“What?” I ask, preparing myself for the worst.
“I have to work this Christmas.” Sighing, he runs a hand over his bald head.
“Are you serious?” I want to shoot up from the table and throw my hands on my hips, but instead, I settle for rubbing my face again.
“I know, I was told today. Someone got injured and they can’t do the drive. I’m the only trucker who doesn’t have young kids, so I volunteered.”
“You still have a kid, though, one who doesn’t have a mom to spend it with.”
His flinch is instant, as it is every time I mention that woman. The thing that haunts this home, her pale skin makes it fitting that we think of her as our ghost.
“I know it sucks, but I should be here for New Year’s Eve, and we can spend that together.”
A consolation prize in lieu of the big ticket item I have no choice but to accept it.
“Why don’t you spend the holidays with Farrah?”
I shrug, knowing that’s an option, then lean back in my chair.
“When do you leave?”
“Tomorrow, that way I can be there by Christmas.”
It’s only the twenty-second, so it must be a long haul for it to take that long. I breathe out.
“Okay, fine, it’s not like I have a choice.”
“I’m sorry, Monty.”
I know he is, just like he has been sorry every time he has had to do it before. Being a single parent with bills you were supposed to have help paying, meant that he had to take any route or overtime that they offered. I spent just as much time with my Nana as I did with him growing up. Just so he could give me the life he promised me before my mother left. I can’t help but admire him for that, even if it means I learned independence at the age of twelve.
“You can also spend it with Charlie, since he has no family.”
I lift one eyebrow, my mouth spelling out a silentoh.
“I know I’m not his biggest fan, but you still have him in your life, so what am I supposed to do?” He throws his arms up, his shoulders lifting as well.
“Right now, we are just friends, and he spends the holidays with his best friend Robin’s family.”
Technically, it’s true that we aren’t dating, even though we hook up every time I come to town. That’s what happens when your ex is the best sex of your life. He could be more if he weren’t always showing how immature he is.
“So are you seeing anyone else?”
I must look put out because he chuckles while shaking his head.
“No.”
He grins at this, clearly happy. His brown eyes are sparkling. “Well, maybe you can meet someone new and finally move on from him.”
“Why do you dislike him so much?”
I get up and refill our glasses again, this time without the rum. The heat of the alcohol creeps up my neck, making me take my sweater off.
“I liked him as your friend, but I don’t like him as your future husband.”
I sit back down and try to keep my face neutral. Not only do I not know what to say to the “future husband” comment, but my curiosity is piqued. He continues even before I ask.
“I want you to be with someone you feel like you need.” Reaching across the table, he grabs onto my hand.
