by A. C. Mason
In just over a week she’d be off to school, far away from him. The thought scared him. He tightened his grip around her.
“When do you head back?” he asked, suddenly panicked.
“Trying to get rid of me all ready?”
Her conversation with Liam had really messed with the comfort that had built up between them. His brother might try to keep them apart, but he wasn’t going to let go. “Do I need to answer that?”
She shook her head. “On the fourth.”
That wasn’t much time. Especially given Liam would be back on the thirty-first.
The song ended but he held on a little longer. When he finally let go of her, his heart clenched, but Indy took his hand and led him to the table. There was only one seat so he gestured for her to sit down.
“If you take a seat I can sit on your lap.”
As directed he sat and she slipped onto his lap. Her skirt hiked up, exposing more thighs. There were more than a few glances their way.
“What time are we heading out tomorrow?” She curled her arm around his shoulders and leaned in.
Had he failed to mention such an important fact?
“Didn’t I make note when I asked?”
“I’m pretty sure you didn’t.” She smiled and tucked closer.
This could be awkward. “Six AM.”
“What the…You’re joking, right?”
Tim shook his head. “I’m sorry. I should’ve brought it when I asked. An oversight on my part. If you want, I can see if I can get one of the nurses to help.”
She cast her gaze downward. “Six isn’t a problem. I was just shocked, is all. But if you’d rather someone else go, I understand.”
He’d forgotten Liam was trying to make her think he was embarrassed to have her around his colleagues. She apparently slid right into assuming it was true.
“Indy." He waited for her to meet his gaze when she did he continued, "I asked you. If there was someone else I would have asked them. Once I make up my mind about what I want it’s hard to change it.”
“I’m good with six.” She rested her head on his shoulder.
Greg crossed the patio, stumbling over to them. A pit of annoyance opened in Tim’s chest. He took a deep breath to relax. Indy got along well with the guy so he should try to see him through her eyes.
“Well, well. This looks cozy.” Greg’s face was flushed. “Stepping in to entertain Liam’s friends when he’s away. How kind of you.”
Since Tim hadn't spoken to anyone other than Indy, he could only assume that Greg was out to make point.
“Greg, you’re drunk,” Tim said. With any hope he’d go away.
The man swayed in front of them. “Guess if you can’t have the infamous Boyd, the brother’s the next best thing. Right, Indy?”
“Sounds about right to me." she said.
"It does?" He scratched his head.
Greg hadn't clued into the fact that he'd called his brother a degenerate in an attempt to insult him.
“You are such a fool.”
“Me?” He shook his big melon head. “Look at you throwing yourself at Tim.”
“Obviously you’ve never had a woman throw herself at you because you don’t even know what it looks like.” She cocked an eyebrow. “But even if I was, it would be none of your business.”
Greg blinked. “What do you think Liam would make of this?”
“What this?” She lifted her arms and turned her palms upward. “Shit. Tim and I are hanging out. If anything, Liam should be happy Tim and I get on so well.”
Greg’s eyes widened then he started to laugh. “And pigs should fly.”
Indy rolled her eyes. “Let’s grab something to eat. Piggy here has had too much to drink and I need to go before I say something I’ll regret.” She got up and head for the refreshment table.
Tim followed close behind.
Was it just the alcohol talking or did Greg know something he wasn’t sharing about how Liam’s feelings for Indy? If Greg was hinting that his brother was interested in Indy, would that still make a difference? Was Tim going to back off at this point? The answer came without a moment’s hesitation.
No.
He was going to pursue what was developing between him and Indy, no matter what his brother thought.
“I’m sorry. Greg’s a bit much at times.” Indy poured him a red plastic cup of her father's notorious Christmas punch. “Daddy’s secret recipe.”
“I’ve heard of it. A few years back you and Liam snuck some and spent Christmas day praying to the porcelain gods.”
She giggled. “I was a zombie for a few more days than Liam. I didn’t touch alcohol for two years after that. So, take note. It’s to be sipped and consumed in moderation.”
“Noted.” The fruity flavor washed over his tongue. A hint of cloves lingered. No wonder the two of them hadn’t notice the amount of alcohol they’d consumed.
“So what are we doing at six AM tomorrow again?”
He grinned. “I never said.” Nor would he.
“Are you going to?”
He shook his head.
“Why not?” She placed a hand on her hip.
“It’s another good surprise.” He stepped closed and whispered in her ear, “I’m working on making the bad ones a distant memory.”
She wrapped her arms around his waist. “You’re such a good friend for even wanting to do that.”
But he’d skipped from the wanting-to-be-friends to wanting-to-be-more phase last night when he’d taken part in their strange sexual exchange. He wanted to be so much more to her but he would wait for her feelings to catch up to his. If he treated her right and showed her what things could be like maybe she’d want what he offered.
He huffed. He was a bastard for wanting to solidify their connection before his brother returned. But Liam had had years to make any interest known. If he’d wasted the time, he only had himself to blame.
