“Well, we’re getting you one of those and applying for the expedited shipping. Can we go take passport photos tomorrow? It’s a holiday, but someplace has to be open. The card is a shorter process. I’ve seen them come back in two to three weeks. We can get you the passport book later.”
“Why do I need the book if the card gets me into Canada?”
“Because I fly all over the place, and whenever you can go with me, I want you there. Plus, you might get offered a role in another country and need to get there fast.”
“Babe, slow down. I haven’t even auditioned for anything yet.”
Dana smiled, and it was the first time Samara had seen it in a while.
“You’re beautiful,” Samara told her. “Happy birthday, baby.” She leaned in and pressed her forehead to Dana’s. “I really missed you.”
“I missed you, too,” Dana replied softly. “I’m so glad you’re here. I worried I screwed it up.”
“Me too,” Samara said. “I’m sorry we missed our first Christmas together.”
“Blame the asshole that hit my sister.”
“Is she okay? I haven’t asked.”
“Can we talk about Lainey later?” Dana’s shoulder rose and fell. “It’s my birthday. I just want to be here with you. I haven’t kissed you in days.”
“Yes. We can even do that for hours to make up for it, if you want.”
“I wasn’t thinking we’dkissfor hours.”
Dana pulled back and smirked at her.
“Hey, I have a gift for you.”
“You do? Shit. I didn’t get you a Christmas gift. I wasgoing to buy you something in LA and–”
“It’s okay,” Samara told her, cupping Dana’s cheek. “I don’t need anything. I’m just happy that I’m here; that we’re together.”
“But you got me something?”
“Not exactly,” Samara replied. “I didn’t actuallybuyyou anything for Christmas.”
“Okay…”
Dana looked at her in confusion.
“Dana, I–” Samara cleared her throat. “I love you.”
Dana tilted her head and asked, “That’s my Christmas gift?”
Samara didn’t know what to say. She’d listened to Kyla, which had clearly been a bad idea, and now, she didn’t know how to get out of this. She had just told someone she loved them for the first time, after years of thinking she’d never say it, and she’d done it wrong somehow.
“That’s the best Christmas gift I’ve ever gotten,” Dana added, and suddenly, Samara was on her back, not knowing how she’d gotten there. “Really? You love me?”
“It’s not crazy?” Samara asked and smiled up as Dana moved on top of her.
“Probably,” Dana replied. “But I’m good with crazy.” She pressed their foreheads together this time. “I love you, too, you know?”
“You do?”
Dana nodded and rubbed her nose against Samara’s.
“I got you a birthday present, too,” Samara said.
