Page 24 of Wrapped Up In Tinsel

“Perfect. It’s been too long since I’ve had it. Did you want me to meet you somewhere or meet at my house?” Since my place was close to the mall it was easy for him to stop by on his way home, and he did as often as he could.

“Tell me what you like, and I’ll pick it up on the way there.”

“I knew you were my favorite,” I said and meant it more than he probably realized and more than I wanted to admit. He chuckled before telling me he’d be there as soon as he picked up the food. I hurried home, more excited now that I knew he’d be stopping by. As soon as I opened the door, Teddy was dancing around my feet more than happy I was home. “Hello, puppy, come on, let’s go outside for a minute.”

I walked outside with him as he trotted around the yard, sniffing everything and finally going to the bathroom. It was cold out, and the weather had taken a turn. We were about to get lots of rain in the valley and several feet of snow in the Sierra, and as I felt a few drops of rain, I regretted taking my jacket off before going outside. “Come on, Teddy,” I said and hoped he was done soon. Just then he looked up and bolted for the still open slider. “Teddy, what are you doing?” I hurried after him and as soon as I walked inside the doorbell rang.

“Steve,” I murmured and hurried to let him in.

“I hope you’re hungry,” he said and handed me one of the boxes he was holding. “I got a little carried away.” I kissed him before walking into the kitchen.

“You know I can always eat. What did you get?” I took out a few of the containers and started to open them.

“You should ask what I didn’t get. It all sounded good, and I figured we’d have leftovers.” He winked and I knew it was because once we finished Thanksgiving leftovers, we were more than ready for them to be gone. We both filled a plate with a little of everything and sat on the couch to eat. Teddy knew the routine and stayed on his bed.

“How was work?” I asked because I loved hearing how crazy his job as an elf was.

“I never thought it could actually get wilder than it’s already been, but everyday I’m surprised. Today we had a family of twelve who wanted their picture with Santa.”

“Twelve kids?” I asked before taking a bite of sesame chicken.

“No, it was a mix. There were grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, I don’t even know who else.”

“Were the parents there?”

“Oh yeah, but they’re divorced and hate each other, so everyone else was trying to ignore the fact they couldn’t stop throwing insults at each other the whole time. And I mean thewholetime. The line was something like a ninety-minute wait and they never stopped.”

“How old are the kids?”

“Teenagers. They didn’t want to be there to begin with but apparently, it’s a tradition that everyone wanted to continue.” He shook his head before taking a bite. “How’s your food?” he asked while covering his mouth.

“Everything is great. Thank you again for bringing me dinner.”

“I probably owe you at least five dinners after all that turkey,” he said and rolled his eyes.

“Well, I won’t say no.”

“Hey, what time is the movie on Christmas Eve?” he asked and took out his phone since he was the one who’d reserved it. “Seven, did you want to stop by your parents’ afterward?”

“Yes, that’s perfect, if we go early, we’ll never get out of there. If we go late, it’ll be winding down. What time are you done with work?”

“Santa closes at three that day since he needs to get to work at the North Pole,” Steve said and grinned. “How about you?”

“I’m hoping to be done around four. If I’m running late, I’ll just meet you at the theater.”

“Okay, I’m sure it’ll all work out. I’m actually excited to go to a movie that night. It’s all new to me.”

“Well hopefully everyone else has other plans and it’s not busy,” I said making him laugh. “What are you going to do when this job ends?”

He wiped his mouth and covered my hand with his. “I forgot to tell you. I got a job at Best Buy.”

“Congratulations, that’s great news.”

“Yep, you’re not getting rid of me yet,” he said, and I knew he was joking but I was so relieved to hear he’d be working nearby.

“I’m so happy for you.” I took his face in my hands and kissed him, because I wasn’t just happy for him. I was so fucking relieved to know he’d still be around here, and I couldn’t wait to spend more time with him.

Twenty-Five

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