Once he was back outside, he shivered, wishing he’d brought his gloves. The bracing wind was a harsh contrast to the warmth of the hotel’s lobby. But he was glad he’d taken the time to walk over to the Duchess. Seeing Rosie—even for a few minutes—had already made his day so much better.
As he was heading back to the gym, his phone rang. He answered it without checking the caller ID, only to recoil as his mother’s brittle voice came on the line.
“Drew. You didn’t return my last call.”
No pleasantries, no asking after his health. She always got right to the point.
He forced himself to respond graciously. Going on the defensive would just rile her up. “Hey, Mom, it’s good to hear from you. Sorry I couldn’t answer the phone earlier, but I was teaching a class. I was going to call you back.”Eventually.
“Were you? Sometimes I think you deliberately avoid my calls. That’s no way to treat your mother.”
“Sorry, Mom.” He paused at the railing overlooking the harbor. Above him, seagulls glided along the air currents. He wished he could be up there with them rather than stuck trying to placate his mother. “How are you doing?”
“I was calling to talk to you about Christmas.”
Fuck.For the past two years, he’d managed to avoid going home for the holidays, mostly because his parents hadn’t acted as though they wanted him there. But if his mom was extending an invitation, he’d feel guilty turning her down.
“I’ve got plans for Christmas Eve, but if you want, Kate and I could drive up on Christmas morning.” He cringed inwardly, knowing his sister would be pissed that he’d included her. At least the drive to Cowichan Bay was less than an hour. If they played it right, they could be in and out by noon and go for brunch after.
“You’re welcome to drop by, provided you can somehow pull ten grand out of your ass,” his mother said. “If not, don’t bother showing up because there’s nothing to celebrate.”
Ten grand? What the fuck? “What do you need the money for?”
“We need a new car. Or, rather, a used one. I found a guy offering a Ford Fiesta for nine thousand five. It’s at least ten years old, but the mileage is decent.”
Drew almost didn’t want to ask. “What happened to your car?”
“Your dad totaled it. He claims he was trying to avoid a deer, but I smelled the booze on his breath. Fucking idiot. He’s lucky he didn’t end up in jail.”
A sick feeling lodged in the pit of Drew’s stomach. Though he wouldn’t call his dad an alcoholic, the old man often put away four or five beers in a sitting. “Has he been drinking a lot?”
“No more than usual. But he spends most nights at that dive bar with his buddies. I’d like to burn that shithole to the ground.”
I’ll bet you would.Despite his frustration, Drew tried his best to come across as sympathetic. “Sorry, but I don’t have any extra cash right now.”
“Didn’t you say you were getting a promotion? Aren’t they paying you more?” When he didn’t answer, her voice rose in anger. “Most kids would be glad to help their parents. You and Kate are so fucking ungrateful.”
As always, the guilt hit him hard. But this time, he wouldn’t give in. His parents still hadn’t paid back the money he’d loaned them three years ago. “I’m sorry, Mom. But Kate and I could still come for Christmas. We’d love to see you.”
“Would you? The last time you showed up for the holidays, you didn’t even spend a full day with us.”
“Because you and Dad started fighting. If you could lay off, just for once, I’d stay a little longer.”
She let out a snort of disgust. “Don’t tell me how to live my life. And if you can’t pitch in and help us out financially, then you’re not welcome at home.” With that, she ended the call.
Emotion clogged his throat. He stood still, letting the pain wash over him, like a wave breaking on the shore.
None of this is your fault.
In his heart, he knew he wasn’t to blame for his parents’ misery or their financial situation, but whenever he spoke with his mom, his insecurities came racing back. His parents were proof that even the most loving relationship could turn ugly and hateful.
Rather than sink into a pit of bad memories, he forced himself to focus on the positive aspects of his life. Thanks to Rosie’s encouragement, he was excited to start his new job. Spending time with her always lifted his spirits, and he’d truly enjoyed those Sunday dinners with her family. The last time he’d visited, he’d shared stories of his exploits as a volunteer Santa. Even if he’d only met her family a few times, they’d treated him like he belonged.
Thinking of them put an idea in his head. If Rosie’s schedule was so overloaded that she couldn’t make it to their next dinner, maybe he could arrange a way for her to spend time with them.
Twenty
11 Days UntilChristmas
