by Ren Holly
“So, Garrett?” Andrew asked casually.
Anna blushed furiously. “What? No way.”
“I won’t tell.” Andrew winked. “I think he’s cute too.” Anna stared at him blankly for a moment before the secret registered. She smiled timidly.
“I guess that makes us rivals.” She giggled.
“No.” Andrew sighed. “My boyfriend just dumped me. I need to, like, find myself or something.”
Anna patted him on the shoulder understandingly. “Do you want to talk about it?” she asked.
Andrew shook his head. “We’d been dating for two years.” He shrugged. “He said something came up with his family and he didn’t have time for a relationship anymore….”
“He’ll try to get you back once he realizes what he lost,” Anna promised. “They always come crawling back.”
Andrew smiled at that.
By the time Garrett returned, the wreaths were assembled, the bows were tied, and Andrew and Anna were dancing merrily to “Last Christmas.”
“Back to work, you slackers,” he teased, dumping the holly in a heap on the table. Andrew strategically placed the berries and passed the wreaths one by one to Garrett.
“Why don’t you two go hang them?” He winked conspiratorially to Anna.
“All right,” Garrett said. Anna beamed at Andrew and skipped after Garrett hopefully.
Chapter 3
WITH ONLY two weeks until Christmas, Andrew woke from his now-routine nap to the sound of someone plodding up his porch steps. They rapped loudly. Andrew yawned and wandered over to the front door to peer out. It was Garrett and Anna. After three weeks on the island, he’d gotten used to them dropping by unannounced.
“Want to play ping-pong?” asked Garrett. Anna stood in his shadow, smiling.
“Is anyone else playing?” asked Andrew, not wanting to interrupt.
“I’m sure we can rally someone,” Garrett mused.
“Come on!” Anna pleaded. “It’ll be fun!” She shot Andrew a meaningful gaze.
“Okay,” Andrew said. “I’m in, but I won’t go easy on you!”
Garrett grinned. “I’ll go see if Katie wants to play,” he offered, setting off back into the mosquito-ridden wilderness.
Anna’s eyes fell, downcast.
“Let me change,” Andrew said, retreating into the house. “You can come in.”
Anna opened the door, wandered in, and plopped down on the couch.
“So who is Katie again?” he called.
“She is the snake girl.”
“The what?” Andrew asked, poking his head through the door, alarmed.
“She is a graduate student that researches diamondback rattlesnakes on the island.”
Andrew considered that for a moment. There are rattlesnakes here? He shuddered, wanting to ask more questions about the likelihood of encountering one or chance of survival if bitten, but he thought better of it. He quickly pulled on his long-sleeved shirt and joined Anna in the living room.
“Have you made any progress with Garrett?” he asked instead. He would ask Garrett about the snakes later.
“Not at all,” Anna lamented. “I don’t think we have anything in common.”
Andrew patted her on the shoulder sympathetically. “Ping-pong is something that you both have in common,” he said. “Let’s suggest a tournament-style game so that you can play one-on-one.”
“Wouldn’t teams be better?”
“Definitely not,” Andrew said decisively. “Nothing warms the heart like a little competition. Besides, don’t you want to gaze into those eyes?”
“Now that you mention it….” She laughed, jumping up with renewed enthusiasm. “You’re right! I can do this!”
Andrew and Anna ventured into the night and passed the lodge with its twinkling lights and fresh pine wreaths. The air was warm and the mosquitoes were thick, but as untraditional as it was, it felt very much like Christmas.
When Andrew and Anna arrived to the screened-in porch that housed the ping-pong table, Katie and Garrett were already huffing from the exertion. Anna glanced up at Andrew nervously.
“I’m not that good,” she whispered timidly.
“I call winner!” Andrew sang and winked at Anna. Not only did he love ping-pong, he was quite good at it. If Garrett won, Andrew could throw the game so Anna would get a chance to play Garrett. If Katie won, Andrew would crush her and then lose to Garrett.
