Two Hearts for Christmast

by Lisa Y. Watson

  Wednesday was an appointment with their realtor to look at more houses. She and Christopher had returned home late that night tired, and disappointed at not finding a house that was good enough to be their dream house. Yvette was adamant that whatever they found, it would need to last their family well into the future. As far as she was concerned, that was past her kids leaving the nest and going to college, so if it wasn’t their dream home, it had better be a very close second. Thursday arrived; the day of Lacey’s performance.

  “Lacey, you have to eat breakfast,” Yvette pressed.

  “Mom, I’m too nervous to eat.”

  “At least drink a smoothie. Give me a minute, and I’ll make your favorite; chocolate-peanut butter.”

  “I can’t. My ride will be here any minute.”

  Christopher eyed his daughter. “Lacey, there’s plenty of time to have something for breakfast.”

  “Okay, Dad,” she readily agreed.

  Yvette turned a baffled eye to her husband. He blew his hand off and dusted his shirt at the victory. She laughed silently, and mouthed a ‘Thank you’ to him.

  Christopher blew her a kiss.

  Minutes later, father and daughter had gone. Her nanny had taken Robin to a play date, and Adelaide had not come downstairs yet and was presumably sleeping in. Her head was pounding, so she fixed herself a mug of hot tea, and went to start her work day. What I wouldn’t give for a spa day right about now.

  ***

  Hours later, Yvette went to the YMCA to pick up Lacey early so she’d have more time to get ready for the show. Lacey had to wear a tall red and white striped hat with fur around the base, and a red leotard, tights, and a candy cane patterned skirt. Yvette joked that she looked like one of the Who’s in Whoville. Lacey got home, showered, and put on her costume. Yvette rolled her hair in hot curlers so she would have a tumble of curls. Unable to eat, Lacey merely sat and watched a movie with her brother on her lap.

  While Yvette got dressed, she tried to call Christopher a few times, but it went straight to voicemail.

  “Chris,” she said, after getting the beep again. “Where are you? I’ve been trying to call you and your phone isn’t on. It’s getting late. Your parents are going to meet us at the Y, and then come over here afterwards. If you’re with them, call me so we won’t wait for you.”

  She hung up and went to get Robin dressed. She tried not to let her annoyance at her husband show in front of her son.

  “Daddy?”

  “He’s coming, sweetie. Let’s get you all dressed, okay?” She dressed him in black jean overalls, a red turtleneck with penguins and a Christmas cap with jingle bells that he insisted on wearing.

  “Look how handsome you are,” Adelaide said when Yvette brought Robin downstairs. “You and your mommy look very nice.”

  Yvette glanced over her red sweater dress and black knee-length boots. She’d also used hot curlers and her hair rested on her shoulders in soft curls. She glanced at the clock on the microwave. “We’re out of time. Are you coming, Aunt Addie?”

  “No dear, I think I’ll stay home and rest this neck of mine.”

  “If Chris calls, or comes home—”

  “I’ll tell him to head straight there.”

  She hugged her aunt. “Thanks.”

  “It’ll be okay, honey. He wouldn’t miss his daughter’s play for anything.”

  “Not if he knows what’s good for him,” Yvette said, with feeling.

  She tugged on her coat, got Robin into his, and said goodbye to her aunt. Lacey was already headed to the car.

  Once they were settled in their seats, she tried Christopher’s phone one more time. She was about to hang up when he answered.

  “Chris,” she exclaimed. “I’ve been trying to reach you. Where are you?”

  “I’m sorry, sweetheart. I’m stuck in traffic, but I’m on my way.”

  “Why are you stuck in traffic? You were supposed to leave hours ago. Even your parents have arrived. I don’t understand. What caused such a delay?”

  “I had a meeting with one of the contractors that ran a little late, but I promise that I’ll make it.”

  “You’d better, Christopher Darcy.”

  She hung up and tried her best to compose herself. She was so angry at Christopher she was shaking. What could be more important today than Lacey’s performance? It had been planned for weeks, and all of a sudden something comes up at work?

