winked.

It was an inside joke, and one they teased each other about from time to time. Only, now Nicole didn’t have to account to anyone, and she wasn’t sure if that was a good thing or a bad thing. She couldn’t begrudge Julie her happiness though. Miguel was a great guy.

Julie smiled. “Why not? I had to sign his for poker nights.”

They left the school arm in arm. Sometimes, Nicole walked since her apartment was only a few long blocks from the school, but today Julie drove them both home. The air was brisk and the cold snap hadn’t let up yet. Snow still layered the ground, but it was only a matter of time before it would all melt.

The apartment was cold when they walked in and Nicole immediately cranked up the heat. “Love your tree,” Julie said, walking over to admire the ornaments. “You do Christmas so well, my friend. And looks like you’ve gotten a few new decorations too.”

“You know me; I’m a kid when it comes to Christmas. I get at least one new decoration every year. This year, it’s this.” She grabbed the ceramic glazed Santa off a table. “He’s an ornament and a music box. Santa’s big belly has a lock. You just unsnap it and look inside.”

“It’s a tiny Santa on his sleigh with his reindeer.”

“When you wind it up, the sleigh goes round and round and it plays ‘Santa Claus is Coming to Town.’”

Nicole wound it up and the tiny sleigh began to move in a circle as the music played.

“I love it.”

“I thought you would. Because I got you one too. This is yours.”

Surprised, Julie blinked. “Really?”

“Well, you know me. I like to spread the Christmas joy.”

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