Chapter Twenty-One
Christmas. One year later.
I’ve still got issues.
It’s true.
Nothing compared to this time last year, though. This time last year, I’d slept with my sister’s fake boyfriend, gone to urgent care twice, and the emergency room once (with Billy). I watched my parents’ marriage disintegrate and saw my sister forced into a court-ordered psychiatric program. The only good thing that came out of last Christmas is Billy. He turned out to be my everything. It’s like fate couldn’t just bring us together. She had to shake things up to test our resolve or something. Well, she did and we stuck.
I can’t believe how much has happened this past year. I’m not sure where to start. I guess I’ll start with Gisele. She did as the court required; she went to get some help. The deal was, if she endured the three-month program and was successful, I’d drop the charges and so would Billy. She did it. Then, she moved to New York with the state of Illinois’s blessing.
Be warned, New Yorkers. Be warned.
No, in all seriousness, I think the therapy helped. She appeared to regret her actions, but there’s probably only so much they can do in three months. There’s a lifetime of issues with Gisele.
Things have improved for me as well. Jules got me my old job back while my boss’s admin was on maternity leave. It allowed me to make some money and gave me time to think about my life. It was something Billy asked me one night that had me reevaluating things. He asked, “If you could do anything you wanted, what would it be?” My answer? I wanted to write. I’ve always loved reading and excelled in English composition courses in college; it just seemed to be too far-fetched. With Billy’s encouragement, I started writing short stories. When I finished one, I’d read them aloud to him in bed. I have to say, I didn’t realize I was a romantic comedy writer, but it turns out I am. Billy laughs at some of the things I write, it makes me beam with pride. I mean, if I can make the hottest man on earth laugh, then I could probably do the same for others. Oh, and bonus… the sex after I read one of my naughty scenes is out of this world. My words turn him on too. The best of both worlds.
Billy is still with the same firm, but he works primarily from home. He set his office up with an extra desk so we can work in there together. He also bought me a new Mac and printer for my writing endeavor. He’s so supportive; I can’t believe I found him. He’s even researching self-publishing. With his help, there’s no way I won’t be successful. He’s my good luck charm.
As for Mom and Dad? They divorced and sold their house. Dad moved into the city. Not far from our place, actually. Probably not surprisingly, Mom moved to New York too. I think she and Gisele lived together for a short time, because the last time I talked to Dad about her, he said Mom had her own place now. I hope she’s happy.
Okay, that sounds snarky, and I didn’t intend it that way. I love my mom. I want her to be happy––as happy as Dad. I’ve never seen him so happy, honestly. He’s gone on a date or two, he plays on a senior men’s basketball team at the local YMCA, and he hangs out with us almost every Sunday. Billy and Dad seem to have a lot in common. My dad is different than he was before. It’s like he found his mojo or something. Heck, he’s even spent time with Billy’s family. As a matter of fact, he’ll be here for our first annual Christmas Eve dinner. We’ve opted not to do a Christmas Eve breakfast because that would be wrong and a little sad. I’m attempting to make brisket with mashed potatoes and gravy. Billy made scratch dinner rolls, and everyone else is bringing dessert and side dishes. A potluck, if you will.
You know? I wonder if Billy’s family has ever done a potluck.
“Mm.,” Billy kisses my neck. “The brisket smells amazing, babe.”
It does. It really does. I did my research on how to cook one of those suckers. Low and slow is the phrase I read over and over. So, that’s what I’m doing. Plus, I made a special rub for it, so I’m hoping it’s as good as it smells.
“Your dinner rolls look delicious too.”
He picks up one that didn’t raise properly. “I’m not sure what happened to some of them.”
“I bet it still tastes good even though it’s a little deflated.”
Billy takes a big bite of the deformed bread and moans. “You’re right,” he says with his mouth full.
He holds it out for me, and I lean in for a bite. “Mm, good.” I nod. “Good job, babe.”
“So, what else do we need to do?”
I scan the room, spending extra time on the table. It looks perfect with Billy’s grandmother’s China. “Nothing. They’ll all be here in an hour. We can relax until they get here.”
“Or…” He winks. “I could have my way with you over by the Christmas tree.”
“Yeah?” I giggle. “Wecouldfool around over by the Christmas tree. We’ve never done that before.” We’ve done it everywhere else, though. My favorite spot is up on the rooftop deck. I’ll never forget the times we did it out there last summer. Naked Billy on the rooftop deck surrounded by flowers was something to behold.
Taking his hand in mine, I pull him over to the tree. “On the floor?”
“Take off that apron. I’ll think I’m fucking June Cleaver, and that’s messed up.”
“Whoever that is.” I pull off my apron and take my shirt off while I’m at it. I shimmy out of my skirt until all I’ve got on is my white lace bra and undies.
He reaches out and touches the lace that covers my nipple, and I shiver. “Are you going to tease me?” I ask softly. Because, honestly, I love it when he teases.
“No time.” Picking me up, he sits on the chair right next to the tree so I’m in his lap, my legs resting on the arm of the chair. He’s staring at my bra again. “Have I told you how much I love you today?”
“Yes. First thing this morning.” I reach out and run my palm over his shirt. “Hey, why aren’t you naked?”
