Wanted: Boyfriend for Christmas

by Kimberlee R. Mendoza

  "Who does she think I am?"

  "I'm sure she wonders, but I need to put on the heat. I know you're angry with me right now and I wouldn't ask this of you under the circumstances normally, but...” Heather stepped forward and took his hand. “But will you be my boyfriend for the rest of the week?"

  * * * *

  Never had Heather seen Daniel's face so red, so angry. She'd just asked him to fake the very thing that he wanted for real and she wouldn't give him.

  "Are you kidding me? You're asking me to go along with..."

  "I know.” She touched his bicep, but he shrugged it away. “And I'm sorry."

  His jaw clenched; his eyes distant.

  Please don't hate me. “I'll make it up to you, I promise.” And she had to keep that promise. Somehow she had to make this okay between them. She just couldn't figure out how right this second.

  "Fine.” He turned to the door and swung it open, not looking back, he ducked inside.

  Great. Lord, give me strength.

  After lunch, Heather found her mother cutting shaped cookies in the kitchen. “So, are we going to decorate these later?"

  "Of course.” Her mom slid a tray in the oven and turned to hug her daughter. “It's so good to have you home, darling. I know you didn't want to come, but you really made an old lady's week."

  "You're not old.” Heather wiped some flour from her mother's cheek and slid on a stool. “I'm sorry I gave you such a hassle."

  "Well, you wouldn't be you then."

  "Hey."

  Her mother smiled and handed her some raw potatoes. “Can you peel these?"

  "Sure.” Heather grabbed a peeler from inside the drawer and went to work scraping the skins off. “So, what do you think of Daniel?"

  Her mother shifted her attention to finding a recipe in her cookbook. “He seems like a nice enough man. Polite, friendly, laughs at your father's jokes. Always a good sign.” She looked up and stared into Heather's eyes. “The question is ... what do you think of him?"

  "Hmm ... well, I've been thinking about that lately, too, and I think I've come to the conclusion...” I can do this. “That I may love him."

  Her mother apparently choked on her gum and started coughing.

  Heather jumped up and started patting her back. “Mom, are you okay?"

  Her mother recovered and waved her off. “I'm fine. You just caught me by surprise, that's all."

  Heather walked back to the stool and waited for her mother's response.

  "So, how long have you two been together?” she finally said.

  "We made it official this morning.” Heather stared at the potato peels, not able to meet her mother's eyes. Lying was not something she'd ever been good at. She hated doing it, but had to, right?

  "How official?"

  Heather looked up and smiled. She held up her bare ring finger. “Not that official. But give us time."

  An enormous grin broke out on her mother's face. She beamed. “I'm so happy for you."

  "Really?"

  She nodded, her eyes filling with tears. “Really. Daniel seems like a nice young man."

  "He is.” A twinge of guilt pressed on Heather's conscience. She hated lying to her mother and hurting Daniel. It seemed no matter what she did to preserve herself; she hurt everyone in her wake. God, help me to somehow make this right. Her inner voice said to tell the truth. She pushed it back.

  The doorbell rang.

  "Your brother's here.” Her mother dropped the spoon on the counter, wiped her hands on a towel and rushed out the room to the front door.

  Heather followed. She sensed Daniel staring at her across the living room. She met his stare and waved him over as the door opened.

  Daniel joined her, but said nothing.

  Her mother squealed and hugged Keith's neck. “My son's home."

  Her brother had gained some weight and his blond hair thinned a bit, but his dark green eyes still made him gorgeous as ever. Heather hugged him and then faced her friend. “Daniel, meet my brother, Keith, and his wife, Leesa. Keith and Leesa, this is my boyfriend, Daniel."

  "How do you do, man?” Keith shook his hand.

  "Nice to meet you.” Leesa smiled and rubbed her growing belly.

  "Wow! I can't believe you're pregnant.” Heather moved out of the way to let her sister-in-law walk through. “When are you due?"

  "In beginning of February.” She placed her hand behind her back and lowered herself into one of the rocking chairs. “Though I can't imagine getting any bigger."

