Christmas Therapy

***

Allen straightened his bow tie, listening to “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” in the background. He couldn’t bring up his ex-wife. More importantly, he wouldn’t share something so personal with a woman he just met. Crystal loved Christmas, decking their house from top to bottom in decorations. Garland, an eight-foot tree, Christmas cookies, and too many presents to count.

Swallowing the lump in the back of his throat, Allen laced his fingers back and forth, no longer feeling the platinum ring. He had stashed it away in his top-shelf closet. Though it was gone, it somehow became part of his hand. If only he had… A slap on his back startled his thoughts.

“Where have you been?” Desmond asked.

“Here, obviously,” Allen said.

“What’s with the face?”

“What do you mean?”

“This wouldn’t have anything to do with that woman I saw you talking to. She’s beautiful. That’s Sonia’s older sister, Heather.”

“Who’s Sonia?”

“Morgan’s best friend. You need to get out of that house of yours and meet new people.” Desmond rubbed his hands together. “So tonight is a big step. I’m glad you showed up.”

“You just like the parties.”

“It's a community. That’s what Maple Meadow’s all about.?

??

He shook his head at his cousin, as he stared after Heather once more.

“Care to share?” his cousin asked.

Allen blinked. “What? It’s uh… nice party.”

“I think you have a thing for Heather.”

“I just met the woman.”

“You didn’t look that way with Elise.”

Allen recalled the double date he agreed to with Morgan and Desmond three weeks after moving to Maple Meadow. He only did it to appease his cousin’s girlfriend. Morgan meddled but her heart was in the right place. No wonder Desmond loved her. They were made for each other.

“Elise was still in love with her ex-boyfriend,” Allen said.

“Yeah, that wasn’t good. Sorry about that.”

“Don’t worry about it.”

“What about Portia?”

Allen shrugged. “Man, she’s cool, but I don’t think I want to go that route.”

“I keep telling Morgan to leave it alone, so you’re welcome.”

“Thanks.”

Desmond twisted his mouth into a grin. “Still, man. If you think you—”

Allen rubbed at his eyebrow. “Can I enjoy myself without you snooping?”

Desmond nodded though his grin gave him away. “Sure thing. I’ll let you enjoy the party. I’m going to ask Morgan to dance.”