The Problem With Mistletoe

by Kyle Baxter

  “I am happy.”

  Her face scrunched up.

  “You don’t think so?” He frowned and slumped in his chair. “I’m getting by . . .”

  “There’s more to life than getting by. I’ve seen you happy, and this?” She waved her hand at him. “This isn’t it.”

  “Ouch.”

  She came around the desk and leaned back against it. It forced him to raise his eyes to meet her gaze. He felt like one of her clients or opposing counsel.

  “All you do is work. You’re my son and I can tell when you’re lonely. I worry about you.”

  He pulled back and crossed his legs at the knee. “I appreciate it, but I have a young son to take care of . . .”

  “But you don’t have to do it all alone. Let me help. Let someone help. You can take care of him and still have some time for yourself. You don’t have to close yourself off. Love is out there, but you have to be open to it.”

  He picked at his nails. “Bonnie said something similar.”

  “Bonnie is a wise woman. Listen to her.”

  “I am. I do. That’s why I let her fix me up.” He was frustrated. She and Bonnie were harping on the same theme with him, and it was getting him down, even though he knew they were right.

  She stood there and waited for him to continue, then finally said, “So why are you so resistant?”

  He sat up in his chair. “You work out, right?”

  With a sigh she shook her head. “I do my Pilates at home three times a week. You know this.”

  He aimed a head tilt at her, like he did at his son when he was making a point. “And do you always want to?”

  “Well, of course not—”

  He raised a finger in the air. “But you still do it. Why?”

  Recognition sparkled in her sharp blue eyes. “Because it’s good for me.”

  “And that’s why I let her fix me up. Yeah, I grouse about it, but I know I need to be ‘out there.’ I may be a jock, but I’m not dense.”

  “Okay, fair enough . . .” She walked back around to her chair.

  “Y’know, this really isn’t what I wanted to talk about,” David said with a sigh.

  “What then?”

  “It’s the Christmas party. My boss is putting pressure on me.”

  “Cooper Youth Association has nothing to do with the hospital.” She retrieved her glasses and moved the mouse on her desk to wake up the computer.

  “Maybe not, but there’s a position opening up.”

  Her eyes went wide. “Really? You didn’t tell me this.”

  “Yes, it’d be a promotion. Nursing supervisor. And since Dr. Horton’s wife is a fan of the charity, I just need to make sure this works out all right.” He got out of his chair and moved to the window. He loved the view of the city from here. He could see the Old Quarter, where he lived, just past Midtown.

  “How are the preparations coming?”

  “So far, so good, I hope. I talked to Suzanne earlier. The event planner? I’m taking a tour of the space tomorrow.” David held up his hand and crossed his fingers. Though he was technically in charge of the party, he’d let Suzanne handle most of the details. “Can you come with me?”

  “Of course, this is important.” She fixed him with a stern eye. “It’s important to me.”

  “Got it.” No pressure, then. “Eric and I are going to Capili’s tonight for dinner.”

  Tandi leaned forward. “Really?”

  “They are catering the party, so I figured I should drop by and say hello.” David’s head dropped. He knew he owed the Capilis more than a phone call. Mama and Papa Capili were like family. He’d known them since he was a kid.

  “How long has it been?”

  “Years,” David said as offhandedly as he could manage. They didn’t talk about it, but a name hung in the air. He’d been back in town for over a year now. How long could he live here and not address his past?

  Chapter Three

  Yoü and I

  The sky was turning dark as David and Eric made their way through the neighborhood near Capili’s Restaurant. The walkways were clean, but snow piled up on either side. Eric ran and slid on the slick sidewalk like he was skating.

  “Be careful,” David said. The eight-year-old rolled his eyes and continued skating. The sense of déjà vu was sharp as David remembered giving his own father that look.

  The restaurant came into view as they rounded the corner, making David’s stomach knot. He hadn’t been here in years. His best friend left town fifteen years ago and David avoided it since his own return.