They sat down to watch the game. Katie was the clear underdog, but she held her own. Garret was quite masterful at curving the ball, but his defense was lacking. Katie giggled flirtatiously every time she scored a point. Andrew noticed that her style was far more provocative than Anna’s. Her shirt was cut low and her shorts cut high. She was tan and voluptuous—very pretty by social standards—and she knew it. Nothing wrong with that, though.
Andrew was amused to see Garrett didn’t go easy on her, not even a little. He ruthlessly went for corners and curve balls. In the end, it worked out for him. He beat Katie with several points to spare.
“I’m up!” Andrew danced over and seized the racket from Katie.
“Do you want to warm up?” Garrett asked with an ornery grin.
“Absolutely not,” Andrew shot back. He took a deep breath to calm his competitive nature, knowing he had to throw the game. He missed a few shots because he was rusty and then purposefully missed a few more. When he was down a sufficient amount, he took a few cheap shots on Garrett just because he couldn’t resist. Andrew was confident he could have won, but a few minutes later, he found himself congratulating Garrett on his victory. Next time I’ll crush him, Andrew thought, trying to console himself.
“You’re up!” Andrew winked at Anna and tossed her the paddle. “Just have fun,” he whispered in her ear.
Katie glanced between Andrew and Anna curiously. Andrew watched as Garrett took an early lead. It was clear Anna had some skills, but she was just too nervous.
“Can I play some Christmas music?” asked Andrew, trying to lighten the atmosphere.
“Oh, that’s a great idea!” Katie gushed, scooting closer to Andrew.
He pulled out his phone and selected “Jingle Bell Rock.”
“So you’re the new kitchen staff, right?” asked Katie.
“Oh yeah,” Andrew said. “I heard you research snakes.” This was clearly the wrong question to ask because Katie launched into a fifteen-minute lecture about habitat, breeding, common misconceptions, and where you would be “lucky enough” to see one. Andrew made a mental note to avoid the dunes and the sweet grass. In fact, I’ll just never leave the trails, he thought, trying to put his mind at ease.
“I can take you out tomorrow!” Katie offered enthusiastically.
“Oh, I have to work tomorrow.” Andrew tried to sound appropriately disappointed. He glanced up just in time to see Anna’s game-winning shot.
“You won!” Andrew cheered, jumping up. He ran over and gave her a high five.
“Good game, Anna.” Garrett smiled, offering his hand as well.
“I want to play again,” Katie called from the sideline. Garrett handed her the paddle and took a seat next to Andrew. He smelled of freshly cut pine.
“Will you be here for Christmas?” Garrett asked.
“Definitely.” Andrew’s answer came quickly, and there was not an ounce of hesitation.
“Me too,” Garrett said. “Why so decisive?”
“My boyfriend dumped me.” Andrew shrugged, glancing at Garrett. “This island job was my getaway plan.” He wondered if the subject would make Garrett uncomfortable, but he just nodded solemnly.
“This island was my getaway plan too.” Garrett laughed without humor.
“From what?” Andrew asked. “Oh, but you don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to.”
Garrett opened his mouth to respond, but he was cut off by the dinner bell.
“Oh, I’m starving!” Katie sighed. “Let’s go.” She dropped her paddle onto the table, skipped through
the screen door, and wandered out into the darkness. Anna followed in hot pursuit, glancing over her shoulder at Garrett only once before disappearing into the night.
“Want to finish talking?” Andrew asked, sensing perhaps Garrett had something on his mind.
“Oh, it’s nothing—” He shrugged. “—but I do have beer at my place.”
“I’m in.” Andrew grinned.
They grabbed some food and ran back to Garrett’s porch. They sat in comfortable silence, sipping their beer and listening to the insect chorus. Andrew waited for Garrett to pick back up where he left off, but when he remained silent, Andrew prodded, “So this island was your getaway too?”
“Yeah.” Garrett sighed. “I grew up in a really small town.” Andrew hummed thoughtfully, waiting. Garrett drummed his fingers on the arm of the chair, hesitating. “How did you know you were gay?” he blurted suddenly.
“Huh?” Andrew nearly choked on his beer. He stared at Garrett, dumbstruck.
“Sorry if you’re not supposed to ask,” Garrett continued awkwardly. “I didn’t mean anything by it….”
