Page 41 of Santa Has a Six-Pack
“Nibling. Yuck.” Her nose scrunches. “Sounds edible. Like I’m some primal mother who eats her young.” She rubs her belly.
“I really think you should get checked for that word aversion thing,” I say. “What’s it called again? Loogie misha?”
“Logomisia,” she corrects. “Please don’t say loogieagain.” She makes a retching sound.
“You look awesome by the way,” I say, changing the subject. “No matter what nonsense Mom spews tonight.”
“Ugh. Spews.”
“Sorry.”
“Whatever. You know I don’t let Mom’s comments get to me.”
I sigh. “You’re a stronger woman than I.”
“I don’t know about that,” Banks says. “I’m certainly a less sensitive one, though.”
“Says the woman who can’t hear the word crevice without dry heaving.”
“Touché.” She transfers her mashed potatoes from the mixing bowl to a baking pan. “I’m sorry, sister. That came out wrong. I didn’t mean your sensitivity is a bad thing. If anything, I should be more sensitive and?—”
“Banksy?” I hold up a hand. “Don’t worry. If being labeled ‘sensitive’ is the price for standing up to bullies, I’m cool with it.” My computer dings with a new email from an important seller. “I really do have to go now. But I promise to visit soon.”
“Maybe you’ll make it home for Whitaker Wonderland?” Her voice pitches up with hope.
“Man, they’re still doing that?”
Whitaker Wonderland is Mom and Dad’s annual party, always held two Sundays before Christmas. “Everyone who’s anyone” in Connecticut is invited.
“Of course they are. It would mean a lot to me to have you there,” Banks singsongs. “And to Maddox and Maya, too.”
“I promise…” I start.
Banks squeals prematurely.
“…that I’ll think about it,” I finish.
She sighs. “Alright. Well, that’s something.”
A knock sounds on the office door, startling me. The store is closed today for the holiday, and I’m the only one working back here as far as I know. Though we open bright and early tomorrow for Black Friday.
“Who is it?” I call out.
The door slowly cracks open, and Matt pokes his head in.
What in the world is he doing here?
“Okay, Banks? I’m going now.”
“Yeah, yeah. Me too. This table isn’t going to set itself.”
I silently gesture for Matt to come in while I finish my call with my sister. “Don’t take any crap from her today, okay? And give me the play-by-play tomorrow?”
“You know I will.”
“Love you, sissy.” I blow a kiss to the screen.
“Love you too, boo.” She catches my kiss and blows one back just as Matt sidles into view. “Oooh, who is that?”