  Alex. David hoped he was doing well. Though he missed him, he never asked Bonnie or anyone else about him, and they didn’t bring him up. He was too hurt when Alex left without a word!

  A little thrill of anticipation crept up his insides as they drew near. Maybe it was the season. Or maybe change is in the air. He suddenly looked forward to this, to maybe seeing him.

  Stop that, he told himself. Alex lives in New York City. He hasn’t been home in years and the chances of him being here were slim to none. Maybe I’ll ask for his phone number. After all, I’m seeing his aunt and uncle tonight. His name is going to come up.

  David’s phone beeped and he groaned at finding yet another text from Zooey. She needs to chill. His head bent down as he fired off a text. A yelp from Eric made him look up with a start.

  The boy lost control of his slide. He tried to get his feet under him but stumbled and careened toward the road. In a panic, David jumped toward him.

  “No!”

  Before he could get there, a passerby lunged forward, sending packages flying. Fear gripped him as the man grabbed Eric and pulled him backward. They fell into a snowbank, their heads mere inches from the street as a car drove by and honked.

  “Eric!” David rushed to his son. Please be all right.

  “Are you hurt?” the man in the snowbank asked.

  David carefully pulled his son to his feet, checking arms and legs. With a grunt of relief, he saw that he was fine. Thank God. He turned to help the stranger up, taking his hand.

  “Are you hurt?” the man asked Eric again, brushing snow off his dark slacks and long wool peacoat.

  Eric scurried behind his father.

  “He’s a little shy—I can’t thank you enough,” David started, turning his full attention to his son’s savior. The man was well-dressed and lean but well-formed and just under six-foot, not quite as tall as him. His dark, wavy hair looked familiar and made David curious. Why do I have butterflies? The man picked his knit cap off the ground and looked up as he brushed it off.

  Lively hazel eyes that David could never forget flashed with amusement. Oh my God. How was this possible?

  “Alex,” he stammered. “Alex Capili?”

  “Hello, David.” He smiled broadly. “The big man here must be Eric.”

  The boy demurred from taking Alex’s outstretched hand and clutched his father tighter, peeking from behind him.

  “Yes,” David blurted out. Why am I shouting?

  “Capili? Like the restaurant?” Eric pointed at the sign over the building.

  “You’re back,” David mumbled.

  Walking to the parcels he abandoned, Alex frowned. “Yes, I’m visiting for the holidays.” He bent to collect the scattered goods.

  “That’s a surprise.” David rushed to help. Alex is back!

  Alex squinted at him. “I assumed you’d heard. Small town gossip and all . . .”

  His cockles rose. “It’s not that small anymore.” Edgedale was a city now. It had a college campus and everything. He grabbed the deli-wrapped packages and stood.

  “Mama told me you moved back.” Alex took them from him and stuffed them in a canvas bag.

  “She did?” Mama knew he moved back? Bonnie must have told her. It wasn’t a secret. Of course she knew. Now David felt worse.

  “Even in New York, I keep up with some tidings from the home front.”

  “That must be riveting for you.”r />
  “You’d be surprised.” Alex grinned. Then his face darkened and he walked away.

  “Hey, wait.” David held up a hand to wave him back. He was darting away already?

  “I need to get inside.” Alex called over his shoulder.

  He rubbed his chin. This was so like Alex, shutting down when things got close, but what happened? He couldn’t figure it out. What did I say? “So you’re rushing off?”

  Alex spun on a dime. “My apologies.” He batted his eyes and gave them a fake smile. “We’ll have to catch up another time.” He indicated the bags. “The kitchen ran out of prosciutto and we’re in the middle of the dinner rush.”

  “We’re coming in to eat,” Eric said.

  “Then I shall see you both inside.” Alex gave them a half-bow and trotted to the kitchen entrance.

  “Thank you,” David shouted and waved. His old friend lifted one of the bags and wagged it in response.

  “I want psghetti,” Eric announced.

  “You scared the hell out of me, young man.” David pulled the boy tight against him. “Don’t ever do it again. Are you sure you’re okay? Does it hurt anywhere?”

