Thank you, Michelle responded. Kate knew her better than just about anyone, so her opinion was extremely validating. Michelle smiled.
Meanwhile, Audrey had knelt before the Christmas tree. She picked up a shiny red-and-white-wrapped gift, which she handed to Michelle. “Start with this one.”
“All right.” Michelle placed her wine beside Audrey’s and carefully began to unfasten the bow.
Audrey giggled. “It figures you’d be one of those people. Just rip into it. We’re never going to use the paper or the bow again, unless you think Muse would like to play with it. My parents’ catslovewrestling with the leftover wrapping paper and bows.”
“Really?” Michelle tried to picture Muse doing the same. “I don’t think I ever offered her wrapping paper. Actually, I’ve not given her any toys. Was I supposed to give her toys?” Michelle felt even more inadequate as a cat parent.
“I’m sure she’s fine,” Audrey said. “Cats are really good at entertaining themselves. They almost always enjoy an empty cardboard box more than an expensive toy anyway.”
“Well, I can’t say I’ve left any boxes lying around for her either.” No wonder Muse didn’t like her.
“Michelle, she’s fine.” Audrey rested a hand on her leg. “She seemed perfectly healthy and happy when I saw her.”
“Healthy, yes, but happy?” Michelle shook her head. There hadn’t been much happiness in her home, not for her or Muse, but she wanted that to change. Ithadchanged for her. Now she needed to help Muse.
“She seemed like a very normal cat to me. Is she the only cat you’ve ever had?”
“Yes. The only pet I’ve had, period. I probably should have done more research when Kelly left her with me.”
“You were hurting. Your wife had just left you. But Muse is fine. Now open your gift.” Audrey grinned, nudging the package in Michelle’s lap.
Michelle finished removing the paper and set it aside, revealing a white box. She stuck a fingernail under the flap and opened it. A ceramic bowl was nestled inside, and her heart soared. She’d beenhoping for another of Audrey’s pieces. The bowl was glazed a soft pink, with white hearts painted on it. As Michelle lifted it from the box, she saw that the bowl was a bit lopsided and misshapen, which was unusual for something Audrey had made. The hearts, though ... they immediately brought to mind the way Audrey liked to finger paint on Michelle’s skin.
“Do you recognize it?” Audrey asked.
“Should I?” Michelle looked again. Therewassomething vaguely familiar about the shape ...
“It’s the one you made that day in my studio. We abandoned it when we started kissing, and then we never talked about it again because we were trying to ignore how we felt, but I kept it because it felt meaningful, you know? Your first time at the wheel. Our first kiss.”
Michelle stared at the piece with fresh eyes. Now she saw the familiarity in the shape, the funny spot where one of her fingers had poked through. “I can’t believe you kept it.”
“It’s special. And I love how it turned out, don’t you?”
“Yes.” Michelle traced a finger over one of the hearts. “You painted these hearts on my arms that day, and it was so erotic. I was about to lose my mind. It’s a perfect way to remember that afternoon. I love it. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” Audrey pulled her in for a hug. “I mean, I like to think you wouldn’t have forgotten that afternoon anyway ...”
“I couldn’t possibly.” She gasped as Audrey’s fingers began to trace hearts on her forearm the way they had that day. “But now I’ll have a tangible memory of it. I’m going to keep it in my bedroom.”
Audrey kissed her cheek and sat back. “I’m glad you like it.”
“I do.” Michelle looked at the gifts she’d brought with her. One was much bigger than the other, both in size and in meaning. Best to start small. She walked to the tree and picked up the smaller package. “Start with this one, although it doesn’t compare to what you just gave me.”
“It doesn’t have to.” Audrey took it with a smile, giving it a shake. The contents rattled softly. “Interesting.”
“It’s just something small.”
“I love small somethings.” Audrey tore into the package with abandon, leaving ripped paper all over the floor.
Michelle’s mother would have had a fit. She fought the instinctive urge to pick up after Audrey. Today, it was okay to be messy. Today was about having fun and being comfortable. And on that mental note, Michelle decided to open her next gift in similar fashion. The very idea made her feel as giddy as a child ... maybe giddier than she remembered feeling as a child.
“Oh, my very own tea collection!” Audrey exclaimed, holding up the box Michelle had given her, filled with an eclectic mix of herbal-tea blends.
“It’s my favorite brand, but it’s hard to get here in the States. I stocked up while I was in London.”
“I can’t wait to try them. Thank you so much.” Audrey leaned in to give her a quick kiss, then set the box on the table. “Ready for your second gift?”
