Page 19 of Santa's Dirty Secret
"I remember when we took that," I say, sitting down next to him.
He chuckles. "I forgot to set the timer for the turkey, and our meal was burnt to a crisp."
“It wasn’t all that bad. The Golden Palace was open, and we still had an amazing meal,” I finish. “I can’t eat Chinese food without thinking about Christmas and Mom.”
“Me too.”
I rest my head on his shoulder. “You can’t keep living in this limbo, Dad.”
“It’s easier said than done.”
“Time keeps moving forward, people grow up, and people grow together.” I can feel him tense next to me, but I keep going. “We didn’t do this to hurt you. Hurting you was the last thing we wanted. But you have to understand we love each other, and that’s not changing anytime soon. Like ever.”
“He’s too old for you.”
“No offense, Dad, but how old is Charmaine?”
He pauses. “That’s different.”
“How so?”
“Because I said so.”
I lift my head to look at him, ready to argue, but I see a smile creeping up on his face.
“It’s going to take me a little time to get used to this,” He says.
“I respect that. And we will do what we can to make this as easy for you as possible. But no more hitting.”
“I can’t believe I did that.” Dad lifts his right hand to look at his red knuckles. “I just lost it. I’m so sorry, Alexis.”
“I’m not the one you need to apologize to.”
“You’re right. Is he still here?”
“He’s waiting in the living room,” I tell him.
NICK
Well, no screaming seems to be a good sign. I stand from the couch when I hear the bedroom door open, and they walk out. It's entirely possible that Mason might hit me again, but I'd take a thousand punches to the face by him to be with Alexis.
Mason looks stoned face when he turns the corner and sees me standing there. He stares at me unblinkingly for a few seconds, and I meet his gaze. I need him to know that I'm serious about Alexis and about doing what I can to salvage our friendship.
“How’s the chin?” he finally asks.
“Hurts,” I answer honestly.
“Good.”
“Dad.” Alexis smacks him on the arm.
"I meant good. It's not broken. I'm sorry that I hit you. It was totally uncalled for."
“It’s forgotten.”
Mason nods to me in understanding. "Well, breakfast is ruined. Either of you interested in heading down to The Golden Palace for lunch."
“I could eat,” I say.