  "I say its twins,” Keith said.

  "Bite your tongue,” Leesa said.

  Heather laughed and sat next to her. “Well, you look beautiful."

  "Keith, can we take her home with us?” Leesa joked. “I need someone to boost my self-esteem every time I get dressed. I don't fit into anything anymore."

  Heather grinned and, then glanced at Daniel. The pain in his eyes evident, but he didn't look angry anymore. “Well, I couldn't live with you in New York anymore than I would return to Colorado. I love the California sunshine too much."

  "You're spoiled.” Leesa patted her hand. “I saw it was eighty degrees on Thanksgiving."

  "Ninety,” Daniel said.

  Keith whistled and unbundled from his scarf and hat. “That's insane. I think we hit a record low."

  Roberta took his things and motioned for him to sit in one of the rocking chairs. “Enough about weather. You know my philosophy."

  Leesa smirked. “Weather talk means you have nothing better to talk about."

  Heather laughed. “That's right. You've obviously been in the Waterston family one too many years."

  "Tell me about it.” She placed her hands against the chair and pushed her belly out, obviously trying to stand.

  Heather lent her a hand.

  "I tell you what. I know where every bathroom is in every building in New York City."

  "She's not lying,” Keith said. “We actually had to buy a ticket to a play just to use one the other night."

  "It was a good play. Now, if you'll excuse me. I'll be back.” Leesa waddled down the hall and out of sight.

  The doorbell rang and the hairs bristled on Heather's neck. Her aunt and uncle weren't visiting until tomorrow. Which meant only one thing ... there was that other guest who was expected for the evening and it sounded as if he had arrived. She imagined the theme music to psycho playing in the background and herself screaming.

  "Jayne, why don't you open the door?” Her mother said.

  A perplexed look crossed Jayne's face. Heather was closer, but her mother was being merciful. Thank you, Mom. Heather stood, snatched up Daniel's hand and squeezed tight.

  A tall, dark, well-built man walked in, baring large teeth. Goonbean. He had always reminded Heather of a used-car salesman. It wasn't that he was ugly, just extremely cheesy. Even his red silk shirt and slicked hair screamed greaseball. What did her mother see in him?

  "Your suitor?” Daniel whispered in her ear.

  She nodded.

  "Charming."

  "Just stay close."

  Daniel wrapped his arm around her. No matter how angry he was at her, he was obviously enjoying this.

  "Heather? You grew up well. You look absolutely ravishing,” Martin said.

  "Martin. How are you?"

  He clicked his tongue and ran his eyes over her body. “I'm great. Just remodeled my store. You should come by check it out."

  Heather glanced at Daniel. “Martin owns a gun store in town."

  "I see.” Daniel smirked.

  Martin's stare fell on Daniel's hand, which was on Heather's shoulder.

  "And you might be?"

  "Daniel. Heather's better half.” He removed his hand from her and reached toward Martin. “So, she tells me you used to date my snookums?"

  Heather's eyes went wide. Snookums? Please don't embarrass me. She grabbed his free hand and squeezed it, hoping he'd get the message to behave.

  Daniel laughed. “I really can't
believe you let her get away."

  Martin shook his hand, the grip firm, his eyes boring into Daniel's. “Yeah, well, she's a bronco. You better hold onto her tight."

  "That she is."

  "Okay.” Heather rolled her eyes and yanked Daniel over to the couch. “Behave,” she mouthed.

  He narrowed his eyes and a smirk formed on his face. “Sure thing, Snookums.” Obviously he found this to be an amusing challenge. Or retribution.

  * * * *

  Daniel watched Martin. Never had he met a more stereotypical greaseball and most of the stuff that came out of his mouth was asinine.

  "Dinner is about ready. If you all will help me carry everything to the dining room, we can get started,” Roberta said.

  The family talked cheerfully as each person grabbed a bowl or tray of food. The aroma of turkey and baked rolls smelled wonderful. It was saddled with mashed potatoes, turkey gravy, green beans, cornbread stuffing, candied yams, cranberries and a relish tray. It was Thanksgiving at Christmas. Weird, but cool. Daniel grew up eating tamales to celebrate the holiday. He had hoped to get his mother's recipes before she passed away, but he never did.

