Page 9 of Sweet Boys Love Christmas
We’ve been texting here and there since that day at the dining hall. Nothing serious, though.
“Where are you headed?” he asks, spinning the earbud back and forth between his thumb and index finger.
“I guess back to my dorm. I don’t really have anywhere else to be.”
With a nod, he adjusts his beanie. “Listen, I don’t want to sound too forward, and I don’t want you to think I’m only offering this because I like you.” His cheeks pinken, and not because of the chill in the air. “But I’ve been thinking about you being alone for Christmas and…” He sighs, tugging the beanie off entirely to rub his fingers over his closely cropped hair. “My mom always cooks a meal on Christmas Eve. It’s just us two and it’s a lot of food. You should come over. If you want. She’d love to have someone else to feed and shower with Christmas spirit.”
My heart thumps heavily in my chest as I mull over the idea. Christmas is still about two weeks away. “Can I think about it and get back to you?”
He gives me a half smile. “Sure. See you.” He sticks his earbud back in and walks away.
It’s cold. I should be scurrying away, eager to get inside and warm up, but I watch until he disappears into one of the buildings before I make my way back to my dorm.
Inside, I set the paper cup down and plug in the lights I wrapped around the small Christmas tree. Instantly, the warm twinkling light makes the space feel homier.
Sipping my coffee, I shuffle to the fridge in search of leftovers.
I locate a bowl of pasta I made a few nights ago. It passes the sniff test, so I stick it in the microwave to start the warming process while I hop into the shower.
Once I’ve dried off, I pull on my coziest flannel pajamas and fuzzy socks, probably looking ridiculous, but I’m not trying to impress anyone.
I give my pasta a quick stir, stick it in the microwave for another thirty seconds, then bring it over to the couch and cue up a Christmas movie. I’ve already watched all my favorites this holiday season, so I’m expanding my horizons and trying a few I’ve never seen.
Before I can hit play, I’m overwhelmed with the urge to text Luke. Why, I couldn’t say. Maybe because I ran into him or maybe because I’m lonely. Either way, I don’t give myself time to second-guess it.
Me: Please feel free to say no, but would you want to come over and watch Christmas movies with me?
Nerves skitter through me as I wait for his reply. I don’t want to sound too needy or desperate.
I’ve just about convinced myself to start the movie and forget about it when his reply comes through.
Luke: I’d like that. Should I bring food?
Me: Only if you’re hungry. I’m eating leftovers.
Luke: Cool. Dessert?
Me: I’ll never say no to dessert.
Luke: Any preference?
Me: CHOCOLATE.
Me: Also anything with peanut butter.
Luke: Got it. See you soon.
I send him the information he needs to get inside my dorm building, then sit back and exhale. Only then does the realization that Luke is comingherewash over me. Which, honestly, I should’ve thought aboutbeforeI asked him.
My bra is draped over the chair.
There’s a shoe halfway under the TV console.
My laptop has streaks of Hershey’s chocolate smeared on it from when I was stuffing my face while studying, but it looks suspiciously like something else.
“Shit.”
I stick my mostly uneaten leftovers back in the fridge, then rush around picking up the space.
