by Ruby Rowe
“I feel like this is my present from you. The trees at Rockefeller Center are impressive, but it’s hard not to lose interest when you see the same scene year after year.
“This place, though, is unique and fun … joyful.” She peels her eyes away from the yard adorned in light blue. “Time with you has been nothing short of mesmerizing.”
“Back at ya, Princess.” I wink and take her hand to walk again. We reach the next house, and I stop. Children are running to and from the front door, and if the same people live here as when I was a child, then the kids are getting treats like it’s Halloween rather than Christmas.
“I know the people at this house. At least, I used to know them. I’m guessing they still live here.”
“Who are they?”
“The Mastersons. They’re some of the nicest people you could meet and are good friends of my grandparents. I think Grandpop was in Vietnam with the old man.”
Sailor snickers. “Grandpop … I love it. Let’s go see.”
“Nah, they probably won’t remember me.”
“I doubt that. Come on; I want to meet them.”
“All right, but it’s been years since I’ve seen them, so they might think it’s strange.”
The memories of my youth swarm my mind as we make our way up their sloped drive. As soon as we reach the few steps that lead to the front door, I smile.
Grandpop’s friend is standing with his back against the inside of the glass door as he holds it open to hand out candy. His stomach is rounder, his hair white now.
He glances up at me, and after studying my face a few seconds, he grins.
“I know you. You’re Carson Callister’s son, Jake. Get in here. My wife, Winnie, has been waiting for you. Who’s this pretty girl you have on your arm?”
“Did you do this?” I ask Sailor.
She shrugs. “I had help.” All I can do is shake my head over how much she surprises me.
“This is my girlfriend, Sailor. Sailor, this is Mr. Masterson.”
“Call me Roy, and it’s nice to meet you. Come on in. Winnie’s probably in the kitchen.” A few kids run up behind us, so we walk inside, and the familiar scent of baked-goods linger in the air.
We stroll toward the kitchen while glancing around at the old but well-kept living room. Once at the doorway of the spacious kitchen, we stop and wait for Mrs. Masterson to notice us from where she’s standing at a counter. She jerks her head our way, and after a couple of seconds, she turns and grins.
“Hi, Jake. How have you been?”
“Hi, Mrs. Masterson. I’ve been good.”
She walks over to us while straightening her short grey hair.
“You’re all grown up. I can’t believe how many years it’s been.” She looks at Sailor. “Where does the time go? You must be the girl Carson told Roy about on the phone. It was so nice to hear from him after all these years.”
“Yes, I asked him to call. I’m Sailor.” She sticks her hand out to shake Winnie’s.
“It’s nice to meet you, Sailor, and I’m glad you both stopped by. I have something for you, Jake. Sit on the stools there at the island so we can catch up a bit.”
Walking over to the counter, she picks up a rectangular, plastic container and brings it over to me. “I thought these sweets might bring back some memories for you. I remember when you and your sister sat right here and ate my desserts while we caught up with your grandparents.”
Taking the container from her, I open the green lid, and inside are various treats she always served us when we stopped by. There are lemon bars, a few kinds of cookies, and Christmas cannoli that I recall are fantastic.
“Oh, man, I remember how good your cannoli are. Thank you for this. I’m sure I’ll enjoy every bite.”
Pleased, she grins and says, “You’re welcome, and be sure to share some with your girlfriend.”
“I guess she’s earned a taste of your delicious desserts.” I bump Sailor’s shoulder with mine. “You’re incredible. I thought I nailed your gift, but now I’m not so sure.”
“Don’t stress about it. I’m certain I’ll love it.”
CHAPTER FOUR
Sailor
“Are we making pottery again?” I ask Jake after he parks on the side street by his mom’s shop.
“Nope.”
“You have me intrigued.”
Like a gentleman, he comes around to help me out of the car. He takes my hand, and we walk to the back of the building, to the far end where a porch light shines down on us. He opens the door, and with a flick of a switch, he lights up a stairwell.
