“I got you, man. I will hook you up.” Derrick beamed. “I even got some shirts with Christmas lights and stuff on ’em.”
“Okay, that might be a little much.” Ozzie crumpled up the trash from his lunch. “I don’t want to be a fucking elf.”
“Oh... All right.” Derrick looked a little hurt, but he kept smiling anyway. “I can bring it by later this week. When’s the party?”
“It’s on the twentieth. I have ten days to mentally prepare.” Ozzie sighed heavily, already dreading all the people he would be expected to socialize with. He could tell Derrick was trying not to pout, so he asked, “Why don’t you bring the Christmas-light shirt too? Just in case.”
“You got it.” Derrick grinned. “Enjoy your snacks and stuff.” He stood, gathering up Ozzie’s trash and his own to stuff back inside the bag. “I gotta run. Still got some last minute shopping to do. Wifey wants me to grab some stocking stuffer things.”
“Fuck, all my shopping is going to be last minute. As usual.” Ozzie smiled warmly at his brother and gave his shoulder a squeeze. “Thanks a lot for the snacks. Now I can eat my feelings properly.”
“You okay, Ozz?”
“Yeah, I’m fine. Just nervous.” Ozzie shrugged his big shoulders and crossed his arms over his chest. “Would just rather skip the whole thing.”
“Hey, you’ll be fine.” Derrick beamed. “Everyone will be too blown away by your super awesome tie to realize what a dick you are!” He wrapped Ozzie up in a big hug.
“Aw, thanks.” Ozzie hesitated barely a moment before hugging his brother back. He held him tightly, soaking in his warmth. “Maybe I’ll treat myself to a holiday Uber and get drunk.”
“That’s the spirit, man!” Derrick clapped his hand on Ozzie’s back. “And hey, I’ll be sneakin’ in booze when we hang out for Christmas, so don’t you worry.”
“You’re an actual hero. Saving the family one drink at a time. I am hoping for that tasty cinnamon-apple sparkling thing again. Grandma didn’t have any idea those were boozy.” Ozzie chuckled and gave Derrick one last squeeze before letting go. “You get outta here and I’ll see you later, okay? I love you, bro.”
“Love you too, dude!” Derrick grinned. “You take care. I’ll swing by tomorrow to bring you that tie.”
“I am both excited and terrified to see it.” Ozzie snorted, following Derrick to the door. “Get on out of here. Stay outta trouble.”
“Me? Never!” Derrick cackled. “Don’t eat all those cookies1 I’m gonna want some tomorrow.”
“I make no promises.” Ozzie patted his stomach. “Gotta keep up this voluptuous figure.”
“Yeah, yeah. Save me some!” Derrick waved farewell as he headed back out the door.
“I’m gonna eat every single one before I even get off work today!” Ozzie waved after him, only half-joking. He smiled and stayed there in the doorway until Derrick pulled out of his driveway.
He couldn’t stop smiling now, grateful for Derrick’s visit to help break up the day. He shut the door once Derrick drove off and checked the time to see how long he had remaining for lunch.
Only about fifteen minutes.
Well…
He did some serious damage to the snickerdoodle cookies before putting everything away. The rest of his day was pretty uneventful, and calls remained steady until it was time to clock out. He appreciated it, however boring it was, because it did make the hours tick by faster with something to do.
Ozzie clocked out at precisely seven o’clock, plugged his headset in to charge, and then ordered a large pizza. He watched some television, ate, and then he went straight to the bathroom to draw a hot bubble bath. One of his favorite features of this house was that despite lacking in square footage, it had some amazing amenities, like a giant garden tub that even he could comfortably fit in.
A long soak was the perfect way to cap his long day. He sank into the water with a groan and leaned his head back, closing his eyes. He breathed in the sweet, soothing scent of lavender courtesy of an oversized bath bomb, and tried to clear his mind.
He didn’t want to worry about Christmas or stupid Christmas parties or the especially dreaded shopping. Getting ready for the winter solstice had its own unique set of worries, like how he was certain he was going to feel like an animal in the zoo with Derrick there. No matter how respectful Derrick’s intentions were, he didn’t share Ozzie’s beliefs.
Just as no one else liked the same movies Ozzie did.
Or the same music.
Not even the same jokes…
Ozzie sighed and draped a washcloth over his face.
The approaching solstice wasn’t merely a time for feasting and seasonal festivities. It was supposed to be a time of reflection as well. It was a turning point, when the days began to grow longer as the world headed into spring. A period to look back at the past year and also ahead to the future. Just thinking about it made Ozzie’s heart hurt.
