Page 32 of Magically Generated
Everett wasn’t sure whether she always had one of those in her purse, or whether she’d brought it just for him, despite her doubts about his story.But he did know that she took care of the people who were close to her, even if she frequently emitted standoffish vibes.
And now he knew why.
It hurt to think of how that man had used her.She hadn’t provided details, but it was enough to understand why she struggled to trust people and believe compliments.
He hoped that, one day soon, she’d moan in his bed as he praised every single part of her.He’d seen it all last night—and it was certainly worthy of praise.
“I’m sorry I was angry that you kept the truth from me,” she said, “but I understand why you did.It was such an outrageous story—”
“Which is why I understood your doubts.”
“The kind of story that’s so wild, it almosthasto be true.Because why would someone make that up?”
“I don’t know,” he said, “but people lie about all sorts of things.”
“Yet you’re not as cynical as I am.”
“I like your cynical, Christmas-hating ass.”He grinned.
“I wouldn’t go so far as to say IhateChristmas, but some things about it do get to me.”
“Ah, you’re already coming around.Next thing you know, you’ll be taking sleigh rides and belting out ‘We Wish You a Merry Christmas.’”
She responded with an exaggerated shudder.
Yes, she was delightful.
“Let’s go home,” he said, “but I’d like to destroy the snow sculptures before we do.You can take pictures of them first, but they’re not part of my grand plan, and I feel weird about leaving them up.Aside from the snowman, that is.”
Nora took a picture before kicking the middle of the heart.She knocked off the rabbit’s head, then jabbed it in the stomach.
“Now, after all that violence,” she said, “I could use some hot buttered rum.”
A few days later, after eating fried chicken and two boxes of Kraft Dinner, Everett headed out to make his last snow sculpture, as planned.
But this time, he wasn’t alone.
He’d shown Nora his design—two owls snuggling in a wreath—and asked if she had any suggestions.She’d said she liked it just as it was.
Now, she stood behind him, her arms wrapped around his middle, as he moved the snow.In her bag, she had some Christmas cookies, as well as a thermos of hot chocolate.It wasn’t as chilly as some of the other nights that Everett had been out, but the cold still got to him when he was outside for hours.
Her touch, however, did help.
At two in the morning, they returned to the apartment building.He was still a little weak, but he was buoyed by the fact that he’d completed his plan…and that Nora was next to him.He was so glad he could share this with her, and he hoped to share more with her, too.
After taking a deep breath, he asked the question that had been on his mind for a while.
“Would you like to spend Christmas with me?”
A few weeks ago, Nora had thought she’d be spending Christmas alone for the first time.Her mother was gone.Brianna’s family was visiting her husband’s relatives.Aimee was visiting her father.And while Christmas wasn’t Nora’s favorite time of year, the thought had still filled her with dread.She’d viewed the holiday season as something she’d have to survive, not something she could enjoy.
But as it turned out, she didn’t have to be alone after all.
The lights on the Christmas tree twinkled in Everett’s apartment, and a small ham and some potatoes were baking in the oven.Christmas music was playing, but Everett had thoughtfully removed her least-favorite songs from the playlist.Dino—and his red bow—kept watch over the room from the recliner.
It was very Christmasy in here, but outside was a different matter.
Everett’s lovely owl sculpture hadn’t lasted long.Not two days later, it had started to melt as the temperature climbed well above freezing, and the rain had started yesterday.A few pictures of the ruined sculptures had surfaced on social media.
