Christmas Therapy

Heather’s hand dropped from his shoulder. “Have… you seen her since?”

Allen rubbed the back of his neck. “She came by.”

Heather turned to face his brick fireplace. Her stare was blank. “But how could she know... she remembers you?”

“She does.” Could Heather trust him when he said he wanted to be with her? No matter what tricks Crystal was pulling, he wouldn’t give in to her.

“Wow,” Heather said.

Allen looked over at her. “I promise you it’s over between us.”

She gave him a soft smile. “I believe you.”

He grabbed her hands and kissed them. “Thank you.”

“Don’t make me regret this, Allen.”

He shook his head and pulled her into an embrace. “I won’t. I promise. I want you and only you.”

She wrapped her arms around his neck. Her body trembled, but she calmed as he stroked her back.

“I’m here, Heather,” he said. “I’m here.”

“Stay with me.”

He kissed the space behind her ear. “Always.”

***

“So a fitness instructor eats spaghetti and meatballs?” Allen asked.

Heather pointed her fork at him, but her meatball attached only fell back on her plate. “Moderation is the key. See what you made me do?”

Allen laughed, and she couldn’t help but join him. “Tell me more about your family.”

Heather paused mid-bite. The thought of her mother remarrying still baffled her. “Well… my mom and her boyfriend may get married.”

“Have you met him yet?”

She shook her head. “She’s set on keeping him a secret. I don’t know why.”

“Something bad happened before?” he asked.

She shrugged. “Sonia and I may have pulled a few pranks when we were growing up. The last man she brought over didn't like dogs. That was a red flag for me.”

Allen poured more tea in her glass. “Is your Mom happy?”

“I think she is. I’m trying to be supportive, but it will take some getting used to.”

He rubbed at her shoulder. She relaxed at his touch, exhaling.

“I don’t want her to get hurt if it doesn’t work out,” she said.

“I’m sure your Mom will use her best judgement. She raised two incredible women. I think she’ll be fine.”

Heather bit into her meatball. Perhaps her mother didn’t need her to protect her anymore. Allen was right. She nudged him. “Think you’re smart.”

He pointed to her mouth. “You got some sauce there.”