I scoff. “Everyone likes LEGOs. Sexist.”
“Well no, I won’t be getting LEGOs for any of those things you said, because I don’t have any of those things. Just an adorable niece and nephew at the moment.”
“Cool. I mean, whatever.” I physically shrug to show him I wasn’t waiting for his answer. Even if I was. “Here, you should get them a New York Skyline. Maybe they’ll develop healthier attitudes about the city.” I shove a box at him.
“Are you going to get any for your child, or any of those things you said?”
“No. I don’t have any of those. Especially that vow of celibacy.” Hint, hint, Old MacDonald.
“Okay, then.”
“I am going to make you a key chain though.” I walk to the make-your-own-key-chain station and steeple my hands together like I’m plotting world domination, or how to leave work early on summer Fridays to beat the traffic out to the Hamptons. “You’re going to love this. And by love, I mean you’re going to hate it.” I reach over a kid to start the present.
“I should reciprocate all this goodwill and cheer.” Beau puts down his boxes and reaches over the two children in front of him.
I cackle as I see a chest piece I know he’ll hate, snatching it up like it was the last cronut in a bakery when they first came out.
“How come you like coming to places like this? I thought all New Yorkers were supposed to be jaded and avoid tourist traps.”
“Mostly I do. But I like seeing happy people, especially at Christmas.” I find a head for the key chain and elaborate on my answer, the loud ambience of the LEGO store making my lips looser than they usually would be. “My parents weren’t really around a lot, so I liked coming to places like this around the holidays and seeing the happy families. And even the unhappy ones. It just made me feel part of something, even if it was celebrating Christmas among strangers. The tradition kind of stuck. And I got so into the holiday that Ajay calls me the Christmas Manager because I end up coordinating all the events and keeping everyone on track during opening presents.”
“That must have been rough. To not have family around.”
I shrug. “It’s fine. They originally came with my aunt and uncle from India before we were born to start the New York office of Loot. But then there were some issues with the headquarters, and they decided it was best for the business to move back. I was around five at the time, and they thought it would be better for me to be raised here, so we did that. And they were right; it was a great opportunity. They visited, but it wasn’t really the same. And my aunt and uncle were great, obviously. They even let me plan Christmas events for Christmas Eve because I could never wait for the actual day.”
It usually takes me longer to open up to people about my childhood, like never mostly, but I want him to know.
“My dad had to work a lot when we were growing up, so I got a very small slice of that. I hated it the times he left or worked long hours, so I can only imagine how you felt about it. It didn’t feel like home unless everyone was there. But when everyone was back, it was perfect.” He smiles in satisfaction and I get jealous of that feeling.
After my parents left, visits were awkward because they were practically strangers. And it just felt different with Chachi and Chacha since they weren’t my parents, even though they gave me plenty of love and support growing up.
“Yeah.” Done with the conversation, I dramatically (the only way Guptas can) shove the key chain behind my back and let out a shimmy that won’t be contained. “Are you ready to be amazed? Astounded? Annoyed?”
“Afraid.” Beau laughs and puts his own creation behind his back. “You should prepare yourself as well.”
“On the count of three.” We square off on opposite sides of the key chain area.
“One-two-three!” We both rapidly move our hands from behind our backs, revealing the pieces to each other.
I laugh at my first view of his masterpiece. He made me a little cowboy! In a plaid shirt and little boots and a little cowboy hat and a little lasso. He’s adorable.
But none of that compares to the confused look on Beau’s face as he’s holding my gift close to his face, trying to figure out what he’s looking at.
“It’s a tourist with a selfie stick. And look at how much he loves New York.” He has an I heart New York shirt on and everything.
Beau good-naturedly laughs at my artwork and goes to put my genius back in the bin.
“Oh, no.” I snatch it out of his hand and head to the register. “I’m getting it for you.”
I scurry away before his head can explode all over the happy holiday shoppers. I make the purchase and step outside to watch the circus of people in the plaza, waiting for Beau to get the gifts for his family.
The evening air got a lot chillier while we were in the store and I zip up my coat to get ready for the rest of the date. I mean, for the work thing/maybe more.
I feel that touch on my lower back and this time my first thought isn’t violence. I turn, ready with a smile for the man.
He looks back at me, suspiciously happy after I upended his worldview by paying for a thing. Speaking of that thing...
“Here’s your present.” I hold up a yellow LEGO store bag under my chin. “Sorry about the poor wrapping job.” I extend it out to him, hitting him in the large pectoral muscles that are at my eye height.
