“Oh.” I don’t tell him dressing up for Christmas dinner at our house means a sweater and jeans. I guess it’s different at his house. I’m silent for a while, mentally considering the options that my closet presents. Not many.
Michael breaks into my thoughts. “I’m sure you’ll look great no matter what you wear. Come in a grain sack if you'd like.”
“That’s great. I think there might still be a couple up in the barn loft. Should I wash them or just wear them with a natural coating of dust?”
“Oh, leave the dust on,” Michael says. “It gives it an air of authenticity.”
I’m trying to think of something clever to say to that when my phone rings. It’s Jasmine. The clock reads 9:05. Impressive, Jaz is actually up.
“Sorry. I need to take this.” I walk over to the corner of the room and answer the phone.
“Jess!” Jasmine screams. “Where have you been? We need to get to the store as soon as possible! I have a ton of shopping to do.”
“Come now, if you're ready. I'm looking forward to it." That's a lie. I am looking forward to seeing Jasmine, but the last thing I want to do today is fight crazed last-minute Christmas shoppers.
“Great,” Jasmine says. “I’ll pick you up in half an hour. It will be fun, I promise. I have loads to tell you about school.”
“Last minute Christmas shopping?” Michael says when I hang up. He makes a face. “Have fun. Sorry, I couldn’t help but hear.”
“I know,” I sigh. “Jasmine is my most enthusiastic friend.”
“Cheerleader?” Michael guesses.
“Three years of high school.”
“What about you?”
“No cheerleading—track and cross-country.”
“I should have guessed,” Michael says. “Those long legs.”
I glance at the door. I need to get ready if Jasmine is coming that soon. “I wonder if it’s safe to head down yet.”
Matt answers my question by coming in. He gives me a look that makes me think I’ll hear about my slip later. “You taking off soon, Mike?”
“As soon as I can,” Michael answers.
“Not without breakfast. Mom will be offended if you don’t eat,” Matt says. "And she's already kind of riled up... I guess you probably heard."
“I’d better get ready to go.” I stand. I don’t want to give Matthew the chance to catch me alone.
“Where are you headed?” Matthew asks.
“Shopping, with Jasmine.”
“Good,” Matthew says. “I need you to find something that I can give Kendra for Christmas. Since I already gave her the ring, I’m kind of without a present.”
Now I’m buying Kendra’s Christmas present? I guess I owe him.
Jasmine arrives while I'm still doing my hair. I glance at my computer again and agonize.
Jacob's email will have to wait a little longer.
“Hi, Roberts family,” Jasmine says when she comes to the door. “How is everyone?”
“Jasmine,” Mom gives her a hug. “It’s good to see you. Would you like breakfast?”
“No thanks. We need to get going,” Jasmine says.