  Eric pushed off him. “Daaa-ad, I’m fine.”

  A couple stood in front of them as they walked in the entrance and waited in line at the coat check. They were both well-dressed. Fashionable, as Alex would say.

  Already thinking about what he would say? David’s mind was a turmoil. Alex was back in Edgedale and at Christmastime. The last time they saw each other was during the holidays, and that did not end well. Why was he in town? David was glad to see him, maybe, but his earlier bravado crashed. It had been a long time.

  They stepped up to the host stand and he looked around. The interior of the restaurant was much the same as he remembered: plush, with deep colors, white tablecloths, and Italian wine bottle candles on all the tables. It was a warm mixture of kitschy and charming. Christmas was in full effect, all the tables and fixtures bedecked in seasonal cheer. A large Christmas tree sat in front of the big picture window facing the lawn.

  Capili’s Italian Restaurant sat in the Old Quarter, the heart of the original village. The area became trendy in the last couple of years. The town experienced a revival a decade ago when the state college opened a campus nearby. Property and rents were cheap in the Quarter, so young people flocked here, a newly single David, with his son, among them.

  It was fast becoming the most popular residential area in the city, which amazed him. When he was a kid, no one wanted to live down here, it was rundown. His own family lived in Midtown then, only a few blocks away but the other side of the tracks.

  “Two, please,” David said to the hostess. Glancing up at his voice, the petite woman gasped.

  “David Cooper, it’s so good to see you.” Claire Capili smiled from ear to ear. She hurried around the host stand to kiss him and pull him down into a big hug.

  “Mrs. Capili, it’s good to see you,” he stammered. He almost didn’t recognize her. She looked drawn. It has been a while.

  “You know I’m ‘Mama.’ We’ve missed you, Mijo,” she scolded.

  “Sorry.” He saw hurt in her eyes. Dammit.

  “Still so handsome.” She held his face in both hands, then ran them over his shoulders. Eric watched them, wide-eyed at this new information.

  Spying her husband, she called out, “Papa, come here! It’s David!”

  Felix Capili rushed forward to shake his hand and also pulled him into a quick hug. David looked around, aware of the attention from the entire restaurant.

  “This young man must be Eric.” Papa peered around David to where the boy was hiding.

  “Bashful?” Mama asked.

  “He’s a little guarded around strangers.” David caught himself. “Not that you’re a stranger . . .”

  “It’s okay. It has been a long time . . . Well, we know something about shy boys, don’t we? Speaking of which, there’s someone here who may want to see you.” She favored him with a knowing eye.

  David found himself grinning. “We ran into him outside.”

  Papa moved to the host stand and, adjusting his glasses, peered at the computer screen. “You’ll get our best four-top.”

  “There’s only two of us.” Their attention made him happy, but it wasn’t necessary. Looking around, he could see they were busy.

  Papa Capili beamed. “You may get company.”

  As if on cue, Alex sauntered out of the kitchen. David’s attention immediately fell on him. Broad-shouldered and trim, dressed in black with a dark blue tie and gray scarf, he reminded David of a movie star. Not a shy boy anymore, are you?

  Stopping at the bar to talk to a guest, Alex then glanced over, nodding at him. Eric’s eyes scrutinized his father and the newcomer. David noticed his interest and shrugged.

  Alex offered a smile as he joined them at the host stand. “We meet again.” He went to shake hands just as David tried to hug him.

  “Sorry . . .” He drew back and extended his hand as Alex went in for the embrace.

  “Here.” Finally, Alex grabbed his hand and pulled him into an awkward A-frame hug, finishing their dance. Papa chuckled, watching them.

  “We’re here for the psghetti,” Eric announced.

  He shook his head. “I’ve tried to correct him. He knows it’s spaghetti.”

  “Always was a fan of a malaprop.” Alex leaned down to address the boy. “And it’s a good choice. We have the best psghetti alla Bolognese in town.”

  “I know,” Eric agreed, then frowned at his father. “But we never come here.”

