Christmas Therapy

Chapter 1

Heather Shaw would never fall in love. She wanted nothing serious— six weeks at most. Anything longer didn’t fit into her life and never would. She had enough broken promises to last her a lifetime.

Speed dating, online dating, or the good old-fashioned meet in person did nothing for her. Her speech to her now ex-boyfriend, Derek Ross, replayed in her head. They were over. Not meant to be. He nodded and they parted ways. She had her closure and, from the way he left the restaurant, he wasn’t too heartbroken over it. It was only six weeks.

Heather was never cruel during her breakup talks. She was honest. Some men understood while others tried to convince her to give them a chance. One even suggested a pause. A pause? How would that work? Out of the question.

There wasn’t any luck with love for Heather. Who needed it anyway? So she kept to herself. It was easier. No expectations. No disappointment. A win-win in her mind. She swallowed the lump in the back of her throat. As her phone buzzed, the smiling face of Sonia, her little sister, flashed on her screen.

Heather connected her Bluetooth to her phone. “I’m on my way home. How’s Tinsel?” She couldn’t picture her life without her puppy.

“He’s fine. Why are you coming home so early? Are you... oh, Heather no,” Sonia said.

“It didn’t work out.”

“You always say that. Derek was perfect for you.”

Heather licked her full lips. “I don’t think so. I don’t do long-term relationships.”

“What about family?”

“That’s not what I meant.”

Sonia said, “How much longer can you go on like this? Every guy you’ve ever—”

“It’s not as if there’s a long list of exes, Sonia.”

“I guess not. Are you okay?”

“I’m fine.”

“That’s what I’m afraid of,” her sister said.

Heather tucked a loose curl behind her ear, ignoring the tingling in her stomach. Her other hand gripped the wheel of her apple-red Chevrolet Spark. “I mean it.”

Sonia sighed. “Okay. But what if another guy comes along and he’s respectful and sweet—”

“Sonia?”

“I get the message.”

“I am happy,” Heather said.

“Not since—”

“I’ll be fine.”

“Okay. I won't ask any more tonight.”

“Don't worry about me. Okay?”

“Okay.”

Heather hung up, changing the radio station on the stereo. Andy Williams' “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year” played through her speakers, enveloping her in the Christmas spirit. She blew out her cheeks. Sonia meant well, like her mother, but her personal life was just that—personal. Rolling her shoulders back, she hummed along to the Christmas tune, tapping her fingers on the steering wheel.

Though Thanksgiving only passed a few days ago, Maple Meadow didn't hesitate to deck the halls. Christmas decorations were going up as she drove down Main Street. The twelve-foot tree had already been picked out and she couldn't wait to help decorate it for the tree lighting ceremony. Her stomach growled. If only she stayed for dinner, but she didn't think it was fair to stay after her “it's not you it's me” speech.

She passed along the well-tended businesses: deli, coffee shop, clothing store, bakery, and the specialty gift shop. Mark's deli sounded delicious. She licked her lips, already smelling the yeast from freshly baked bread. She could taste the smoky meat, but soup would be a better choice for the evening. Though maintaining a healthy diet, Heather didn't mind cheating to indulge in her favorites. Moderation was her motto, so cookies and cream ice cream would be perfect for dessert for the weekend.

Heather's shoulders sagged. She turned into her driveway, looking forward to a hot bath and curling in bed with her puppy. Tinsel was loyal and lovable. She didn't have to worry about him leaving her behind.

***

Thank goodness the following day was her day off. Heather sat on the floor in front of her couch in her yoga pants and a t-shirt. Tinsel made himself comfortable beside her as she laid out the papers on her coffee table. Her vanilla-scented candle burned, bringing a sense of calm.

Cutting out snowflakes was her task for the Christmas festival. Her mother ran the celebration every year, and Heather was in charge of the decorations. Her mother and the other volunteers would later gather at Maple Meadow High School to decorate the cafeteria, which they used as a stage for the Christmas pageant.

Heather swayed back and forth as her radio played her Christmas favorites, including Michael Buble’s “It’s Beginning to Look at Lot like Christmas.” With her scissors, she cut the designs and smiled to herself. The kids would love the decorations and she would save some papers for them to make their own designs.

Crumpled papers cluttered her coffee table. Heather must have tossed one because Tinsel was playing with it. She grabbed a trash bag, gathered the leftover papers, and walked outside. Tinsel trotted behind as she carried the garbage to the curb. She rubbed her hands together as the chill had intensified compared to the previous week. It always snowed in Maple Meadow. It wouldn’t truly be Christmas without it.

Shuffling her feet

back and forth, Heather enjoyed her breath fogging in the air. Frost crystals coated branches along with the windows of her car. Tinsel barked as he chased his tail in the yard. Heather pivoted to go back inside as she spotted a man across the street. She didn’t recognize him but since he wore scrubs, he had to be someone in the medical field.

His coat was unbuttoned as he stepped down the porch from her neighbors, the Gomez’s, Lorenzo and Elena. Heather babysat their three-month-old daughter when needed, especially after Lorenzo injured himself rescuing a child from a fire. Elena told her he would need physical therapy. Was this the therapist? Once the front door closed, he walked over to his truck.

Heather turned to walk back inside again but noticed Elena rushing to catch up with the man. He stopped just as she hugged him. Perhaps she was grateful to him since it was quite a scare when Lorenzo’s injuries turned out to be more serious than she thought. Whoever this guy was, he earned the approval of Elena.

“Let’s go, Tinsel,” Heather said.

Her dog wagged his tail.