  Dwaine said grace and then everyone dug in.

  Heather said very little during the meal. He sensed how uptight she was.

  He probably made her uncomfortable and if he didn't, surely that weasel Martin did. Daniel had a hard time imagining them together. He also couldn't believe her mother would want him for her. From the few stories he'd shared, he seemed crass and obnoxious, and his appearance was hardly Heather's type. Or any girl's type, he was sure.

  Keith patted his mouth with a napkin and then locked eyes with Daniel. “So, did I hear you say, a moment ago, that you and my sister are dating?"

  Daniel opened his mouth, but nothing came out. He wasn't accustomed to lying.

  Heather's foot slammed into his shin.

  He winced. “Um, you could say we've been together for quite some time, but just recently started discussing a more committed relationship."

  "I see.” Keith swallowed the bite in his mouth. “How committed?"

  Heather coughed.

  Boy, this guy wasn't going to make it easy. He seemed like a rooster protecting the hen house. Daniel looked at his girlfriend and smiled. “Honey?"

  She squeezed his knee. “Well, we're working out the details, but we're in love."

  Daniel pinched her side.

  She squirmed away.

  Martin looked up from his plate. “In love, huh? Then you've done the one thing none of the rest of the men in this town could ever do."

  Daniel felt Heather tense next to him. “Oh yeah. What's that?"

  "Make Heather commit.” Martin eyed her. “You see she has a bit of a reputation here. She has had a lot of boyfriends over the years, but she hasn't dated any guy more than a few weeks. As soon as they get serious, she's out the door."

  Daniel glanced at Heather.

  Her eyes focused on her plate.

  "Well, she's a different woman now and I love her very much.” Daniel kissed her cheek, a sudden reality hitting him full force. Everything became clear. There was a possibility she feared running from him, too. Maybe if she admitted she actually loved him, she wouldn't have what it takes to stay with him. Like she said, she couldn't lose him.

  Roberta clapped her hands. “Well, I think we can choose better dinner conversation that this, don't you all think? So, Keith how is the business?"

  He cleared his throat. “It's been good. I may be able to open my own firm soon. I have someone interested in partnering with me."

  "That's wonderful, son,” Dwaine said. “I've always believed in the American way. Own your own business and get your piece of the pie."

  Heather looked at Daniel. “My dad owns the grocer's market in town."

  "Oh, that sounds cool.” Daniel didn't know what else to say. He toyed with a sodden green bean. “I'd like to have a piece of the pie myself one day."

  "Oh, what do you do?” Martin eyed him, a piece of cranberry sauce smeared on his lip.

  Suddenly, Daniel felt small. He'd never loved his job. It was a means to an end. A job he took while he was in college, but not his career. Someday he'd seek that. “I work at a warehouse down by the docks."

  Heather nodded. “He's the assistant manager in his department."

  Martin crossed his arms and leaned back. “What do you manage?"

  Daniel glared at him. “Incoming cargo. The San Diego harbor is pretty busy. We help load and unload ships as they come into port."

  "That's fascinating.” Martin's voice dripped with sarcasm. “Blue collar worker, then?"

  Dwaine cleared his throat. “You said you wanted to own your own business someday. What's your dream, son? Because that's what's important. A job is just a money maker, a dream is your future."

  He liked that. No one had ever said it quite like that, but he'd have to agree. “I got my bachelors in International Business. The plan is to someday open my own company and work overseas."

  "That's a good goal. You've got to start by getting in the same trade.” Her father laid his fork. “I got my start working as a stock boy in the very store I now own. That's how it happens."

  "Yes, I plan to do that someday."

  Heather grinned. Many times they had talked about all the amazing countries and places they could visit during his business trips.

  "Are you bilingual?” Keith asked.

  Daniel took a sip of his water and answered, “I speak four languages, actually."

  Heather's chest popped out a bit. He'd made her proud, probably by not backing down from her family, even if this did feel like an inquisition.

