“What does that mean?”
“Dylan.” She sighed and shook her head. “It means the gifts will be delivered, even if you don’t get your head out of your ass in time.”
“If you have something to say, then spit it out, old woman. Stop with your innuendos and not-so-subtle attempts to get into my fucking head,” I snapped.
She didn’t react to my tone or my words. She never did. She regarded me calmly, her gaze drifting to the windows behind where I sat. She got out of her chair and walked over to the large panes of glass, standing in silence as she gazed out.
“It’s a big city.”
I rolled my eyes. “Yes.”
“Lots happening—all the time.”
“Uh-huh.”
“Have you been to a play this year, Dylan?”
I frowned. “I took you to see Les Misérables for your birthday.”
“That was two years ago, dear boy.”
“Well, then, I guess not.”
“Concerts?”
“No.”
“Opera, symphony, a sporting event?”
I ran my hand over my face. “No. I’m busy, Arlene. I don’t have time to do those things. Or much interest in them, to be honest.”
She nodded, still looking out the window. “Nightclubbing?”
I snorted. “You know I don’t go nightclubbing.”
“Of course.” She tapped her lip thoughtfully. “You took a couple of days off in the summer, correct?”
“Yes. What are you getting at?”
“Humor me, Dylan. What did you do while you were off? Explore the galleries and museums? Walk the waterfront?”
“No. I rented a small cabin up north and relaxed for a few days. I needed to get away from the city and the bustle.”
“Right.”
“I like it up there. It’s peaceful.”
“Yes, I could tell when you came back.” She turned from the window and headed to the door. “I’ve decided to do dinner tomorrow, not Christmas Day. I’m planning on an early one. Be there for four.”
I slammed my hand on my desk. “What the hell was all that about? All your hints and clues? Trying to point out the fact that I could give up my life and go east?” I stood up, waving my arm around. “What about my business? Have you thought of that?”
She paused, her hand on the doorknob. “A business can be run from anywhere, Dylan. Most of the business you do is via phone or computer. If needed, planes take you wherever you want to go.”
“That’s it!” I snarled in exasperation. “You think I should give up my life in Toronto and go to Alex. You think that’s what I need to do?”
She tilted her head and studied me. “I would never dream of telling you what to do, Dylan.” She pulled open the door and said, before walking out, “And you can’t give up a life you aren’t living.”
Hours later, I paced the floor, my hands tugging on my hair in irritation, cursing Arlene Carson’s name.