Let Life Happen

by Jaqueline Snowe

  “Nope. I’m good.” I shook my head.

  “No plans with Aiden?”

  “Uh, this trumps plans with Aiden. Even his hot body can’t break this seven-year tradition. Nope, not a chance.”

  “Aw, glad to know he hasn’t completely taken our girl.”

  “Trust me, bitches. I’m always yours. Ovaries before brovaries. Hos before bros. Fries before guys.”

  “Watching Parks and Rec in your free time, ya?” Kennedy joked.

  I laughed. “Yeah. But seriously, I’m not becoming one of those girls who spends all her time with a guy, right? You would tell me.”

  “Of course we would. And no, you aren’t there yet. Even if you were, we wouldn’t care. He’s too good to you for us to be upset,” Maya said, setting down her paper towel roll microphone.

  Her answer mollified me, and I felt more emotions surfacing. I hugged them both and smacked them on the ass. “Then we need to get our shit together and get prepared for Hos in the Snow Part Seven. I’ll get the eggnog and movies.”

  Kennedy chimed in. “I’ll get the food and peppermint schnapps.”

  “Damn it. I guess I’m on decorating duty.” Maya moaned.

  “Sucker. You guys better have gotten gifts, too. We’ll exchange tonight.” I loved our gift exchange. It was fun every year, and buying gifts for the people most important to me made me so incredibly happy.

  “Shit! I still have to get one more thing!” Maya ran into her room to change. Well, I assumed as much because she began undressing in the hall. I should probably talk to her about that.

  I headed out to get all the shit on my list. After I left the store, I saw I had some missed texts from Aiden. Normally, I would be annoyed, but it made me get all tingly seeing multiple texts from him. And I wasn’t one of those girls.

  Aiden: How’s my girl doing?

  Aiden: I’m beyond glad finals are done. I want to celebrate.

  Aiden: Is this payback from last week? I said I was sorry. Don’t ignore me, woman.

  Aiden: I know you’re not working, and you’re making me worry…

  Jenna: Stage-five clinger, Aiden. I was riding around town all morning, buying shit for my annual Christmas party with Ken and Maya. Speaking of, I don’t know if we had plans for tonight, but I’m going to hang with them.

  Aiden: Damn. No matter what I say, I sound like an asshole. I want to see you but totally get you need your time with the girls. Could you stop by for a minute, or I could stop by there?

  Jenna: We’ll see. They might kill me if you stop by. We created this tradition our freshman year in high school when boys were stupid. We have a strict no-dick policy. No matter how great it may be.

  Aiden: You better be referring to mine. This isn’t even sexting, and now I’m turned on. You’re killing me, shorty.

  Jenna: Maybe I’ll stop by. I have a couple more errands to run.

  Aiden: Grr. No maybes, baby.

  I stood in the store parking lot, smiling like a goon at my phone. That’s when I knew my feelings for Aiden had deepened. I saw I had three hours before our festivities began. Thank God I’d already wrapped their presents so I could stop by his place before I got the movies.

  I waved to some of the frat guys as I walked up to his room. “What’s up?”

  “Hey, Jenna. Aiden’s not upstairs. He’s in the den. You know where it is?”

  “Uh, no. Which way?” I halted, waiting for direction.

  “Pass the kitchen and turn left.”

  “Thanks.”

  I found it with no problem and slowly pushed open the door to see him hunched over a bunch of papers. “Hey.”

  He looked up quickly. “Hey, babe. I’m glad you could stop by.”

  “What in the world are you working on? Finals are over!” I sat on the edge of the big desk, and he moved my legs so he was able to rest an arm on each leg.

  “I know. This sucks, though. I’m going through the books for the chapter. We have a couple of missing funds which are unexplained. Even Jon couldn’t find them.”

  “Shit. Is it a lot?”

  “It’s not a ton or anything most would worry about, but it bothers me. It was taken out of our philanthropy fund.” The lines around his eyes deepened, and I felt bad for him. He took so much pride in running the frat, and I knew this bothered him deeply.

  “I’m sorry. That’s awful. You think someone stole it?”

