Page 35 of Welcome Home for Christmas
“Ahnnn.”Troy made a buzzer sound and sat down at the table. “The genie is not granting wishes tonight.”
His mother frowned for a millisecond, then her brilliant smile returned. “Okay. But your brother—”
“Ahnnn.”Troy tapped an imaginary buzzer and grinned wickedly.
“Always the jokester,” she commented, shaking her head. “Some things never change. And thank God for that.” She winked back.
His mother was one of the only people in the world who’d never wanted to change him. His teachers in school had always wanted him to sit still, be quiet, focus. His father had wanted him to be a star quarterback and work the family business after school. The women he’d dated since being an adult had wanted him to commit, settle down, be something he wasn’t and probably never would be.
His mother, though, had only ever loved exactly who he was, faults and cracks and all.
“Love you, Mom,” he said, reaching for one of the vinyl menus to place in front of her.
“You, too.” She giggled again.
“Even though you keep trying to drag me home.”
She lifted her gaze and tapped her own pretend buzzer.“Ahnnn.”Her giggles increased.
He nodded. “So you were paying attention.”
The waitress came and they placed their order. The food arrived quickly, and as they ate they talked about his work, the renovations he had planned for his home, her own home-improvement projects, and New Year’s resolutions.
“Do you have a girlfriend?” she asked, as she forked some lo mein into her mouth.
Allison came to mind. “Not a real one,” he said truthfully. Just a pretend one who was dominating his dreams these days.
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“It means…” His fork rested against his plate. “You know me, Mom. Me and commitments don’t get along.”
“That’s hardly true. You’ve been in the Marines for how long?” she asked.
“Eleven years.”
She smiled at him. “I’m so proud of you, Troy.”
“Proud enough to decorate a Christmas tree with yellow ribbons?” he asked, unable to help himself. They weren’t talking about his brother David or David’s lack of support tonight. Tonight was just about visiting with his mother.
She sighed. “I would in a heartbeat. I don’t want to ruffle feathers with your brother David, though. You know how he is. But I tell all of my friends about my son in the Marine Corps. It’s a noble job, son.”
Troy nodded. “Thank you.”
“And I think you just haven’t met the right woman yet. I know you and Jess had a thing way back when, but she was never it for you. You never loved her the way a man loves a woman. When you meet the right one, committing won’t be a choice. She’ll steal your heart away and you’ll never get it back. That’s how love works.”
Allison popped up in his thoughts again. For the last twenty-four hours she’d been like a computer virus. Between every thought, there she was. Her green eyes, red hair. An unrelenting, beautiful virus, and he was infected. He’d get her out of his system, though. Most likely after this crazy deal he’d found himself in was finished.
And then, as if his imagination had come to life, the door jingled and a beautiful redhead walked into the restaurant.
Troy choked on a spear of steamed broccoli he was chewing.
“You all right?” His mother reached over and patted his back.
“Fine.” His gaze slid to Allison, who had spotted him now, too.
A small smile curved her lips as her blond friend stepped up beside her. Troy recognized the friend as Julie Chandler. She worked with Allison at the Vets’ Center.
His mother followed his gaze. “I don’t need to ask which one has your attention,” she said. “You always had a thing for red hair.”
