Page 26 of A Little Christmas: Rivi
I grabbed my Santa doll and ran back downstairs. I hurried down a long hall to two tall double wooden doors. I heard voices from within but not what they were saying. I looked around me to see if any of the other littles we're coming late like me, but I was alone.
With one shaking hand, I turned the golden doorknob. The door clicked and swung inward. Slowly, I stepped in and quietly shut the door behind me.
I took in the entire room. It was beautiful like I remembered from childhood. A big hearth with a real log fire crackling within. Soft couches. Big easy chairs. A huge screen TV just above the mantle. On it the movieElfwas playing.
Uncle Trent, Colin, and Briar we're all sitting on one long couch. They were holding drinks and talking. Two other men who looked like daddy types were at the bar. Ozzy and Maddy knelt before a low table, coloring.
No one looked up. No one had heard me come in.
When I saw the other littles wearing Christmas t-shirts and plaid pants, I almost turned around and left. No one was wearing pajamas.
In my moment of indecision, Briar looked up and caught my eye. He gave me a huge smile with that dimple that fascinated me.
He stood. “Merry Christmas Eve, Rivi.”
Everyone else in the room turned to look my way. My heart pounded in my chest.
“Come on in.” Uncle Trent waved me over. “We've got snacks and drinks. What will you have?”
I squeezed Santa to my chest and took slow steps to stand in front of him. Briar was at the other end of the couch, still standing.
When I reached Uncle Trent, I said softly, “Shirley Temple?”
“I'll grab one for him.” That was Briar moving past me with a quick pat to my shoulder.
Uncle Trent frowned. It only lasted about one second and then he was all smiles again, but I saw it and I knew it had something to do with Briar. Correction. He and Briar we're good friends. This had to do with me.
“I hope it's okay that I'm wearing this.” My voice came out rough, soft. “I bought these special.”
Uncle Trent took my hand. “Of course. You look wonderful. Today is a leisure day. Specifically for eating and drinking everything that is bad for you and relaxing. You look perfect. I predict the other littles will want to run upstairs and change into their new Christmas pajamas, too.”
“Really? You're not just saying that to make me not feel out of place?”
“You'll learn, sweetheart, that no one is out of place here at my private residence. We have few rules. By the way, Ozzy is going to want me to get him a plushie Santa just like yours. It's perfect.”
I held Santa out for a better look. “It’s a real Squishmallow.”
“Good to know.”
Briar returned and handed me my drink. It had a skinny straw in it, which I loved. I took a quick sip and the sugary 7UP and cherry flavor exploded all over my tongue.
“Good?” he asked.
“Yes, thank you.” I stared up at him, pushing my glasses back. My body felt all glowy inside when I looked at him. It didn't seem fair that Uncle Trent had a problem with that. But this was Christmas Eve and I wasn't going to say anything. Not yet.
“Hey, Rivi.” It was Ozzy. “Do you want to come over here and color with us?”
I nodded, then glanced back at Briar.
“There are Christmas coloring books over there and new crayons,” Briar said. “Go on and check it out.”
“It's really okay?” I directed that question at Uncle Trent.
“Of course. Play and have fun. That's what we're about here.”
Slowly, I walked over to the other boys and knelt before the table. There was a stack of brand-new shiny coloring books. The top one had Christmas trees all over the front cover. I slid it in front of me and opened it to the first page.
“Here.” Maddy shoved an unopened box of crayons toward me.