  He ran a hand through his hair and sighed. “Honestly, yes. That’s why this sucks. I have to go through every damn receipt turned in and compare it with who was assigned to what to buy or stock. Thankfully, Jon keeps such good records of everything. It won’t be too difficult. I just have to find who took three hundred dollars from our damn funds.”

  “How long have you known?”

  “Literally ten minutes ago. Damn. I had other plans in mind for you.”

  “Yeah, like what?”

  He stood and pushed me down so my back was on the desk. He put his hands on my hips and slipped one up my shirt to cup my breast. “Play with these a little bit. Maybe a little bit of this.” He put his other hand on the outside of my pants. “Really wanted to enjoy your body, because I won’t get to see you tonight.”

  I moaned and fisted his shirt in my hands. “You can spare ten minutes, yeah?”

  “I’m going to have to. You’re looking too good on this desk. Stay right there. I’m locking the door.”

  He came back and attacked my mouth with his. “I’ve fantasized about doing you over this desk. Just ripping off your clothes and making you scream.”

  “What’s stopping you?” I asked between breaths.

  He grinned with a wicked gleam in his eyes. He tugged off my shirt and pants before taking off his own. “Spread your legs for me. That’s right, baby, you’re already wet for me.” He somehow removed my bra like magic and was gazing down at my chest. “Your tits are perfect.”

  He grabbed a condom and ripped it open with his teeth before sliding into me. I arched back at the pressure, but he grabbed me and wrapped my legs around him.

  “Fuck, you feel good, Aiden.”

  He picked up the pace. The desk was burning my ass, but I didn’t care. I was so close to exploding. He grabbed my legs and put them on his shoulders. I lost control.

  “Yeah, baby, come for me,” he growled into my ear before shuddering himself. “Oh fuck, Jenna.”

  He removed the condom and helped me get my jeans and shirt back on. He smiled wolfishly as I was putting my hair up.

  “You look mighty proud of yourself.”

  He tried to hide his smile but gave up. “Yeah. I am. That rocked.”

  “What? The fact we just did it on this desk or how awesome I am in bed?”

  I found my shoes and was putting them back on when he stopped me with his hand. He still didn’t have his shirt on, and I found his chest distracting. “Jenna, did you hear me?”

  “Uh, what? Sorry, your abs are distracting. They’re all shiny with your sweat, and they move when you breathe. Can’t blame me for not listening when I have this in front of me.” I put my hand on his stomach and felt him up. “So you were saying something?”

  “I’m not just a piece of meat, woman!” he shrieked in mock anger. “You’re making me feel like a booty call.”

  “You kinda are.” I shrugged and began reorganizing the papers on the desk.

  “I feel objectified.”

  “Oh, shut up. No, you don’t.” I rolled my eyes.

  “You’re right. I don’t at all. What I actually said when you were ogling me like a slab of beef was I feel bad you came over here and I just attacked you. It wasn’t my entire intention.”

  “Then what was?” I raised an eyebrow, baiting him.

  “I don’t know, to just hang out. See you. I really didn’t have a reason. But I wasn’t going to turn you down.” He shrugged, still grinning.

  “Good to know. Want some help looking over th
e records? I have about an hour.” I checked my phone for the time, mentally calculating how long it would take to finish my errands and get back to the girls.

  “I would really appreciate it.” He put his shirt back on, and we began sorting receipts by dates and people. I knew this bothered him, and I loved organizing.

  “It looks like the money went missing between October first and fifth,” I said after charting the dates on his computer.

  “Nice work, shorty. I’ll print this out. You’re awesome.” He came up behind me and set his chin on top of my head. It was one perk of being short; it made it easier to cuddle up to my man candy.

  “I guess I better go get the movies for tonight. Thanks for our little afternoon quickie.” I winked up at him.

  “Anytime, babe. Have a good time tonight.”

  “Thanks. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”

  “You work, right?”

  “All damn day.” I sighed.

  “I’ll stop by tomorrow, then.” He wrapped his arms around me. “I’m going to miss you tonight.”

  “I’m a really miss-able person.”

  “That’s not even a word. And you could be a decent person and say you’ll miss me, too.” He turned me around to face him.

