Season's Greetings : Christmas Box Set

“We call a truce,” the taller of the two boys yells. His face is red with exertion, and he’s breathing just as hard as I am.

I look at Delta, who nods.

I cup my hands around my mouth. “We accept!”

The boys salute and turn, disappearing into the evening as quietly as they arrived.

“We make a good team,” Delta says.

“We do indeed.”

“I had a great time, but I’m frozen to the core. We need to warm up. I know a great place to get hot chocolate.” She takes my hand and leads me away.

I allow it, knowing with her is exactly where I want to be. My watch lights up and vibrates. I notice my mother’s name and tap to open the text. We need to talk. For the first time in a long time, I make her wait.

Chapter Four

Delta

I study him as we watch old re-runs of Star Trek. There’s a childlike joy present as he watches the episodes I know he knows by heart. His lips occasionally move as he mouths the words along with the actors. Snuggled under a fuzzy blanket, close enough for our bodies to touch, I soak up his heat, content with our progression. We’ve spent every couple of days together at his house and out to less crowded spaces. I’ve put off asking these questions, but it's time.

“Sam?”

“Hmm?” He continues to watch the crew of the Enterprise on their away mission.

“Can I have your attention, please?”

He pauses the show and turns his body toward me. I’ve learned trying to have a serious conversation with him while he’s engaged in doing something else can be frustrating for both of us.

“What do I need to wear to the party?” I ask, starting with the lesser of the two evils.

He shrugs. “Wear whatever you want.”

“No.” I shake my head. “I meant to ask what style the dress code is.”

“Oh. I always wear a tuxedo.”

“Okay, so black tie.” I sigh. “I need to get a dress.” I toy with the blanket, rubbing my fingers over the softness. “There’s something else I want to talk to you about.”

“Okay.” He blinks.

My stomach clenches. “Since I’ll be meeting your family and friends at the party, it seems fair that you meet mine beforehand. Nothing too stressful. Just a night of board games and snacks at our house.” I look at him.

“Board games?” He sits up straighter, and his eyes brighten with what I’ve learned to read as interest.

“Yes, we’re huge tabletop players. I could probably even persuade them to break out the Star Trek game.”

“How long do we have to stay?”

“A couple of hours, less if you need that. You can text me the entire time.”

His leg bounces, and I hold my breath. “How many people will be there?”

“Four counting me.”

He goes still.

“Sam?”