“Where are we going?”
“You’ll see…” We take the old steps, and at the top, I wait in a small corridor while Jake unlocks another door and steps back for me to enter. “Welcome to our tiny abode.”
“Ours?” Curious, I walk in and let my eyes bounce around the long but narrow room. To my right, there’s a light tan loveseat and a small Christmas tree decorated next to it.
A television is resting on a stand to my left, and straight ahead is a queen-size bed with one nightstand next to it. The ceilings at each end are slanted like you’d find in an attic.
The space is warm and welcoming, but I’m a little nervous since I’m unsure of what’s happening. I turn around to face Jake.
“What did you mean when you said this is our abode?”
Grabbing my waist, he pulls me close and presses his lips against mine for a beat.
“My parents own this apartment. The last tenant moved out, so I rented it for us to stay in when we want to be alone. You can even come here by yourself if you ever need privacy. It’ll be our secret place.”
“You mean you don’t want Elliott to know, yet earlier today you were upset about us keeping a secret from you.”
He rolls his eyes. “OK, wrong choice of words. I don’t mind if he knows about it, but I want this to be our sacred place– somewhere he’ll never be.
“I don’t mind sharing you or living in Elliott’s home. I’m grateful he lets me live there for so cheap, and it’s the reason I can rent this place, too.
“But it’s still hard for Elliott and me when we’re home and you’re staying in the other guy’s room. So, I was thinking the nights we know he’ll be home but it’s your time to be with me, we can stay here. It’ll be somewhere you’ve only slept with me.”
I kiss him back as I try to sort out my feelings that seem all over the place. I turn around and admire the room again. The bedroom furniture is light oak, and the bedding is navy and white.
There are white curtains hanging on the two windows, and as I walk farther in, I realize there’s a small kitchenette on my left and a bathroom, too.
“What are you thinking?”
Noticing the photo of us blown up and framed above the bed, I smile.
“I think it’s a wonderful idea and so thoughtful.”
“I’m no interior decorator, so it’s not as nice as the room Elliott fixed up for you, but this is what I’ve been doing since Thanksgiving. Whenever I said I was going to hang out with the guys, I was actually working on this place.”
My gaze falls to the floor. God, earlier this week while he was here decorating this apartment for us, I was being tied to a shower nozzle and fucked by Elliott.
Before I can look up, Jake’s in front of me, lifting my chin.
“What’s wrong?”
“Jake, this is seriously the best Christmas present ever. I can already picture us spending time here alone, and I won’t have to worry about how Elliott’s feeling in another part of the house.”
“Then what’s the problem?”
“I feel guilty.”
“Why? Is it because he’s excluded?” As he holds my chin, I shake my head and avert my gaze.
“No. I feel guilty because some of the times you were here creating this space for us, I was with Elliott.”
Jake frames my cheeks. “Sailor, it’s OK. Elliott and I agreed to this relationship, and we’re the
ones who convinced you to do it. We never want you to feel guilty, and I’d rather know you’re with him when I can’t be as opposed to you being lonely.”
The tears wash over my eyes, so I fling my arms around his neck and hug him so he won’t see.
“You’re the sweetest guy I know, and I love my gift. I’m sure we’ll have so much fun here.”
“I’m glad you like it, and I agree.” He gives me a passionate kiss, and I can tell he’s already thinking of the dirty kind of fun we’ll have here, too.
Coming up for air, he rests his head against mine. His hand cradles my cheek and his fingers play in my hair.
“Fuck, I never get tired of kissing you.”
“I’ll know if you ever do.”
Tilting his head back, he smirks. “How is that?”
“Because the power behind your kisses causes me to feel what you’re feeling at that moment. It’s the way you often hold my head, or face, or touch me while exploring every speck of my mouth.
“The way you fight to breathe after you let my lips go or the way your heart thunders against mine when you’re on top of me in bed... If you stop kissing me like it’s your last chance, I’ll know you’re tired of kissing me.”