Chapter 10
At six AM on Christmas morning with no makeup on and her hair pulled back Indy grabbed her purse from the table in the foyer. Bare and vulnerable, she gave herself a once over in the mirror by the door. This was her, the unglammed version. Anxiety gripped her more so than when she’d woken up at his house. Maybe because she didn’t know if she would meet people he knew. Or what they were doing, for that matter. No matter how she’d pressed him at the barbeque he hadn’t given a hint about today’s activity. But she was curious. More than she should’ve been, given that she was trying to create distance between them.
When she looked across at his driveway, his car was gone. Had he forgotten her? Liam often did. Discomfort stabbed her chest. Was she that forgettable?
She leaned against her door tears forming.
A car’s headlights drew nearer and Tim pulled to a stop in front of the house. Relief washed over her. She walked hesitantly toward the vehicle.
As she hopped in, nervous energy fluttered in her belly.
“I figured the least I could do was pick up some coffee when I’m forcing you to get up so early on Christmas morning.” Tim pointed to the cup holder. “Black, two sweeteners, right?”
Little details about her didn’t escape him. Liam still always asked how she took her coffee. He was unable to think beyond his own needs and yet she desperately wanted him to desire her. What she couldn’t figure out was why. Could it be because he’d seen her through so much? With her best friend, she wouldn't need to pull out all the big baggage.
Liam's disinterest hurt, but was it her pride or that she loved him?
“We’re trained at young age to wake early Christmas morning to get to our presence.” She picked up the cup from the holder.
“Did Santa get you what you wanted?”
What she’d thought she wanted was Liam. She wasn’t sure about that any more. “I got some money and a couple of practical things from my parents, but being near them was the best gift. I’m blessed. I’ve got my health and those I care about are safe. Everything else i
s just extra,” she said. “How about you?”
“I’ve spent so long being angry with Santa I can’t risk being disappointed again. I’m sure one day someone will change my mind and be worth taking the leap of faith for.” Tim sighed and drove away from her parent’s house.
What could he have wanted and never got? She hoped he would share it with her but she wouldn’t push him now.
The bittersweet scent of coffee and sweetener swirled in the air as the hot liquid rolled over her tongue. Just as coffee had been an acquired taste Tim was becoming much of the same. In a matter of days she’d grown accustomed to being with Tim and enjoyed the thoughtful things he did.
“Are you okay?” He glanced at her then back at the road.
The streets were vacant. Families were likely joined together today. One of the few times of the year when people all over the world were gathered, celebrating love. God’s love. Love of family and their fellow man.
“Yeah, why?” She pulled from her thoughts.
“You’ve seemed in your head since last night.” He appeared concerned.
The party last night had shown her that her friends weren’t going to approve if she and Tim started dating. They’d never minded other guys she’d dated. So what was it about Tim that set everyone off? She got Liam’s competitiveness with his brother, but he wasn’t interested in her so why did it matter? . Again, he’d reminded her that she was humiliating herself by throwing herself at him. That if Tim had wanted to take her to bed, he would’ve made a move by now.
“Indy?” Tim asked.
On the other hand, if Tim was interested, they should be happy for her. “I know. I’ve been thinking.”
“Good thoughts, I hope?”
“Very,” Indy said.
The smile that formed brightened his expression and made his blue eyes shine.
They pulled up to his parking spot at the hospital. She hadn’t thought he would bring her around his co-workers. Shit, maybe she should’ve worn something less casual. Given he’d told her she would need to change, she’d worn something she could get into and out of easily.
“Are you sure you’re all right?” He got out of the car.
“Yeah.” She climbed out on her side and nodded. “I just didn’t expect to meet your colleagues so I didn’t really dress for the occasion.”
“You could show up in a paper bag and look hot.”
“Stop playing.” She pushed him on the arm.
“I’m not.” He took her hand and pulled her close. “You’re a beautiful woman, Indy, and the more I learn, the more I see that it’s shining from the inside out.”
Her cheeks burned with heat. When he wanted to be, he was such a charmer. Even his awkward formal manner was starting to grow on her.
He gestured her over to the staff entrance and signed her in as his guest. The guard smiled knowingly at them and she blushed again. It wasn’t like that.
They got on the elevator and went up. “We can get changed in the boardroom. That’s where I put the costumes.”
The doors slid open and they stepped into the hall. Most of the lights were off. It appeared to be the administration side of the building. Christmas decorations hung in the office area.
Tim directed her into the large meeting room. “I can wait out here while you get changed.”
“I won’t be less covered than when in my swimsuit. We can change together unless you’re uncomfortable.” She gestured her head to invite him to join her.
“As long as you're comfortable with it so am I.” He stepped in and closed the doors behind them. “I’m probably going to need some help with my Santa costume anyway.”
“You play Santa?”
“For the few kids that spend Christmas night here before going to the children’s hospital. We usually only have a few but the families and kids appreciate the visit. Happiness helps a tremendous amount when there’s of uncertainty,” he said.
Her heart flipped flopped in her chest. “That’s really kind.”