“I don’t know.” Andrew shrugged. “I guess I figured it out in middle school. It was easier to talk to girls, and I was awkward around boys my age.” Andrew peeked over at Garrett, who was clearly trying to process the information. He chugged his beer. This chat was getting heavy. “My porn preferences were also enlightening,” Andrew joked, trying to lighten the mood.
“You watch porn?” asked Garrett, taken aback. Andrew stared at him blankly. “I was the preacher’s son, okay?” he continued, cheeks flushing, “and there is no Wi-Fi here.”
Andrew nodded, starting to understand. The internet served as his portal to the realm of the unknown. People around the world welcomed him with open arms and helped him find himself. Andrew was also blessed with understanding parents.
“I’ve known since you were five,” his mom had chuckled, and his dad barely glanced up from the television when he added, “Introduce us if you get a boyfriend.”
“Are you gay?” asked Andrew softly, remembering how alone he felt during his period of self-discovery. Though their friendship was only a few weeks in the making, Andrew already considered them close friends. It was hard not to form a quick comradeship with those who lived, worked, and recreated in such close proximity.
“I don’t know.” Garrett sighed. “My parents have started pressuring me to come home and get married.”
“Why don’t you try dating a girl?” Andrew suggested. “Anna is really nice….” He trailed off. “But I’ll kill you if you break her heart,” he added, feeling like an overprotective father.
Garrett looked skeptical. “Would it be weird if I asked to kiss you?” he asked.
Andrew nearly fell out of his chair. He looked over at Garrett, ready to scold him. I already have a broken heart, he wanted to yell, and I came here to escape relationships. But when he met Garrett’s eyes, they were innocent and pleading, and his resistance faltered.
“Usually I make them buy me a drink first,” Andrew grumbled, hesitating.
“We did drinks,” Garrett shot back. He stood up and leaned over Andrew’s chair. His warm chestnut eyes burned with a lifetime’s worth of uncertainty.
Andrew sighed, resigned, and reached up to run his fingers through Garrett’s hair. It was soft and silky. It felt wonderful. Garrett’s eyes slipped closed in pleasure. An audible heartbeat thumped in Andrew’s ear, and he wasn’t sure to whom it belonged. He tilted his head back and pulled Garrett closer until their lips grazed. Garrett tensed but didn’t pull away. He slowly parted his lips. It was all the invitation Andrew needed. He ran his tongue over Garrett’s bottom lip, eliciting a groan.
Without breaking the kiss, Garrett sank to his knees and nestled himself between Andrew’s legs. He wrapped his arms around Andrew’s waist and slipped his fingers under the hem of his shirt. Garrett’s hand felt rough but warm as he ventured farther and farther up his back.
Andrew wrapped his fingers in Garrett’s hair and pulled him away. When he gazed into Garrett’s eyes, he saw chestnut irises nearly eclipsed by their pupil counterparts. Garrett was clearly aroused.
“I think you’re gay,” Andrew whispered, trying to catch his breath. His own excitement scared him. A twice-broken heart before Christmas was not an option.
“Now what?” Garrett asked quietly.
Andrew was unsure whether Garrett was asking about his life in general or their relationship, but either way it was all too much.
“I don’t know,” he murmured, “but I have to go.”
Chapter 4
THANKFULLY, EVEN after weeks of incessant mosquitoes, Andrew enjoyed his new job; otherwise he probably would have abandoned ship. Not that he had anywhere to go other than his parents’ house. After the kiss, Andrew had fled to Anna’s unit and beat down her door until she rolled out of bed. He needed a double dose of counsel and confession.
“Please don’t hate me,” he begged as she peered out the door. Anna ushered him inside despite being half-asleep. Andrew took a seat next to her on the couch. He hesitated for only a moment before jumping right into the meat of the story. Best to get it over with before he lost his nerve.
“What!” asked Anna, fully awake and eyes wide by the end of Andrew’s disclosure. “I thought you didn’t like him!”
Andrew sighed. He did say that, didn’t he? “I had only known him for about twelve hours at that point,” he reasoned. “I mean, it’s hard to not to fall for someone as handsome and kind as Garrett….”
