“My decorations would probably cover a third of this beast,” I tell her. “I’ve only ever had a small tree. How about we stop on the way home and buy more?”
The question is the right one, because Jordy’s already-bright smile now rivals all the lights in the tree lot combined. “Yes! What about you, Spencer? Want me to pick a tree for you?”
“I’m actually not certain of my Christmas plans yet, so I’m not sure I’ll be needing a tree. I also seem to remember a rule in my lease about not being allowed to have real trees in our flats.”
“Then you have to help us decorate our tree!” Jordy says.
“Oh, no, I couldn’t…”
His argument isn’t what anyone would call convincing. Spencer has surprised me by getting as much into the spirit of things as Jordy. Seeing him bright-eyed and grinning as we traipsed after Jordy amplified the warm, cozy feelings mingling inside me. “You should,” I say. “We could make a whole evening of it if you’re free. Stop somewhere for decorations, pick up dinner, and then decorate the tree. I think you’re supposed to let it fall out first, but I doubtsomeonehas the patience for that.”
I stifle a laugh when Jordy aims puppy dog eyes in Spencer’s direction. I’m tempted to do the same, but it only takes a few seconds for him to crack.
“If you’re certain it’s okay, then yes, I’d love to join you. And dinner is on me. My way of thanking you for this experience.”
My heart gives a painful little tug at his words. The last hour has been magical, but it’s also been a stark reminder that, despite my growing feelings for Spencer, he only sees me as a friend. Is prolonging our time together this evening a smart idea? Probably not. And yet I can’t help myself. I want to be with him as much as possible.
*****
If nothing else, it’s a good thing we invited Spencer back to my place, because I have no idea how Jordy and I would have got the tree inside and set up otherwise. The whole production was like something out of a comedy sketch, and Jordy and I were both hoarse afterward from laughing so hard. Spencer was also a big help with stringing lights on the tree; my old artificial tree had built-in lights, so I’d never experienced the nightmare of putting them on myself.
The three of us are now sitting in silence, admiring the tree. If the looks on Jordy and Spencer’s faces are any indication, they’re feeling as satisfied as I am. That alone makes it worth the hassle…and the expense. I let Jordy run wild in the store, buying multiple strings of lights and all the ornaments she liked best. It’s an eclectic mix of glass baubles, woodland animals, and adorable Christmassy figurines. It’s officially the best Christmas tree I’ve ever had.
I’m so lost in thought, it takes me a minute to realize the melodic chiming sound I can hear over the Christmas music playing from my phone is Jordy’s ringtone.
“It’s Reggie. I should take it and tell him what we talked about earlier.” She hops up from the couch and dashes toward the stairs, her excited voice trailing down the hall as she answers.
I let out a long, tired sigh. “This day has been a roller coaster.”
Spencer scoots forward on the couch and picks up the bottle of wine I left on the coffee table. He stopped after one glass, but I had a second one since I’m home for the night. Despite two glasses normally being my limit, I don’t protest when he tops me up.
“Do you want to talk about it while we have a few minutes alone?” he asks.
“Yeah, actually. I—”
I don’t get a chance to finish before Spencer’s phone rings. His only reaction is a tightening of the skin around his eyes. He gives his head a small shake and motions for me to continue. I wait a beat, and his phone rings again. With a sigh, he pulls it from his pocket. Irritation flashes across his face before he schools his expression.
“I’m so sorry,” he says. “It’s my brother, and he’ll only keep calling.”
“Go ahead. It’s fine, I promise.” I put my hand on his leg when he shifts to stand up. “You stay here. I’ll go.” He offers me a tight smile as he swipes to answer, and gives a terse greeting to his brother. I scoop up my own phone from where it sits on the coffee table and head for the kitchen, where I tidy up and then check my email. There are a couple of messages from work that need to be dealt with, and I lose track of time while I handle those. When I’m finished, I head down the hall slowly, ears perked for voices. I hear Spencer’s voice first and wonder if he’s still on the phone until I hear Jordy’s voice. They’re talking quietly like they were in the diner, which makes me wonder what they’re up to now.
“Are you two conspiring again?” I ask as I enter the room. My steps falter when I see the tears shining on Jordy’s cheeks. “What—?”
She jumps up from her perch on the coffee table in front of Spencer. “Will you tell her? I’m going to go call my brother back.” Without waiting for a response, Jordy sends me a bright, tearful smile and dashes away.
“What’s going on?” I ask, still frozen in the hallway.
Spencer stands slowly, his cheeks tinged with the faintest hint of red. He approaches me, his hand outstretched. I lift my hand and he grips my fingers, rubbing his thumb over the backs of my knuckles.
“Jordy told me about her brother’s offer to go live with him,” he says. “She told me she wanted to stay in Bellevue for a while and continue working and saving money so she wouldn’t be dependent on him.”
That’s news to me. Jordy didn’t want to talk any more about the move earlier, but I assumed she’d be going as soon as possible.
Spencer shifts from one foot to the other. “Long story short, I, uhh…I blurted out that I’d be happy to give her the money. I figured you’d likely offered and she refused, but I thought it was worth a try. She turned me down, but the businessman in me kicked in and I suggested a loan instead. Said she could pay me back in monthly installments once she starts working in Calgary. When I told her we could write up a contract and everything, she agreed.”
“Oh, wow.” My voice is faint as I attempt to process everything Spencer just said. “That’s…wow.”
“I’m sorry if I overstepped,” he says quickly.