He shrugged. "It’s nothing really. When I was hired, I just thought it was something the kids would enjoy given they were away from home. "
She nodded but her throat and words failed her. There was a big red velvet bag on the table filled with wrapped gifts.
“The hospital staff collects them. What doesn’t get used here is dropped off at a women’s shelter,” Tim explained. “Here’s the elf costume,” he tapped the other garment bag then picked up a blue sheet of paper, “and this is the volunteer form. You need to sign it.”
The form held her to confidentiality and following a number of rules. She signed the sheet. Unwrapping the costume, she regained her composure. “Thanks for asking me to take part.” Kids seemed to be as important to him as they were to her. Liam couldn’t stand kids. Nor did he want them.
He put a hand on her shoulder then bent over to speak into her ear. “Thank you for sharing this with me.”
When he stepped away a shiver ran through her. Focus, Indy.
She quickly took off her sweats and t-shirt. The red and green elf dress and hat were her size. How had he known her measurements?
“Could you help me with the belly?” Straps in hand, he smiled at her.
After she’d pulled the dress on, she went over and fastened the straps of the fat, fluffy pillow around his back. The muscle shirt hugged his body, showing the lines of his lean frame. He covered it with the big red velvet coat and black belt. In a mirror on the table, he adjusted a beard and mustache. Warmth lit his blue eyes and spread to her chest.
There were elf shoe covered with bells. She slid them on.
“I usually only see the patients when they’re unconscious or frightened and in pain before a procedure. This lets me to see them when they aren’t afraid of me.” There was vulnerability and openness in his words.
Thinking of his work brought tears to her eyes.
“You ready, elf Indy?” He hauled the bag onto one shoulder.
“Yes, Santa.” She hooked her arm through his. Did Santa get naughty with his elves? Okay, that was not an appropriate thought.
They marched down the hall and their footsteps echoed with silent resolve between them. She couldn’t imagine doing this was easy for him. The nurses’ at their station brightened when they saw them.
“Santa, I’m the head-nurse. Tanisha.” The woman gestured to him.
“I remember you. In 1982 you asked for Malibu Christie. Isn’t that why you wanted to become a nurse here?”
She cocked her head. “How do you know that?”
How did he know that?
“Santa has a good memory. Ho, ho, ho.” He smiled. “We have two good kids that weren’t home last night when I did my usual rounds. Aaron Hank, age two, and Divri Scott, three years old.”
Tim reached into his bag and pulled out a piece of ripped parchment paper with the two names written on it. When had he done that? Last night or early this morning? Even the nurses seemed surprised that he knew this. Indy felt caught up in a fairytale.
The sun peeked from behind the hills. Christmas had only just begun.
The bells on the bag jingled as they moved toward the room.
“Ho ho ho,” Tim said as he entered the first boy’s room.
The reddened eyes of the small pale child grew wide. “Santa! I knew you’d come,” he whispered.
The little boy’s mother was sitting in a chair next to the bed, her face showing her exhaustion. When she saw Tim, her eyes filled with tears and she smiled. “Ho ho, you knew I wouldn’t miss Aaron Hank.”
“You sent me a letter. Did your older brother Henry help you write it?”
“No, Mom did.” The child pointed.
“If I remember correctly, you wanted a red fire engine and a baseball bat and glove to play with Henry this summer?”
“Yes.” Joy broadened the width of the child’s smile.
“And the last thing you wanted was an angel for your mom?”
The boy’s eyes and mouth o
pened wide as he nodded.
“I’ve brought a blown glass one for your Christmas tree, to symbolize the one looking over her.”
“Thank you, Santa.” He reached up and hugged Tim. “Who's she?”
“Each year I pick the elf that’s worked hardest at the workshop and shown the true spirit of Christmas year round to come with me. This is elf Indy.”
“Nice to meet you, elf Indy.” The boy waved at her.
“It’s an honor for me to get out and meet all the good boys and girls we work so hard to get ready for all year.” Inside she was fighting not to cry.
“There’s another child I need to visit now, Aaron, but I want you to have a very merry Christmas today.” Tim put the gifts on the table next to the bed.
“Bye, Santa.” The boy and his mother waved.
Indy followed Tim across the hall. Another small boy lay in the bed, but he was hooked up to machines.
A woman held the child’s hand with the two of hers in prayer. She looked up, and it was the waitress from The Diner, Dot. Her face was bandaged and covered in cuts and bruises.
“What kind of man could do this to his own boy?” Tears fell from her eyes. She turned toward them, rose and shook her fist at Tim. “A boy with autism…an angel.”
Tim opened his arms and she collapsed into them, sobbing with her whole body.
"Fix my boy," she cried out over and over again.
Indy stood in the corner in silence as Tim comforted the woman.
Chapter 11
Indy followed Tim back to the boardroom in silence. The sound of their steps echoed in the vacant hall. There was so little that seemed worth saying.
“I need a moment.” Tim stopped in front of the men’s restroom.
She nodded. The quiver in her stomach turned on itself.
“Please go ahead and get changed.” He gestured to the boardroom.
