Page 42 of A Little Christmas: Rivi
My onesie had gotten hot, so I stripped and came out in only my underwear. Everything down there pulsed. One touch, and I’d be gone.
I grabbed a towel and lay down, pushing my underwear to my thighs.
It was over in a minute.
All because of Briar.
I lay back in the darkness refreshed and suddenly very tired. I curled into the covers and fell instantly to sleep.
“Merry Christmas, Uncle Trent.”I gave him a big hug.
Ozzy was running around the dining room in what looked like brand new, satin pajamas with big fluffy slippers in the shape of reindeer heads complete with antlers. He had a pile of new stuffed animals he kept crashing his body into and giggling every time.
Christmas Day came with the excitement of childhood.
I looked around for Briar, but he hadn’t yet arrived.
The buffet was steaming in its hot trays. A server was cooking fresh omelets to order. About six other guys had already arrived and were eating and talking around the big table.
“Merry Christmas, Rivi.” Uncle Trent hugged me back. “You look like you’re glowing.”
I decided to wear my Christmas tree shirt with pajama pants, the ones with ducks on them. I had on a jingle bell necklace which I’d gotten at the dollar store.
“It’s Christmas. That always makes me happy.”
“Is that what it is?” He hmphed. But his eyebrows didn’t narrow like he was suspicious or mad.
“Yes. And Briar is taking me on a date tonight. My first ever real date.” I gulped. “Are you mad? He’s real nice. He hasn’t touched me except for maybe a first kiss.” The words rushed from my mouth so fast I wasn’t sure what I’d said.
“A kiss, eh?”
I grimaced, waiting for the next shoe to drop.
“Well, I guess that’s something you’ve been waiting a long time for,” he added.
“Yes…?”
“You really like him, don’t you.” It wasn’t a question.
I rapidly nodded. “You don’t approve, I know. But Briar said he talked with you.” I stepped closer to Uncle Trent until I could smell his fresh cologne.
“He did.”
“Are you mad?”
“No.”
“I’m ready, Uncle Trent. Briar makes me feel little like I’ve always dreamed. He validates me. No one’s ever done that before.”
“Your mama and I validate you, honey.”
“Yes, but as family. Parents. This is… this is different.”
“How well I know.” The words came out in a big sigh.
“I’m twenty-one, now.” I said the words defensively.
Uncle Trent took my hand and led me over to a couch. He sat and then took both my hands in his as I stood in front of him.