Anna frowned but couldn’t argue that point. Andrew waited for condemnation, but Anna remained quiet. She seemed to retreat into herself, silently reflecting on the situation. Just when Andrew thought the suspense might kill him, Anna sighed at looked at him.
“I’m mad,” she grumbled.
Andrew’s eyes fell downcast. He deserved it.
“But not at you,” Anna continued, softening. “It’s not your fault… or Garrett’s.” She shrugged like it was no big deal, but her eyes watered dangerously. “You can’t fight attraction or fake it when it’s not there.”
Andrew hugged Anna. “I’m sorry,” he murmured, wiping her tears on his shirt.
“You guys better not start leaving me out,” Anna sniffled. “You’re my best friends.” It was Andrew’s turn to start tearing up. Anna’s friendship was more than he deserved. She was a rare jewel indeed.
“Likewise, sweetie.”
Despite Anna’s blessing, Andrew let a few days slip by without confronting Garrett. Instead he chose to busy himself with work. It was an easy task since seemingly everyone wanted Christmas off. As time wound down, the kitchen became less and less populated.
“Can you bake?” Miguel asked him one morning.
“Some stuff.”
“Cakes?” the chef prodded, “or cookies?” When Andrew said he could do both, Miguel begged him to take over desserts. “Anything is fine!” he had assured.
Andrew loved baking, especially with his mom during the holidays. He beamed at the opportunity and set to work. The first day he made gingerbread cookies, followed by peppermint cheesecake and Christmas tree-shaped brownies.
“These are so good.” Anna stuffed yet another cranberry tart in her mouth and moaned dramatically. It was Andrew’s newest creation.
“Get out of here.” He laughed, whipping a towel at her. “If you don’t stop, I won’t have any left for the guests! I already have to make a second batch!”
“Okay, okay.” She giggled, retreating. “I have to go lead a kayak excursion anyways.”
“Don’t get eaten by an alligator,” he sang after her, “or a manatee.”
“Manatees are harmless,” Anna shot back just before the back door slammed shut. Andrew knew that, but teasing the naturalists was his favorite pastime.
He got back to work. If he didn’t finish the rest of the dough soon, it wouldn’t have enough time to set before dinner. Time was of the essence. He frantically knea
ded the dough and placed it in the fridge and then started on the filling. He placed water, cranberries, and the last of the sugar on the stove. I’ll have to remind the chef to order more.
“Andrew?” called Grace from her office. “Can I talk to you for a moment?” Andrew dusted off his fingers and wandered out of the kitchen.
“You can work on Christmas, right?” she asked.
“I don’t mind,” Andrew said. “I’ll be here anyways.”
The manager nodded appreciatively. “Actually you’ll be the only kitchen staff here.” She wrung her hands. “Miguel said he would set everything up so that all you had to do was put it in the oven. The naturalists can help you serve food to the guests.”
“What?” asked Andrew, surprised. “I’m a dishwasher!”
“You’ll get time and a half since it’s a holiday,” the manager bribed desperately. “Besides, you’re good at baking.”
“Okay,” Andrew agreed, hands up in defeat. “I’ll do it.”
“You’re literally a lifesaver.” She exhaled. She paused and then added, “What’s that smell?”
“Oh no,” Andrew groaned. He ran back to the kitchen. A thick smoke had filled the room. “No!” he cried, grabbing the pot and beelining for the back door. The water had completely boiled out of the mixture. Not only was the filling ruined, the pot was too.
“I’ll never finish in time now,” Andrew groaned, staring at the pot.
“Did something burn?” asked Garrett, rounding the corner.
Oh God, just what I need, Andrew sighed internally. Garrett’s eyes widened when he spotted the pot.
“Are you okay?” he asked, surprised.
“No, I’m not,” Andrew cried, placing his hands on his cheeks in sheer panic. “I just burned the last of the sugar, and there is not enough dessert for the guests.”
“How much time do you have?” asked Garrett, still staring awestruck at the pot.
“Only an hour,” Andrew despaired, “and I can’t just make a different dessert because everything calls for sugar!”
