Page 8 of Holly Jolly
“Didn’t get a chance to say hi before Ethan whisked you away yesterday. Come on in, darling. It’s too cold to stand out there.”
My mom grabbed her jacket and hung it up, and glanced at me with a smile. “The more the merrier, I always say.”
Holly followed me into the kitchen and sat at the island. “Would you like some coffee?”
“Yes, please.”
I grabbed a Christmas tree mug and filled it before handing to her. “So, we have a lot to accomplish today. Let’s have a look at mom’s list.”
She listened as I read off all the things. “That’s all? We got this.”
Holly took a sip of her coffee and then got up almost immediately and walked over to the stove. “Need any help? I love baking.”
Mom let her take the reins and just grabbed the dough from the fridge that was leftover from yesterday. It’s hard for mom to let someone else make her beloved recipe and that’s how I knew she liked her, especially with the fact she liked to bake. My mom liked to make everything from scratch. Any pie or cake ever eaten in this house had been homemade, with absolutely no exceptions, and they were always delicious.
I sat idly by and watched them chit chat about her book that came out tomorrow. My mom was an avid reader and a cute holiday story was right up her alley. So, I let them bond and talk about romancey stuff while I got Home Alone ready for us to watch. Laughter filled the kitchen, and it was so nice to see my mom interacting with Holly.
After they finish placing them on the cookie sheet, I called them to the living room to watch my mom’s favorite holiday movie. I didn’t why she loves it so much, but it was a staple every year. Mom took a seat in her recliner and leaned back, while Holly took a seat next to me. She could have sat on the opposite end of the couch, but she was right next to me, and I embraced it.
About thirteen-minutes later, I got up and took the cookies out of the oven, so they continued enjoying the movie. I’ve seen it so many times and it hadn’t lost its edge with me. Once I returned next to her, I paid attention to her facial expressions, and then there were the many scenes that she laughed so hard, I thought she might start crying.
As the credits roll, mom yawned, and announces that it’s building time. Every year, she bought a do-it-yourself gingerbread house kit, and we made it together, but this time we had a guest. I let her do most of the building with my mom, seeing them talk about family and holidays, and more about her life. It only helped me get to know who Holly had become in the last two decades since graduating high school, and she was a wonderful human being.
The final result was magnificent, and it only took about an hour and a half to assemble it and then decorate. They go all out, using candy canes, strawberry shaped candies, and those sugar sticks that look like cigarettes to assemble what’s supposed to be windows.
“See, I’m glad I let you guys do it. Mine never come out that fancy.”
They both chuckled and then Holly pulled the ham out of the fridge. “Let’s get this bad boy ready to cook.” She drizzled some honey over the top, and sides then fit in a roasting pan before sliding into the oven. “We have about four hours until it’s ready. What’s next?”
I took a look at the list. “Watch a new Hallmark movie.”
“A man after my heart,” she said, leaving the kitchen into the living room with my mother. “I’ve seen pretty much all of them. So, you guys will have to pick one you haven’t seen. Don’t worry, I won’t spoil anything for you.”
My mom scrolled through the Hallmark app, and after like 1,000 movies, she found one that was new to her. “This one sounds interesting. An Inn and a ghost. What could go wrong? Or should I say, right?”
Holly laughed and then leaned into my side, snuggling into me. Her warmth was just what I needed. I put my arm around her side and pulled her little closer. “You comfortable?”
“Perfect,” she said, looking up at me.
Things were going great today, and honestly, I should’ve looked her up years ago. We watched the movie, and at some point, I fell asleep because the next thing I remembered, was her shaking me.
“Did you really fall asleep? Wake up! It’s time to go caroling,” Holly said.
Okay, so maybe yesterday I didn’t have any interest in going, but now I did. Anything to spend more time with her while I was in town.
“Let me grab my jacket.”
My mother laughed and looked at Holly. “I don’t know what you did, but keep doing it. He seems happy.”
Way to be sly there, mom. I didn’t want to put any pressure on her, because I didn’t know when I would return here. It’s selfish for me to ask a girl out and then leave halfway across the country, right? Being here with her, and wondering if she could be my shot at happiness, I’d leave my whole life in Texas. If she would give me another chance, that was.
8
Ethan
December 24th
The small town square was bustling with activity as holiday shoppers rushed here and there, their arms full of packages, their faces flushed with cheer. The air was thick with the smell of pine and cinnamon, and the sound of carolers filled the square with a festive spirit.
