Tangle of Tinsel

Uncertainty flashes over her face. “Through Christmas day.”

“That’s a long time.”

“Plenty of time to get reacquainted.”

Outright rejecting her would make things miserable, but I can’t let her get her hopes up. “What baggage claim number are we looking for?”

“Three.”

I place a hand on the small of her back and guide her through the crowd.

“It’s sweet how devoted you are to your niece.”

“Jen’s the most adorable ten-year-old I’ve ever met. It’s not hard.”

“So, having kids has been placed on your wishlist for the future now?”

“With the right woman, yes. Do you have the same suitcase?”

“Yes. The custom Minnie Mouse piece. When do you want to have them?”

I jerk my head back toward her, ending bag watch. “You got something you want to tell me?” I ask, pointedly looking at her midsection.

She laughs. “God no. I’m just trying to get a handle on these drastic changes you’ve undergone. I want to investigate and learn the new Caleb.”

“I told you I wanted a slower pace. It gave me time to think about a lot.” Spotting the polka dot monstrosity, I move forward. I like Disney just fine, but the hot pink polka dot piece with ears and character signature is over the top. Much like its owner. It stands out as a blatant symbol of the past I escaped. The work hours, stress, and struggle to maintain an appearance were toxic. I lift the massive rectangle and bring it back to her. “Did you pack bricks in here?”

“A woman needs options.” She curls a strand of hair around her finger. “You look plenty fit enough to handle it.”

“You won’t need all that here. I hope you packed warm enough clothing, though. It’s a different kind of chill up here in the mountains.” Impulsive decisions were a way of life for Laurene. It’s a habit I hadn’t missed.

“I did research.”

“Uh-huh. Let’s get out of here.” I walk fast, letting her match my steps. She brings back the feeling of being trapped by life. It was like slowly drowning in a beautiful swimming pool. To those looking in, everything is perfect, and you’re blessed, even though the water is filling up your nose and lungs.

ROMY

The man kisses like the devil. Surely, Lucifer himself couldn’t be as persuasive without saying a word. The house was too quiet without him. He tried to solidify plans, and I panicked. Things had been too perfect. How can I trust that? Fear cramped my stomach even as my brain berated me for giving into it. It’s like letting Trevor win after all this time. In need of a dose of honesty from a trusted source, I text Lily.

R: Time for a video chat.

L: Yaas. I miss your face.

Since my freshman year of college, my best friend, Lily, always has words of wisdom. Even when I don’t want to hear them. Pulling up her number, I lay across my bed. Her olive-toned, heart-shaped face appears in the rectangle, and my heart lightens.

“Hello, stranger.”

“Lily,” I exhale.

“What’s with the tone, sis?” She frowns.

“If the story I’m about to tell you didn’t happen to me, I wouldn’t believe it. But I swear I am not exaggerating in any way.”

Her eyebrows lift up beneath her bangs. “You have to follow that shit up with a juicy story.”

“Let me set the stage first.” I send her the photo I took with Caleb in front of my tree.

“Holy shit. Who’s the sexy beast with big dick energy beside you? Wait. Was this taken at your house?”