Season's Greetings : Christmas Box Set

I clear my throat. “Her father and I worked together at the old firm.”

“The one that never gave you enough time off to come home for a decent visit?” Mom asks.

“Yeah, that’s the one. Nona, do you need help bringing out the food?”

“I sure do, Caleb. Thank you.”

Springing up like a jack-in-the-box, I stalk to the kitchen like the hounds of hell are giving chase.

“Looks like you got yourself in a situation.”

“I swear to you, she just showed up. Texted me from the airport like I’d be happy about it.” I pace the length of the kitchen. “Who does that?”

“Laurene,” Nona says as she hands me the roast surrounded with potatoes and carrots.

“Nona, it’s not funny.”

“No, it’s not. ’Cause Romy was looking forward to seeing you tonight, you know.”

I stop mid-step. “Did she tell you that?” I can’t keep the hopeful tone out of my voice.

“Not in so many words, but a woman knows.”

“I like her.”

“I’m not the one you need to tell that.”

“I am so screwed.” I drop my head.

“Open up the lines of communication. If you didn’t invite her here, there’s no reason for Romy to be upset. At the moment, her head is thinking up worst-case scenarios.” Nona pauses. “Unless you’re interested in Laurene.”

“I am not.”

“You should tell her that. The worst thing a person can do is string another one along.” Wisdom given, she grabs the fresh loaf of bread, and I follow behind her. We fall into a familiar rhythm. The hot things go on trivets with serving utensils, and the others go onto the tablecloth. I feel eyes on me the entire time. It takes all my effort not to track them back to their source.

“This looks incredible, Mom.” My mom gushes over the spread, and Dad and I exchange a meaningful look. The cooking gene skipped my mother entirely. It must’ve all went to Uncle Paul.

“Thank you, we’ll leave some for Paul and Jen. It’s so sweet that she’s doing the nativity scene all this week. But I sure miss seeing their faces around the table.”

“They miss you, too, and send their love.”

“You went to see her?” Mom asked me.

“Mmm, hmm.” I dish up a slice of roast, potatoes, and carrots. “Yesterday evening.”

“She was so adorable,” Laurene coos.

Romy stiffens beside me. I know this doesn’t look good, but it’s nothing like she’s thinking. To her, I’m sure I’m scum for lying and playing with her emotions.

“Barely made it in time after the impromptu airport pick up,” I say honestly.

Laurene huffs beside me. “I don’t think Caleb has mentioned you before, Romy.”

“I’m not surprised since I just moved here a month or so ago.”

“We had an explosive meeting.” I glance over, willing her to look at me.

“It was more painful actually,” she deadpans.