“I’ll always kiss you like it’s my last chance since I have no way of knowing if it will be.”
“Unless I die, you have nothing to worry about. I’ll never grow tired of kissing you, either.”
“You mean that?”
“Of course. I love you.”
“But you love someone else, too, and the reality is you could grow to love him more.”
“I won’t, and we’re not ending our Christmas Eve talking about it, especially in our sacred place. So … when are you showing me some fun?”
I can tell I’ve reassured Jake when his dimples peek out for me to admire.
“To celebrate, I stocked the fridge with beer, wine and eggnog. Your choice.”
I slide my hands up his arms until I’ve reached the back of his thick hair and can play with it.
“Actually, I think we should break in our new bed first … maybe to some holiday tunes that will forever remind us of this moment.”
“Have I told you how happy it makes me to have found my festive soulmate?”
“No, but you can show me while we do our own versions of ‘Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree’ or ‘Santa Baby.’” I giggle over how I’m surely failing at being sexy, but he laughs, too, and I’m overcome with joy.
I get to wake up with Jake on Christmas morning in our cozy apartment, feeling only love from him. My life right now is better than I deserve, and I won’t take a second of it for granted.
Elliott
I don’t understand why Jake and Sailor aren’t home. I thought they weren’t going to his parents’ house until noon, and it’s only 9:00 a.m.
I grab the ibuprofen from the cabinet above the kitchen sink, and just hearing the pills rattle inside the bottle makes my head throb. After swallowing a few tablets with a glass of cold water, I grip my forehead.
I have a coughing fit next, so I pull out the cough medicine and take a drink straight from the bottle.
“Disgusting,” I grumble. I hope I’m not getting bronchitis again. It would be the second time this month, so maybe I’m not over the last bout.
The front door opens, and I hear Sailor’s and Jake’s laughter. Fuck, their voices are even piercing. I cover my ears, wondering why this had to happen on Christmas Day. I better not be sick on our trip.
Sailor walks inside the kitchen but comes to an abrupt stop, her laughter halting, too.
“Elliott, what’s wrong? I thought you were working today.”
“I have a bad headache and that stupid cough that won’t quit.”
Approaching me, she rubs my shoulder. “It must be bad if it sent you home.”
“Yeah, we were slow, and thanks to my cough, our chief resident didn’t give me a choice. Where were you and Jake?” He walks in behind her, and she glances back at him.
“Um, well...” They both look guilty. “Can we talk about it once you feel better?” she asks while rubbing my arm again.
I don’t have the energy to push the issue, so I say, “As long as everyone’s all right.”
“Everyone’s fine,” Jake replies. Tiptoeing, Sailor places a kiss on my cheek.
“Merry Christmas, and I’m sorry you’re sick.”
“I’ll live, but I better be well by morning.”
“I hate for you to be in bed all day on Christmas.” I watch the concern blanket her face, masking her happiness, and it frustrates me further. I don’t want her to worry about me today.
“I took some medicine. I’ll sleep this off, and I’m sure by the afternoon I’ll be fine. I’ll go have dinner with my mom, and I’ll get to be with you the next several days. I can’t wait for that.”
I pull her against me and hug her to give reassurance that I’m OK to be alone. She forgets that I’ve felt alone pretty much all my life.
“Merry Christmas, bro. I hope you feel better,” Jake says.
“Thanks.”
“You should go get some rest,” Sailor adds. “I need to shower and make a dessert to take today.” She smiles, but it barely breaks through her barrier of concern.
I head out of the kitchen, feeling a touch dizzy. Dammit, I better not be getting the flu, either. It wouldn’t surprise me with all the sick people coming into the ER.
Once in my room, I strip down to my boxers and get under the sheet. Only a few minutes have passed when Sailor comes in and closes the door behind her. She climbs into bed with me and brushes my blond hair off my forehead, which I think is her stealth attempt at checking my temperature.
