“I’ll accept that. Happy he got the race car.” My brother grins.
“Way to go, overshadowing Santa,” I tease him. I do my best to have a little order to holiday presents for Enzo. Something he wants, something he needs but has no clue he needs it, something practical, something to wear, and one extra toy that I think he might enjoy. Seb? His rule is to go for the most overpriced electronic toy there is. The wheels will ruin the floor, but it’s Seb’s place, so his responsibility.
“I’m going to have to head off. I need to get dressed before we head to a colleague’s for brunch.”
My son perks his head up. “I’m hungry. Hey, Uncle Seb, we’re going to Tyler’s later!” he calls out before returning to his toy.
My lips roll in then quirk out, before I face the screen to notice Seb’s face has gone blank.
“It’s nothing. He has his parents in from out of town, and they invited us for Hanukkah stuff later.” I do my best to downplay this.
Lines form on his forehead. “Tyler’s Jewish?” But he quickly shakes away curiosity and turns serious. “Why have you been spending more time with him?”
“It’s a grandmother of a grandmother kind of thing,” I explain the first part of the question and avoid his real question.
“Okay. And the second part of that question? Bjorn already told me that you arrived at his holiday party withTyler. I was just waiting for you to tell me yourself. So let me repeat: Why are you spending time with Tyler?”
I take a quick sip of my coffee to give myself time. “We’ve just been hanging out. Holidays and helping with Enzo. He needed a tree and, of course, trees with lights are not his thing.”
My brother’s eyes squeeze and his nostrils flare. I can tell that he is having his own internal conversation. “Fine. But if there is something more, then he better do the honorable thing and talk to me.”
I shush him instantly and nearly jump off the couch and race to the kitchen. “Will you be quiet. Enzo was in earshot,” I scold him in a hushed tone.
“Fair enough.”
It’s not a good idea for Enzo to get ideas that there is more going on with Tyler. To Enzo, we’re neighbors, that’s it.
“Listen, there is nothing to talk about, and I really need to go.”
He shakes his head. “Avoidance, Lainey. You’re my sister. I know you.”
“Is that so? Oh no, my coffee is cold. Need to get Enzo dressed. Oops, need to take the casserole for brunch out of the oven. Have a great day with your girlfriend, bye now.” I string the sentence together then hang up and set the phone down on the counter as if it’s a hot potato.
The last thing I need right now is to discuss Tyler with Seb.
Blowing out an exhausting breath, I do notice that the time says we need to go in thirty minutes.
Half an hour later and repeated asks that Enzo brush his teeth, and we’re opening the door. I’m balancing the egg casserole that I promised to bring, and Enzo is busy pullingon his hat.
“A present.” My son is diving down to the doormat before I can even check what he is talking about.
Lo and behold, there is a present wrapped in Hanukkah paper. I know instantly who it is for, and Tyler must have run out of the other wrapping paper that he got.
“It’s for me. My name is on it.” Enzo is ripping through the paper before I can even protest. “Whoa… it’s the hockey rink edition of my model blocks.”
Be still my little heart. My entire insides melt. It is so incredibly thoughtful. My gaze travels to his front door then back to my son who has a goofy grin on his face.
I’m feeling more attached, and I’m beginning to realize that I’m comfortable with this feeling. It’s not scary, only exhilarating.
That’s the best Chrismukkah Day gift possible.
CHAPTER 14
TYLER
How I’ve survived three hours so far, I’m not entirely sure. Aunt Harper and my mom have been waiting for their moment to corner and interrogate me. The clock is no longer in my favor.
My dad and uncle are in the living room discussing stocks, which is as boring to me as sitting in the kitchen and peeling the potatoes for the latkes. Love the latkes but can’t stand peeling potatoes. Surely, there is a machine for this? Or they are simply hiding it to trap me longer.
