“Well, they wanted me to ask you to come home with me for Christmas.” I can hear his heart racing, slowly picking up speed as he continues talking. “I told them you might already have plans or that you might be working, but they insisted I ask. So… do you?”
“Do I what?” Somewhere in there, I lost track of exactly what I was supposed to answer.
“Have plans for Christmas?” His voice is soft, almost breathy.
“Not really. I think I’m working on Christmas Eve and Day, though.” We put in for holidays months ago, long before Oliver and I even met.
“Oh. I mean, I figured. I’ll tell them.” That dejected tone breaks my heart.
“I can see if it’s possible to switch.” I’m not sure anyone would be willing to, and no one currently owes me a favor that big. “Don’t get your hopes up.”
“I won’t.” His tone is noticeably happier.
Fuck.
CHAPTER 19
AARON
I’m on autopilot on my way home, trying to figure out precisely what to do. I honestly thought that Barrett wouldn’t say yes. That was my first mistake. He’s the kind of guy who would give his left hand if he thought it would help someone. I underestimated his charity, and now I’m out of excuses. I’m not sure what I’m more worried about: going home with Oliver or telling Matthias I won’t be dropping by his place.
I’ve always gone to his house for Christmas, ever since my first year of college. Even when I’d be working, I would stop by before or after for a few minutes. He’s going to ask a lot of questions about my relationship with Oliver when he hears that I’m spending Christmas with Oliver’s family.
I’m driving down one of the main roads, anxious to get home and curl up on my couch to ignore all my problems, when I spot what looks like Frank walking along the narrow sidewalk. As I get closer, I recognize his backpack.
Flipping on my flashers, I pull up alongside him and roll down the passenger side window.
“Frank?” I call out, making sure I’m heard over the traffic noise.
“Hey, Aaron.” He looks less than happy to see me.
“What’re you doing?” I put the car in park and gesture for him to get in. Cardinal Falls is not particularly walkable. Plus, it’s cold out. That jacket can’t possibly be keeping him warm enough.
“Oh, um, walking home. My car won’t start. I think the battery’s dead. I left the light on.”
“Get in. I’ll drive you.” I know the pain of car troubles all too well. Until I made it through my first year at the airport, I drove an old beater that I’d bought when I was sixteen. The fact that the thing survived another ten years is a testament to how well cars were built back then. Or to my sheer willpower to keep it going until I was sure I’d be okay on my own.
“That’s okay.”
What the hell? Matthias would kill me if he knew I saw Frank walking and didn’t do anything. I’d been chatting with him via text at the end of the day. Matthias is busy, but I know he’d drop everything if there was an issue. “Frank. Get. In.” I use my no-nonsense tone, the one I occasionally have to pull out when airport patrons get in the way of my work and put everyone in dangerous situations.
“Okay.” That seems to do it, because Frank lets out a heavy sigh before opening the door and getting in, then shoves his backpack onto the floor.
I hand over my phone, with the Maps app open. “Here, type in your address.” I give him a second, watching as his near-frozen fingers struggle to work the little keyboard. He hands my phone back, and I take a look at where I’m going.Shit. That’s really far to attempt to walk. “Are you okay? Do youneed anything first? Need to go back to your car for anything tonight?”
“No, it’s fine.” His stomach growls loudly, giving him away.
“Dinner?”
“I’ll eat at home.” I snort as if I don’t know exactly what he’s doing. I’ve played that game many times before.
“Of course you can, but how about we go somewhere? I’d appreciate the company. My treat.” Plus, a little time out of the house would probably be good for me. It’s the one day a week I don’t run, and I tend to get a little agitated.
“Okay.” I can tell he wants to argue with me, but thinks better of it. Either that or he’s too tired. Either way, I do a little internal celebration that I’m getting my way.
“There’s this great diner up ahead that I was planning to hit. Is that okay?” It’s only partly a lie. That diner has excellent food, and it’s a regular spot for me to grab breakfast when I work overnight. All the ingredients I planned to use for dinner tonight will keep until tomorrow. Plus, meatloaf sounds like the perfect way to wind down from the day.
“Sure.”