“Maybe I should stay home with you.”
“No way. If you stay here, you’ll be alone and bored while I sleep.”
“No, I’ll curl up here with you.”
Pulling her hand down, I kiss it. “You’re sweet, but Jake would be disappointed, and I have no doubt he would be pissed off at me, too.”
She sighs. “OK, but I’m lying here until you fall asleep. I can take a quick shower, and I’m a talented, efficient chef in the kitchen, meaning I can make a quick dessert.”
She gives me the only Christmas present I need, which is one of her genuine smiles–the kind that reminds me why I love her so much. It brightens her dark eyes, rounding them further.
I was blessed to see those smiles while she was growing up, and they lifted my spirits each and every time. Happy she’s in my bed for at least a few minutes, I bring her to my chest and rest my aching head on hers. God, she makes everything in life better, even this headache and cough.
CHAPTER FIVE
Sailor
“I can’t wait for you to meet my family, especially Marcy,” Jake says, gripping my hand. I’m a ball of nervous energy as we ride to his parents’ home.
Since his sister was just released from jail, you’d think she’d be more nervous about meeting me, but I’m certain I have her beat. I’ll be meeting Jake’s grandparents, too, on his father’s side, along with Jake’s aunt Bet, short for Betty.
I’ve heard she’s even more of a free spirit than her sister-in-law Jeanine. She lives alone in Arizona, spending her time with an enormous circle of friends. I’m learning where Jake acquired his exuberant personality.
He said he’ll be with his mother’s side of the family tomorrow, and I feel bad I have to miss it. He loves all of his family immensely, and I wish I had one I adored that much. I’m already dreading my visit with my mom and dad this evening, and that’s sad.
“Yeah, I’m excited, too, but I’ll admit I’m nervous. I hope they like me.”
“They’re going to love you.” After Jake parks in front of his parents’ two-story, narrow brick home, I carry my apple pie in my shaking hands. My housekeeper taught me how to make it as a child, and I get rave reviews when I serve it.
Jake clutches the large bag of presents we brought and pulls me t
o his side as we approach the front steps. “Relax, doll. I promise you’ll feel like part of the family in no time.”
I exhale the taxing breath I’ve been holding, and the heat of it mixing with the cold air causes a puff of smoke to form in front of me.
“I’m sure you’re right since I felt comfortable with you in mere seconds.” I breathe in the smell of winter, a scent that I already tie to Jake. Since we met right before the start of fall, I think he’ll always be my cool weather guy.
I’ll remember the times the chilly air drifted over our skin while we were soaking in the steamy hot tub. He’ll be who I think of when I see Christmas lights or eat the season’s sweet cookies.
Jake’s already in my memories of walking in Washington Park with colored leaves crunching beneath our feet, and I’m certain we’ll make many fond memories during the times we’re curled up in the warm, homey sanctuary he’s made for us.
“Ready?” Jake asks as he opens the door to his childhood home.
“Yep.”
I hear the tapping of footsteps before Madeline runs around the corner of the family room in a fancy burgundy dress and shiny black shoes.
“Yayee! Sailor’s here! Hi, Uncle Jake,” she adds nonchalantly.
“I see you’ve bumped me off the throne,” Jake mumbles, so I giggle, feeling at ease already from Maddie’s elated welcome.
“Madeline, you look beautiful in your dress, and the curls in your hair are so pretty.” I bend down to smile at her and admire the crystals and sequins embellishing the front of her dress.
“You have pretty curls, too,” she says as she touches my long hair and my silky green blouse beneath my unbuttoned dress coat.
Once her gaze strays to the bold-colored wrapping paper visible from the bag Jake’s holding, she proceeds to jump and clap like a seal out of water.
“Presents!” Jake’s her favorite person once again as she takes his hand and drags him toward the family room that’s only a few feet down the hall.
While I follow behind them, I breathe in the delicious smell of dinner cooking. It’s a savory scent that makes my stomach growl.