  “I never claimed I was a decent person.” I grabbed my bag and smacked him on the ass. “I’ll miss you, too.”

  He grinned his dimple-bearing smile and looked placated at my admission. “If you’re bored or allowed to use your phone, you can always text me. I’ll be here all night.”

  “Plan on watching any porn?”

  He pretended to contemplate. “Undecided. Want to send me some dirty pics just to be safe?”

  “Ha, in your dreams.”

  I walked out of the house and went to grab our movies, all chick flicks. This was one of the only times of the year I ate ice cream, drank eggnog, and cried. It was quite the beautiful tradition.

  “I got the goods, ladies! Holy decorations.” Our living room was covered floor to ceiling in red and green streamers, balloons, glitter, stockings, wrapping paper, snowflakes, and presents. “Maya. You, uh, kind of set the bar high for future years.”

  “I know! Doesn’t it look amazing? I’m putting this on Instagram. And Snapchat.” She grabbed her phone, jumping up and down.

  “Ken back yet?”

  “Yup. The countdown until the first movie starts now. One hour, bitches!”

  “I’ll make the drinks and change into my sweats.”

  * * * *

  “So fuck, kill, or marry. Jack Black, Jude Law, or the guy playing Jasper. Go.” Maya clapped her hands.

  The Holiday played in the background.

  “Hmm, it’s kind of a tough one. I would want to look at Jude Law every day, so I’d say him for a husband. Fuck Jasper and kill Jack,” Kennedy said, finishing off her fourth drink. “What about you, J?”

  Maya waved her off. “She doesn’t get to play this part. She’s already dating the Jude Law of campus, and he loves her.”

  I scoffed. “He doesn’t love me.”

  “Hun, everyone in their right mind can see you two love each other.”

  “Uh, not true. I don’t know. I didn’t bring this up. Leave me alone!” I stormed into the kitchen, drunk and feeling emotional. I didn’t like what they were saying. I mean, we weren’t even together together. We were just…dating.

  “Damn it, Maya! I told you not to freak her out,” I heard Kennedy whisper.

  “Guys, it’s okay. I’m not ready for this conversation yet, okay? That subject is off-limits, please,” I whined. They knew me and my aversion to feelings.

  “Deal. It’s taboo. When you’re ready, you’ll let us know. You always do,” Kennedy said.

  “Thank you. Now want to start the second movie or do presents?” I asked, glad Kennedy at least tried to help me out.

  “Presents!” they chimed in unison.

  * * * *

  Hours later, after watching all three movies and finishing the bottle of Schnapps, I was ready to pass out. I smiled at the thought of my new leather jacket from Maya and a new Yankees hat from Kennedy. I couldn’t remember if I was wearing the hat or not and accidentally slapped myself in the face. “Ha-ha-ha. Oops. Go to bed, Jenna. You’re drunk.”

  I followed my own orders. I dreamed of gray eyes and dimples until someone woke me up.

  “You still awake, J?”

  I rolled over to see Maya staring from her sleeping bag. “Mm-hmm.”

  “I’m sorry for being an asshole earlier. I love you to death. You know that, right?” Her voice was slurred and sleepy.

  “Yeah,” I said, still half asleep. “I know.”

  “You might not realize it, but you have one of the biggest hearts of us all. Yours is hidden behind some walls. He’s tearing down those walls. You haven’t accepted it yet. But I’m happy for you,” she said softly.

  I nodded lazily and rolled over, but her words replayed over in my head. Did he love me? Did I love him? It could be true.

  When I woke the next morning, the drunken conversation I had with myself was already forgotten.

  Chapter 36

  Miracle On Mill Avenue-Aiden

  I woke up Christmas morning on Miles’s couch. “Morning, bro,” I said as I walked into the kitchen. “You any good at cooking?”

  “I’m trying. It might suck. I felt like I had to since we’re celebrating here.”

  “Nah, you don’t have to. This is cool just being here.” I sipped out of my mug and sat at his island. “Is Dad coming, or is it just us?”

  “Not sure.”

  “His loss,” I said more for me than Miles, but he looked up from cooking and grinned.

  “It is his loss.”