  "Four? That's amazing.” Leesa eyes were wide in amazement. “Which languages?"

  "English, of course, but Spanish is my first language. I was born in Oaxaca, Mexico. I also speak French and Japanese. Those I learned in college."

  "Hmm?” Dwaine leaned his elbows on the table on each side of his plate and sat forward with his fist at his chin. “I would think in today's world market you'd want to know Arabic."

  Daniel nodded. “I'm learning on my own. I'm just not fluent yet."

  "That's amazing.” Leesa shook her head. “I couldn't even get through high school Spanish. I think my highest grade ever was a C minus."

  Her husband kissed her cheek and smiled. “You don't need to be good at Spanish to be my wife and the mother of our child."

  "Yeah, you say that now, but she just might need to some day. By the time that child is grown up, Mexico will be the fifty-first state.” Martin snorted at his own joke. “You just wait and see."

  "So, are you planning to stay home with the baby?” Heather asked.

  Daniel didn't hear Leesa's answer. His gaze was fixed on Martin, who stared at Heather. Why is this yahoo even here? Like Heather would ever go for him. Totally not her type. Not really anyone's type.

  Daniel wrapped his arm around the back of Heather's chair in some protection gesture. Her hair smelled so good. Like strawberries. He tried to concentrate on the rest of the discussion, but found it hard. No matter what, he couldn't help it. He really did love her. He secretly prayed Heather would somehow find it in herself to give him a chance.

  * * * *

  After dinner, the family migrated to the living room and gathered around Jayne and the piano to sing Christmas carols. After several rounds of Rudolf the Red Nose Reindeer, Frosty, Silent Night and Away in the Manger, Dwayne pulled an old leather bound book into his lap to read the real Christmas story. Everyone listened intently as he started in the second chapter in the book of Luke, explaining how God humbled himself and came as a child, born in a stable.

  "For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel, a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on
earth peace, good will toward men."

  When he'd finished, they spent a moment in prayer, thanking God for His gift to them, and then moved to the kitchen to decorate cookies.

  Heather probably got more frosting on herself and on Daniel, than on the actual cookie angels and Christmas trees. But it was fun.

  "What is that?” Daniel asked, pointing to the Santa cookie she was decorating.

  "It's Santa."

  "It looks evil."

  She shoved his arm. “Hey, I'm a writer, not an artist.” She eyed his cookies. “Your's don't look much better."

  Her mother watched them, a glow in her cheeks. This had to be heaven for her. She actually thought her daughter had a beau. Heather hated to disappoint her. What would happen when the truth came out?

  "Anyone up for watching a movie?” Jayne asked once the last cookie was loaded on a plate. “I was thinking we haven't watched A Christmas Story in a few years."

  "I love that movie,” Leesa said, then started singing, “You'll shoot your eye out."

  "I like the bunny suit. Makes me laugh every time.” She turned to her sister. “Jayne, do you remember the one Christmas Mom made us wear pajamas like that?"

  "I never gave you any pajamas like that,” her mother said, shaking her head.

  Jayne walked around Daniel and stood next to Heather. “Yeah, those matching, bright purple pajamas with the duckies on them."

  Her mother stared at them a moment, then it registered in her eyes. “Oh, those were adorable. I still don't understand why you guys didn't like them."

  "Mom, we were teenagers,” Heather said.

  "And?"

  "And they had feet in them."

  Her mother swiped at the air. “You're silly. I would have worn them."

  The girls exchanged looks, and then busted up laughing. “Sure, Mom, whatever you say.” Heather looped her arm in Daniel's. “How about it? Up for a movie?"

  "Yeah, sounds good."

  The family moved into the living room and luckily, Martin bowed out. During the movie, Heather's mind wandered to her miserable conscience. Tonight would have been the textbook perfect Christmas Eve holiday, if only the lie about her and Daniel being in a relationship was real and she didn't feel so bad. Lying to her family, rejecting her best friend, realizing she's absolutely screwed-up, and her entire family concurred, hurt.