“No, really.” Her cheeks turned red. She gathered the purple tote bag she always brought with cleaning items I didn’t provide. “Celine is already in the van.”
“Can you stay for a minute?” I went into my kitchen to get a beer.
“Umm, sure. Are you doing an inspection?”
“No. I just need a minute before dealing with you.” I twisted off the cap of the bottle of my favorite craft beer and took a long swig of it.
“Deal with me?” She gulped thickly. Her honey-colored eyes scanned the room. “Have I done something wrong?”
“No. Can you be silent for five seconds?”
“Yes. So sorry, Mr. Ferrari.”
I growled in my throat.
“Sorry.” She slapped her hand over her mouth.
I almost laughed.Almost. But the irritation with my brother was still pumping through my veins and I worried I might snap at Cyndee. Taking off my coat, I carried it to the sofa and draped neatly on it.
Needing a minute to get my thoughts together, I start to pace as I so often did when I had a lot on my mind and needed to process. Cyndee stood back watching me, which was fine as long as she didn’t talk. Being silent would be a challenge for her, but I had faith in her. After all, she wanted her tip.
“I haven’t had a pleasant holiday season in a long time.” Four years to be exact…
I’d planned to propose to Lucia the day after Thanksgiving. Everything was planned. I had the ring. A photographer to capture the moment. After she went Black Friday shopping with her friends, we were meeting up at our favorite Italian restaurant. I bought out the place, which cost a fortune the day after Thanksgiving. But at the time, I was madly in love and Lucia was worth the expense.
“It’s awful living in a city that vomits Christmas. I can’t escape it.”
She frowned at me.
“Don’t look at me like that.” I continued pacing. “Every day should be beautiful and cherished, not only during the month of December.”
“I agree,” she whispered.
I almost shushed her but didn’t bother. My mind wasn’t racing as much anymore. I could probably form a coherent thought now.
“You don’t like Christmas?” I asked her.
“I love Christmas, but I agree people should go through each day they’re given with gratitude and joy. Not only during the month of December.”
Hmm, I hadn’t expected her to say that. I stopped in front of her and lowered my gaze to meet hers. She wasn’t very tall. My younger sister, Zia, was five foot five. Cyndee was shorter than her.
“I wish I could snap my fingers, and the month would be over,” I told her honestly.
“Why?” She tilted her head back to look up at me. “I mean, is it really so bad?”
“In my family, yes. It’s awful.”
“Well, often it’s what you make of a situation that makes it good or bad. Maybe if you approached things in a positive manner, the outcome would be better.”
“That’s a nice thought but no chance would it work. There’s a lot of pressure and expectation in my family. You wouldn’t understand.”
“You’re probably right, I wouldn’t.” She studied my face, and I liked having her attention on me. Usually, she stayed professional and kept her eyes diverted. Seeing her relaxed with her guard down was pleasant. “My family is wonderful. But maybe I can help you with your situation.”
“I appreciate your offer, but you can’t help me.”
“You haven’t even given me a chance. What are you the most stressed and worried about?”
“The events I need to attend with my family.” I drank my beer. “Social engagements where it’s expected that I bring a date.”