  Alex straightened, cocking his head. “Never?”

  “We live on the other side of town.” David winced. It was a lame excuse and he knew it.

  Scrunching up his face, Eric glared at him. “No, we don’t.”

  One side of Alex’s mouth crept up. “You said he was shy.”

  “Yes.” David frowned and turned to his son. “You picked an odd time to become a chatterbox.” He gestured to Papa Capili at the host stand. “Can we get our table?”

  “Yes, Bonnie will be your waitress.” Papa handed Alex menus. “Table 52.”

  As Alex led them through the restaurant, Eric explained, “I know Bonnie. She’s my auntie.”

  “Yes, she is,” the man agreed. “We all went to high school together.” At the table, he pulled out a chair for Eric and lay the kid’s menu and crayons in front of the boy and handed David his menu. “Enjoy your dinner.”

  And with that he was gone, returning to the host stand. David watched after him, feeling let down, like he always did when Alex left.

  Chapter Four

  All-American Boy

  Bonnie approached them with a pitcher. She placed the drink menu in front of David and poured water in each of their glasses. “David and Eric Cooper in here? This is a special occasion.”

  “You could’ve warned me Alex was in town,” David said in a low voice.

  Eric pointed at the pen sticking out of the bun of curly dark hair piled on the back of Bonnie’s head. She caught a question forming on his face and gave the boy a smile.

  “He got in late last night, and you didn’t tell me you were coming.” She scowled at him as the busboy darted around her, removing the extra settings at the table.

  “Still,” David mumbled, his menu suddenly very interesting. She should have told him.

  Throughout the meal he found himself keeping tabs on where his old friend was in the room. Every now and then Alex’s booming “hah!” echoed in the dining room and David’s teeth ground together.

  Alex stood at another table and talked with a guest. Eric’s eyes were wide, watching the man.

  The boy leaned forward and asked, “How do you know Mama and Papa Capili—and Alex?”

  David took a long sip of his water. “Alex is their nephew. He was my best friend growing up.”

  “Is that why he keeps staring at us?” Eric asked.

  Following the boy’s gaze, he fou
nd Alex keeping an eye on them while he made his rounds touching tables in the restaurant. His stomach dropped.

  Eric studied his father’s friend intently. “His name’s like my middle name.”

  “Huh.” David picked at his food. He was not getting into that. His phone vibrated, and squinting at the caller ID, he answered it with a sigh. “Hey, Zooey. What’s going on?”

  Taking advantage of the distraction, Eric ran to the host stand where Alex perched.

  “Hold on.” He put a hand over the phone and called after his son. “Eric!” But from the podium, Alex gestured an okay. He returned it with a thumbs-up and got into a longer conversation with Zooey than he planned. “Okay, now what happened? I thought you were only working till seven.”

  “Someone called out, so they asked me to stay late.” Her clipped voice came over the receiver. She sounded tired. Hospitals were always busy during the holidays.

  “That sucks.”

  “More money for Christmas is how I look at it.” From the background noise he knew she was in the cafeteria.

  “Still, that’s a long shift.” He glanced to the host stand, worried Eric was monopolizing Alex’s time. The sight of them together gave him weird butterflies in his stomach. His usually withdrawn son was talking, laughing, and smiling with his old friend.

  Her voice dropped to a whisper. “Did you hear Bryan is also applying for the nursing supervisor position?”

  “Good for him,” he said. “I like Bryan.”

  “Good for him? But I thought—”

  “Gotta go.” David ended the phone call as Eric led Alex by the hand back to the table. The boy pulled out a chair for him, much to their amusement.

  Papa appeared, camera in hand. “May I get a picture? I haven’t seen you two together in so long.”

  They both shrugged.

  “Me too!” Eric took a spot between them.

  “Of course you too.” The elder Capili grinned, lining up the shot. “That’s a good one. Do you mind if Bonnie posts it on our website?”

  “Not at all,” David said.

  Alex’s jaw dropped. “The restaurant has a website?”