“They’d get along well, huh?”
If it weren’t because they’re in different tax brackets, I’m sure his parents would get along just fine with mine.
“You know, I’ve never seenThe Punisher.”
He dramatically gasps. “Anna, baby”—baby…Why do I like the sound of that?—“I know what we’re doing tonight.”
I giddily smile. “Not tonight.”
“You’ve got plans?” he nonchalantly asks, but I hear the curiosity in his voice.
“No, I work at the restaurant. And after, I’m calling Jenny.”
“She didn’t come to work with you today? Or the other day…Does that happen a lot?”
“Her grandma is sick; I told her to go be with her. We always cover for each other whenever something is going on. Michael’s strict about us calling out and I can’t say I blame him, considering who his clientele is,” I explain. “Anyway, we’re always checking in with each other.”
He hums. “You guys are really close, huh?”
“She’s my best friend and the closest thing I have to family around here.”
I feel his gaze burn the side of my face, the sympathy oozing off him. “Do you not plan to go back home to visit your family?” he asks carefully.
“No, my parents are mad, and my sister is on their side. Most of my other family members will either side with them or say nothing, but things will be awkward, nonetheless, so I’d rather not go home.”
Not sure if I should even call it “home” because unless things somehow magically work out between us, I don’t see myself going back.
“You want to spend it with me?” he asks.
The cloud of sadness dwindles. “With your parents? Will they be okay with that?”
“They will for the party they’re throwing on Christmas Eve. It’s over the top and everyone will be there. And now that you’re my girlfriend, I’m sure they’ll expect for you to be there. I didn’t think to ask you. So much has been?—”
“I get it.” I smile at him. “I’ll be there if you want me there.”
“I do. I really do.” There’s an urgency in his voice.
“Then I’ll be there. How…extravagant is this party?”
“Very, but don’t worry about your dress. We can pick something up together. Whenever you have time.”
“I can wear the one?—”
At the shake of his head, I snap my mouth shut.
I know what the shake means. I can’t show up wearing a dress I already wore.
That’s insane, but I don’t question it.
“My mom, she’s particular. She’ll talk about it for months to come.” He groans, frowning.
I laugh. “Don’t worry. I don’t mind dressing up.”
Relief washes over him. “But on Christmas Day, we can do our own thing. Though first thing in the morning, I’ll have to go over for a little bit. Take pictures with them so they can post to their socials and do all that bullshit. I’d invite you, but trust me, you don’t want to be there.” I don’t miss the indignation in his voice. “But afterward, I’m all yours. I don’t ever do anything, so you can pick what we do.”
“You’re not a fan of Christmas, are you?” I shiver a little as the wind gets stronger.
He notices and guides me to the exit.
