Page 30 of A Little Christmas: Rivi
Iplayed with the other littles, having fun. But Briar’s absence made me uneasy. He’d left so quickly. I hadn’t seen his present. What had Uncle Trent done?
The unknown feeling inside me was heavy. Briar might have been a little scary at first, but I’d quickly become fixated. I didn’t know if it was because I’d never met a daddy before and fell for the first one I saw, or if it was something more. I thought maybe it was the second. My insides fluttered at the thought of him. He made me feel stuff. Happy. Eager. And more.
He'd called me “Little Pan.” As I remembered his whispering voice, my breaths came fast and shallow.
I kept looking over my shoulder to see if Briar had returned from putting his gift away. But he wasn’t in the room.
I colored with Maddy and Ozzy. The TV playedChristmas Vacationsoftly overhead. It was the most beautiful Christmas Eve ever, but my mind was elsewhere.
Unexpectedly, a hand rested on my shoulder. “Having fun?”
I looked up. It was Uncle Trent.
“So much. I’m so glad you let me come.”
“Good. I’m happy to have you here. Ozzy is, too, right?”
Ozzy looked up and smiled. “Very much.”
I got to me knees, then stood. “Uncle Trent, can I ask you something?”
“Certainly.”
“It’s private.”
Uncle Trent steered me across the big room where we were away from the others.
“Is it awkward for you to have me here? I mean, we’re cousins, really. But I thought you might want me to be scarce for some things. Like….”
“What are you saying? Like what?”
“Like the kink party on Saturday? Is that too much? I just felt like maybe, you know, that it’s, um, maybe awkward.”
“Do you feel comfortable here?”
“I do. Everyone’s made me feel very natural here. Including Briar.”
“Why do you mention him separately?”
“Because he’s been very nice to me. And he’s like a calming influence. I like it.”
Uncle Trent tried to hide a frown, but I saw it.
“Why did you frown just now?”
“I didn’t.”
“I saw. Do you not want me to make friends? Is that a problem?”
His handsome features firmed. He said, “Briar’s been a friend of mine for many years. And one of my best security employees.”
“But it’s something else.” I bit my lip. “Or am I wrong?”
“You should take your time. This is all new for you. Don't rush into anything. Plus, don't you think maybe finding someone closer to your age at first is best?”
I was floored. “You think he's too old?”
“Maybe just not the right match for now.”