  She would deal with that later. It would not do well to show up for Lacey’s big night upset. This was her daughter’s first lead role, and their family would be present to celebrate her accomplishments with her. If Christopher didn’t show up…Yvette couldn’t even finish that sentence. He would show up. She told herself repeatedly. He would.

  When they arrived, Yvette parked and went in amidst the throng of other parents and attendees while Lacey went down the hall to join the other campers. She spotted Christopher’s parents and headed their way.

  “Gamma,” Robin said loudly when he saw Margaret. “Pop Pop.”

  “Hey there, sweet pea,” Margaret gushed. She picked him up and hugged him.

  “Grandma’s missed her little man.”

  Not to be ignored, Anthony took his grandson next and held him up in the air. “There’s my little soldier. How’s my namesake doing, huh?”

  “Dear, he hardly knows he’s your namesake,” his wife pointed out.

  “Yes he does,” Anthony protested. “Robin, what’s your name?”

  “Robin.”

  “Great job. What’s your middle name?”

  “Anfonee.”

  “Good, sport. And your last name?”

  “Darcy.”

  “That’s right. Now what’s my name?”

  Robin was enjoying the game. He pointed to his grandfather and said, “Pop Pop.”

  “That’s right,” Margaret praised. She sat down and placed Robin on her lap. She gazed at Yvette. “Where’s Chris?”

  A shadow flitted across Yvette’s face. “He’s running late. He got held up at work.”

  “What?” his mother exclaimed. “I told him not to stay too late. Honestly. That boy’s been working like a madman. We wanted him to get used to running the company because his father and I wouldn’t always be around, but it wasn’t our intention to have him working so hard that he misses things like his daughter’s shows.”

  ***

  Lacey peeked out behind the curtain at the gathering crowd. She spotted her mom, her brother and then her grandparents. She smiled, but they couldn’t see her. She studied the group again, and then frowned. Her father wasn’t among them. She scanned the entire room, but didn’t see him. With a worried expression, Lacey closed the curtain. In the distance, she heard her teacher calling the group to take their places in line. She wrung her hands nervously. He’ll make it, she told herself confidently. Daddy will be here.

  7 CHAPTER SEVEN

  Everyone took their seats, and waited for the leader to welcome everyone and start the show. Lacey spared a glance toward her family. They were waving, and smiling at her. Her grandfather was frantically snapping pictures with his cell phone. She tried her best to smile as if nothing was wrong. In truth, there was plenty wrong. Her dad was not sitting next to her mother and brother, waving and smiling at her.

  ***

  Yvette observed her daughter from the auditorium chair she was sitting in. She knew Lacey had noticed that Christopher wasn’t there. She was trying to be brave, but the disappointment at his absence was as obvious on her daughter’s face as it was on her own.

  The play began, and the kids began reciting their lines. Yvette prayed that she would stay focused on the job she had to do, and not the fact that her father hadn’t shown up. The kids were fantastic, and Yvette made herself relax and enjoy the performance. When Lacey had to sing a solo, it was all she could do not to stand up and cheer. She didn’t want to embarrass her daughter, but Anthony had no such qualms. He stood up and snapped pictures like it was the last tim
e he’d ever see her on stage. Yvette couldn’t contain her laughter when Robin said, “Pop Pop, sit.”

  When it was over, all the kids found their parents and everyone was asked to pitch in and put the folding chairs away at the back of the room. Yvette picked Robin up so he wouldn’t be in the throng of people and chairs. Anthony took their chairs and disappeared into the crowd.

  “Mom,” Lacey said coming up to her. “Did you see me?”

  “Of course, honey,” Yvette enthused. “You were fantastic. You missed it, but your grandfather must’ve taken fifty pictures of you. I’ll bet if we put them all together and show them real fast, you’ll have a movie.”

  “There you are, kiddo,” Anthony said coming up to the group. He hugged his granddaughter. “You were fantastic, Lacey.”

  “You sure were,” Margaret said fussing over her. “You were the best actress in the group.”

  Lacey hugged her tightly. “Thanks, Grandma. I was so nervous. I thought I’d mess up.”