  He continued cooking for a good hour before I heard cussing coming from the kitchen. “Fucking hell. It’s shit. Damn it. Aiden, what’s open on Christmas morning?”

  I laughed. “You burn everything?”

  “Yeah, damn it. I just wanted to cook breakfast. How hard could it be?”

  I snorted. “Uh, have you cooked before?”

  “Not really. I-I don’t know. This is our first Christmas together, and I’m the older brother,” he whined, somehow sounding younger than me.

  “Miles. Shut up. Bring some Pop-Tarts and come watch Christmas Vacation with me.”

  He threw the box at me but joined right after. We laughed our asses off and took turns quoting the movie. Then my phone went off.

  Jenna: Merry Christmas, ya filthy animal.

  Aiden: Shitter’s full

  Jenna: Christmas Vacay? Nice. We’re watching Home Alone first. You having a good time with your brother?

  Aiden: It’s been good. He burnt the shit out of the food, so we’re eating Pop-Tarts now.

  Jenna: Ha. At least he’s trying…That’s gotta mean something. We’re heading to The Pit soon. The owner and his family are going to celebrate with us. You and Miles are welcome to join, but no pressure

  Aiden: Thanks for the offer, babe, but our dad may stop by, so we’re just going to chill here. Tell your fam hi for me.

  Jenna: Will do. Gotta go. The eggnog can’t drink itself!

  I chuckled at her response and went back to watching the movie with Miles.

  Not fifteen minutes later, he frowned at his phone and sighed. “Dad’s not coming. Apparently, his flight got canceled. What is wrong with our family? Shouldn’t we all be together?”

  I dropped a hand on his shoulder. “Somehow the roles are reversed here. If there is one thing I learned from Jenna, it’s that you choose your own family. It doesn’t matter if it’s by blood or fate. He’ll always be our father, but family means people you care about and want to spend time with.”

  “Do you consider me one of those people, even after all the years of tension?” he asked quietly, regret in his eyes.

  “We’re working on it. We’ll get there, man.” It was amazing any resentment I had t
oward him just didn’t matter anymore. It did no good focusing on the past.

  “What’re Jenna and her family doing today? I’m assuming she’s who you were texting.” He nodded toward my phone.

  “Yeah, they’re all headed to The Pit for lunch. She did invite us to join, but I told her no.”

  “They’re a great group of people. I really enjoyed Thanksgiving with them. Do you want to go?” His eyebrows rose, hope in his expression.

  I smiled. “It’s up to you, man. Today’s about us bonding and shit. It’s your call.”

  “Let’s go.” He hopped up from the couch.

  “All right.”

  We arrived at The Pit a short while later to see Jenna’s family, Mike, and the owner of the place all filling the tables with presents, food, drinks, and a mini tree. I clapped Miles on the back and headed in.

  “Jenna!”

  “Hey! Aiden!” She jumped and ran over to give me a hug. “I’m so glad you could come. Merry Christmas.” She quickly kissed me and walked over to Miles. “Merry Christmas, Miles!”

  “Thanks, Jenna. You, too.” He wasn’t sure whether to hold out his hand or what, but she ignored it and hugged him. He was taken aback but then squeezed her. Only she could melt my brother’s icy heart.

  “Aiden. Good to see you, son. Merry Christmas!” Jim and then Rich shouted at me. “Miles. Good to see you, too. Everyone. Grab whatever you want to eat and drink and find a seat.”

  Christmas music was playing in the background. I walked up to Mike to give him a hug. “Hey, old guy. Surprised you’re still around.”

  He pretended to scowl at me. “Watch it, boy. I may be old, but I can still take you.”

  “I know you could. I didn’t know you were coming here for Christmas.”

  “Well, Jenna invited me on Thanksgiving, and once I met her grandpa, I began seeing him around here. He made sure I got here okay. Good man.”

  “I agree. Damn. I have a gift for you, but it’s at the house. I’ll have to bring it to you next week at breakfast.” I found a calendar full of hot chicks for him, which I knew he would love to hang up and show off around the place. I also got him tickets so we could go watch a hockey game. It had beer and fighting and cussing—all Mike’s old pastimes.