Page 6 of Holly Jolly
“Long story, but I’ll give you the short version.”
Texas wasn’t really where I wanted to be, but it was where my job was located, and honestly, I’ve been thinking about moving back here, on and off for years. Sometimes, I wish I was rich enough to have a summer home here and a winter home in Texas. That way, I didn’t have to deal with the retched snow. A couple companies had reached out on LinkedIn, wanting to interview me for some remote positions, but in the past, I just didn’t reply. Maybe now was the time to take them up on it and move back closer to my mother. Of course, I hadn’t mentioned this to her, because there was no reason to get her hopes up, if the opportunity falls through.
“I like the small community. Tried living in a big city and hated it. Everyone is so fast-paced. Always in a hurry to get everywhere. Annoying,” she said.
Our coffee was cold now, and we had about fifteen-minutes left before she had to go back to the toy shop. I didn’t want to make her late, even though she was volunteering. “Listen, I had a really nice time. Maybe we can meet up again before I leave?”
“That’d be great. I don’t have any plans besides watching Hallmark movies for the next couple of days.”
I wonder if my mom would mind if she came and celebrates Christmas Eve with us. “Would you like to come over and do some festivities with us? My mom has a long list of things she likes to do as traditions, and you are more than welcome to join. I hate to see anyone alone during the holidays.”
She took the last sip of her coffee, and took a few seconds before responding. “I’d love that. Can I see your phone?”
I grabbed it out of my pocket and handed it to her.
She pushed some buttons and then gave it back. “Just text me.”
We got up from the table, threw our cups away, and headed back into the cold to return toFa La La. Maybe it was a good thing my mother had donations because if not, I wouldn’t have run into Holly.
We strolled down Main Street, bundled back up, and took in the kids across the street, ice skating in the little community park. Their laughter that just made everything seem better before we stopped in front of the store.
“Well, listen. I’ll text you tomorrow and let you know what the plan is. But be prepared for baking, singing and loads of other stuff. My mom doesn’t disappoint.”
She smiled and kissed me on the cheek. “Can’t wait.”
I stood there like an idiot while she opened the door and went inside.
After a few minutes, I walked inside to find my mother who was looking at the hand carved trains. This place held so many memories of my brother and I. We would come here every year and pick out a gift for each other, and mine was always a train. I threw my arms around her, and held her tight. The holidays were a rough time for her because with me in Texas, she was all alone. So, memories of the family crept in. It was a good thing I was here this year.
“Let’s go across the street to the park. There are plenty of kids having a good time. Maybe, you will actually skate this year.”
She laughed. “No one wants to see me fall on my butt. Plus, I could break a hip.”
I looked both ways before grabbing my mother’s hand and crossing the street, relocating to a bench. The air was nippy but our jackets were fighting off most of the cold. The smile that came across her face watching all the children have so much fun. A part of me felt horribly for not being able to provide her grandkids already. Veronica messed that up for me, but it was for the best. I never wanted my kids to have to grow up in a broken home.
“So, how was it seeing Holly again?” she asked, nudging my shoulder.
Mom knew how much I liked her before I left, and the truth was the only thing that tore us apart was college. Seeing her tonight made me wonder if my fate was to come back here and be with her. Why else would I run into her?
“It was good. We talked and I invited her over to your house tomorrow since she’s all alone. I know we don’t want anyone to have to spend Christmas alone. You don’t mind, right?”
“Of course not, baby. You know I have always liked her. She is a good girl.”
Holly was one of those girls that every man wanted. In High School, my crush started in Freshman year. She walked into the classroom as the new girl, and my intrigue peaked immediately. She wasn’t like the other girls who dressed in little dresses or short skirts, but in jeans, a t-shirt and some converse. I loved a girl that wanted to be comfortable instead of looking like they were going to a club later. Holly didn’t have a touch of makeup on, yet she was the most gorgeous girl in the room.
Most of the year, I left things in the gray area, not asking her out, or flirting with her, but just being a nice guy. I had a bad rap from being on the football team, surrounded by douches, and I didn’t want her to think that she was going to just be a notch on my bedpost. Holly was different.
“So, how long are you staying this time?” my mom asked.
This was a loaded question because right now I didn’t want to leave. Finding Holly had make me question where I belonged. Of course, it was possible that she was just being nice and there were no feelings there on her side, but god I hoped so. I could look into her eyes for hours.
“I gotta head back on New Years. So you are stuck with me until then,” I said, pulling you into my side for a hug. “I’ve missed you, mom.”
6
Holly
December 23rd