  “But you didn’t.” Her mother replied.

  Wanting to be in the mix, Robin reached out for his sister. “Layshee, up.”

  “Okay, Robby.” Lacey picked her brother up and kissed him. “Did you see me, too?”

  He nodded.

  Finally, Lacey turned to her mother and said, “Mom, where’s Dad?”

  Yvette gazed at Christopher’s parents before she said, “I’m sorry, Lacey. Your dad had to work late. He got caught up in traffic, and just couldn’t make it before your play started. He called, though and said he was so sorry not to be here for your special night.”

  Lacey nodded. The disappointment was obvious, but she shrugged. “We’ve got another play at Easter.”

  “And of course he’ll make that one,” Margaret said, emphatically.

  “Who’s hungry?” Anthony asked, guiding the group out the door. “If I remember correctly, a certain Academy Award winner said she wanted Macaroni Grill.”

  “Do you mind if we just get take-out instead? I’m kind of tired.”

  “Sure honey,” Yvette said quickly. “Whatever you want. It’s your night.”

  Lacey headed toward the entrance, and everyone followed behind.

  “Why don’t you three head straight home, and Margaret and I will bring dinner.”

  Yvette hugged him. “Thanks, Tony. We’ll see you soon.”

  She got the kids in the car, and strapped in. Lacey was overly quiet, so Yvette didn’t push conversation. Instead, she turned on one of Lacey’s favorite radio stations and headed home. When they walked in, Adelaide was in the family room. A big bouquet of flowers and balloons were on the coffee table.

  “What’s this for?” Lacey asked when she came in.

  “Why for you, of course. I know your performance was fantastic, and I wanted you to know how special you are.”

  Lacey hugged her great-aunt. “Thanks, Aunt Adelaide.”

  Adelaide looked over at Yvette and frowned. Yvette said, “Christopher didn’t make it.”

  “Oh, my. I’m so sorry, Lacey. I’m sure your father tried desperately to get there on time. You know he’d only miss it if something very important came up.”

  “What’s more important than my play?” Lacey muttered. “I’m going to go put my pajamas on,” she told them. “I’ll be back.” Lacey walked out of the room and up the stairs.

  Yvette took Robin’s hat and coat off and put them in the hall closet.

  “What happened?” Aunt Adelaide inquired.

  “I wish I knew. Christopher said he would make it in time, and he didn’t show up. I haven’t tried to call him since earlier. Lacey is crushed, Addie. She immediately noticed her dad wasn’t there, and you could see the disappointment on her face. I feel so bad for her. It was a really important night, and Christopher blew it.”

  She was so mad at her husband, she couldn’t see straight. A part of her was concerned as well. He hadn’t called, and he wasn’t home, yet. It was almost eight thirty. She took Robin upstairs to put on his pajamas. By the time she returned, her in-laws had arrived with Thai food and had laid it out on the table. Lacey was back and eating her dinner.

  Yvette sat Robin in his chair, and warmed up his dinner. She sat down and fed him. Everyone was trying to engage Lacey in conversation and cheer her up. It wasn’t working. Suddenly, Christopher came through the front door. He was carrying a huge stuffed penguin and a box of chocolates.

  “Daddy,” Robin gushed. He was the only one that excited.

  “Hey little man,” he replied to his son. Christopher went straight to Lacey and knelt in front of her chair. “Hey, munchkin.”

  She looked at him sadly. “Hi, Dad.”

  “I’m so sorry I missed your play. I feel awful that I wasn’t there to see your first lead role.”

  Lacey nodded. “What happened? Why are you so late?”

  “I had a big problem with one of the buildings I’m working on at the farm.”

  When his mom and dad would’ve piped in to ask, he looked over and said, “I’ll tell you later.”

  “I got everything taken care of, but it took much longer than I anticipated, Lacey.”

  “I get it.” She stood up. “Thanks for dinner, Grandma and Pop Pop. Thanks for the gifts, Aunt Addie and Dad. I’m tired so I’m going to bed now.”

  Everyone said goodnight. Christopher stood up and sat the giant penguin she’d left over by the counter, along with her chocolates. He sat down in the seat she’d vacated and shook his head. “That was a disaster.”

