Page 20 of OMG Christmas Tree
Christmas had to bethe worst holiday ever. Too bad, because I used to like it back when I didn’t have to decorate a mansion.
“Are you coming today?” my buddy Austin asked over the Bluetooth in my truck. “We’re heading out with the snowmobiles at eleven.”
I winced, glancing at the clock on the dash. I’d risen bright and early hitting the rest of the shops on my list. The shops I should have contacted weeks ago but the list got lost in the shuffle. Mom never seemed to have an issue running the town and planning a holiday party. She had plenty to shuffle.
“You still have that mayor thing going for your mom?” Austin asked as I parked behind the mayor’s mansion.
“Yup. Tomorrow night. You’re coming, right?”
“I guess I could come. See what kind of party planner you are.”
“Not a good one.”
He laughed. “I could’ve told you that.”
For some reason, it stung. “Gotta go. I’ll text you when I’m on my way.”
I looked over the list again, shuddering at the memory of my encounters. The home decorating place listed as number two laughed in my face. Number three gave me a polite decline and wished me well. Number four, another florist with a gift shop, offered a discount on some holiday wares. Short on time, I took them up on it and left with strands of lights, a skinny wooden Santa thing, and some tinsel.
I was screwed.
I entered the mansion through the side entrance near the kitchen. Jill, who worked for the city and mayor’s office, rushed toward me.
“Nick. We’ve been looking for you. I didn’t want to bother your mother.”
“I’m glad you didn’t. What do you need?”
Jill had flushed peach skin and sprayed-up blond hair that both made her look younger and older. She had on a gold sweater with snowflakes knit into it. “I know we’re doing things differently this year, but when will the decorating team arrive? I’d like to update my schedule.”
She was looking at the decorating team. “I have a few things here.” I showed her the bag. The tree I bought yesterday was already set up in the ballroom with white lights. No ornaments. “We’re going for a scaled-back theme this year.” I parroted what Megan told the florist at Vilmer’s and hoped for the best.
“Hmm.” Jill squinted at the tree before taking the bag. She scuffled through it then looked back at me. Her smile was the kind teachers gave to little kids. The one people too polite to say what they really thought gave to cover what they wouldn’t say out loud. “Nick. You’ve been a great support to your family. How about I take it from here?”
Jill had me pegged. No theme, no team. Only today and half the day tomorrow to get this shindig rolling, and our wheels were frozen to the ground.
I couldn’t give up this easily. “What can I do? I’m good at fetching. If you give me a list, I’ll do the work.”
Jill gave me her best Kindergarten Teacher. “I’m sure you will. I’ll be right back.”
I hit Austin’s contact info in my phone. If the guys could hold off a few hours, I could join them. Or meet up later.
My phone buzzed in my hand. “Hey, Mom. What’s up?”
“Just checking in. Did Jill talk to you?”
She knew. She knew I’d failed my one promise to her. I sighed. “I’m playing gofer to pick up whatever she needs.” Which was what I should have been doing in the first place if I hadn’t promised Mom the moon wrapped as a charity benefit.
“Good. She’s a pro. I wish I could do more.”
“Mom, no. Rest up. All you need to do is show up tomorrow. That’s it.”
“You’re too good to me, Nicolas. I couldn’t have asked for a more reliable, wonderful son.”
I laughed. “Those meds are something else.”
“Oh, stop, I’m serious. You’ve always been there for the family. It means a lot. I want you to know I’m thankful. I’m not sure what I’d do without you here.”
I turned my back to Jill, though she’d wandered to another room. My throat jammed up. “I’m thankful, too.”