  “What did you expect?” Yvette asked. “Tonight meant the world to her, Chris. It was her first lead, and she wanted nothing more than to have her family there to see it.”

  “I know. I screwed up royally, and I’m sure it will be a long time before I’ll be able to make it up to her.” He glanced at his wife. “Or you.”

  Yvette stood up. “I’m going to put Robin to bed. Margaret and Anthony, thank you so much for coming and sharing in Lacey’s special night. You’re more than welcome to stay. I’m sorry we can’t offer more than the pull out in the family room, but it is very comfortable.”

  “Honey, it’s fine. We booked a hotel for the night so don’t you worry about us.”

  Yvette went over and hugged them. “Thank you both.”

  “Our pleasure, Yvette. We’ll see you tomorrow. Don’t you dare cook; we’re bringing over breakfast, okay?”

  “You’ve done so much already,” Yvette replied. “It’s bad enough you can’t even use your own townhome when you’re here and—”

  “Nonsense,” Margaret interrupted her. “You all being here is breathing new life into this house. We’re glad to help in any way we can. Now you relax, and sleep in tomorrow. We’ll get here early so you don’t have to cook.”

  Tearfully, Yvette nodded. “Thank you.”

  “Son, see us out,” Anthony replied in a voice that brooked no refusal.

  “Yes, sir.” Christopher got up, kissed Robin on the cheek and then walked his parents out.

  ***

  “What the heck was that?” Anthony ground out. “How could you miss your daughter’s play?”

  “Dad, it was important,” Christopher stressed.

  “What’s more important than Lacey’s performance?” his mother chided. “That’s a moment you can’t get back, Chris. Whatever’s going on with the business could have waited until tomorrow. You know family comes first.”

  “It did…” he blurted out. “You know what I’m working on. Look, I know I messed up, but it couldn’t be helped. I’ll tell you both about it later. Right now, I’ve got a disappointed daughter to make amends with, and an angry wife to face. If anyone’s sleeping on that couch tonight, it may be me,” he said, seriously.

  “Well if you do end up there, you’ve earned it,” he mother concluded.

  “I know.”

  Despite being angry, she kissed her only son. “I love you, Chris. We’ll see you in the morning.”

  “Love you, too, Mom. And thanks
for being here for my family tonight.” His eyes connected with his father. “I really do appreciate you both.”

  Anthony pulled him close and slapped him on the back. “Don’t make it a habit of disappointing your wife and kids, Chris. No good can come of it.”

  “I understand, Dad. And I won’t.”

  His father grunted his approval, and then took his wife by the hand. “Let’s go, Maggie. We’ve got a hotel room and I plan on making the most of it.”

  His wife let out a shocked gasp. “Tony, really.”

  He laughed and held the door open for her. He shut it and walked around the car to his side. “A happy wife is a happy home, Christopher.”

  He nodded. Right now, he had little of either. Christopher waved as his parents pulled off. A long sigh escaped his lips. His day had not gone according to plan, but he had to stay the course. It was too late to back out now. He ran a hand over his stubbled jaw. This will either be the best idea I’ve ever had, or the worst. With determined steps, he strode back into the house. He had some fences to mend, and the sooner he got to it, the better.

  8 CHAPTER eight

  Christopher chose the path of least resistance first. He popped his head in to his son’s room. The lights were out, but the moment he cracked the door and peeked in, his son bolted up in his toddler bed. He walked over and sat down next to the small bed.

  “Daddy.”

  His heart tightened. “Hey, Robby. You should be sleep, little man.”

  “Daddy, up.”

  “Not now, Robby. It’s late and you need to go to sleep.”

  His son held out his arms, and unable to help himself, Christopher gathered him up for a hug. But instead of Christopher giving him a hug, Robin put his head on his shoulder, and patted his father’s arm.

  Emotion ripped through him. “You’re giving Daddy a hug, huh? Thanks, Robin. Daddy really needs one right now,” he said, quietly. “I’ve got two beautiful ladies in there that I need to apologize to.”