The Problem With Mistletoe

by Kyle Baxter

  Entering the lobby, the big man surveyed the space. “It’s going well.” With dark hair and eyes, the ex-football player was still handsome, if not as svelte.

  “It’ll be done by the end of the week. Then we decorate. You’re sure the owner is okay with this?”

  Mike gave him a friendly pat on his back. “Mrs. Cooper told me you have free rein.”

  “Mrs. Cooper?” That was news.

  The big man gulped. “I’m sorry. I wasn’t supposed to mention her.”

  “Don’t worry. I won’t say anything.” Alex’s phone beeped with an incoming text. He picked it up, happy to see it was from David. Then he read the text and his stomach dropped.

  Mama is in the hospital. Come when you can. She is stable. This is NOT an emergency.

  “Mamá,” he stammered. He reached for the counter as his knees went rubbery.

  Mike grabbed his arm to support him. “Are you okay?”

  His head was spinning, and he felt light-headed. He frantically looked around. Where’s my coat? “I have to get to the hospital.”

  He brushed past a concerned Mike. In the coat check, he grabbed his gear and bolted for the door. The drive to the hospital was a white blur through slushy streets that he barely remembered.

  He staggered in the front door at EMC and got Mama’s room number from the concierge desk. His mind raced as he took the elevator up to her floor. What happened?

  When he walked in the room, the sight of her froze him in his tracks. Aunt Claire was so small and frail in the large bed it frightened him. Papa sat beside her in a chair. His eyes caught Alex’s, and he grabbed his coat and led him back out into the hall.

  Papa put his arm around him. “She’s resting. They admitted her for observation.”

  “What happened?”

  “She fainted.” Papa walked with him down the hall. “She needs to stay off her feet.”

  “That’s why you’re selling the restaurant.” Alex pulled the older man into a hug. “It’s too much for her.”

  He saw David at the nurses’ station and they shared a quick head bob. Alex followed his uncle to the waiting area, where they sat down.

  Putting his hand on Papa’s knee, he asked, “Now will you tell me what the hell is going on?”

  “Language,” Papa scolded.

  “Really, Tiyo?” He shook his head.

  Papa looked at his watch. “I need to get to the restaurant. We have deliveries today. Will you stay here with your aunt?”

  “Of course I will, but you need to tell me what’s going on.”

  The older man took a deep breath. “Your Aunt Claire had a reaction to her medication. They want to keep her a day or two to make sure she’s okay.”

  “Medication for what? And I know it’s not just low blood sugar.”

  He took both of Alex’s hands in his. “When Mama gets out of here, we will sit down and tell you everything, okay?”

  “Uncle Felix . . .” Alex walked over to the window and looked out.

  Papa followed and put a hand on his shoulder. “Don’t bother her with this while she’s in here. You let her rest.” Papa wagged his finger at him. “Do you hear me, Pilyo?”

  “Yes, sir, but why can’t you just tell me?”

  Papa rubbed his back and led him to the elevator. “Because Mama wants to tell you herself. And you know how she is. Now, I have to go. Are you okay here?”

  Alex made a rumbling sound in his throat. “Yes, Tiyo.”

  “Good boy.” Papa gave him a kiss on the cheek. The elevator door opened, and he stepped on it and left leaving Alex feeling lost.

  He paced in front of the elevator until David came up to him. He fell into his arms, and David held tight until Alex finally let go. “Thank you,” he said in his ear. “You’ll keep an eye on her while she’s here?”

  “Of course.” David put an arm around his shoulder and they walked back to Mama’s room.

  Alex sank into the chair beside the bed, and David pulled the curtain. He mouthed an I’ll be back and left.

  When Mama finally stirred, a panicked look took over her features. Alex moved to the edge of the bed and held her hand. “It’s okay, Aunt Claire. I’m here.”

  “¿Qué estás haciendo aquí?” Her words slurred together.

  It must be the meds. He rubbed her hands. “I’m keeping an eye on you, Mamá.”

  She sat up and began fixing her hospital gown and the blanket covering her. “I must look a mess.”

  “You look fine.” He pushed a lock of hair off of her forehead. It was thinner than he remembered.

  “Was that David?” She gestured to the door.

  “Yes, he’ll be back.”

  She adjusted her position and stared him in the eye. “Mi hijo, why aren’t you getting the theater ready for the party?”

  “That’s not important right now. You are.”

  “Alejandro, listen to me.” She was agitated. “The CYA is important to me. This party is important. It needs your full attention. Do you understand?”

  “Yes, Mama, I get it. But the contractors are working and I’m just in their way. I’ll be back over there in the morning.” With relief, he saw that his words set her at ease. “Do you mind if I sit with you for a while?”

  “Thank you. You’re a good boy.” She patted his hand and lay back. After a few minutes, she drifted off to sleep.

  Alex sat back in the chair, his mind a jumble of worry and remembrances. He too started to doze off, but a snore jolted him awake and made him chuckle.

  His stomach was rumbling, and he took the elevator down to the cafeteria. It was comfortable with plush chairs and a variety of table sizes. David was there, talking with Zooey.

  Ugh. He wasn’t in the mood to deal with her. She obviously didn’t like him, and while that was fine with him, it made David uncomfortable. He didn’t like that.

  “Hey!” David immediately waved him over.

  After grabbing a cup of coffee and a banana, he joined them.

  “How’s your aunt?” Zooey asked.

  She actually looked concerned. It set him back; he did not expect that. She is a nurse. “Sleeping at the moment, but she’s probably more embarrassed than anything.”

  “That sounds like Mama. She always hated anyone fussing over her,” David said. “She’ll be here a couple of days, and I’ll keep an eye on her.” Zooey placed a familiar hand on his forearm.

  Trying not to roll his eyes, Alex asked, “Why is she in here for so long?”

  “Just for observation,” David replied. “They’ve adjusted her meds, and they want to keep an eye on her.”

  Alex wondered if he knew the whole truth—whatever it was.

  “I should get back. See you in a bit.” Zooey stood up and looked at Alex. “I’m really sorry.”

  “Thank you,” Alex said. Though David gave her a feeble wave as she left, he did not take his eyes off him. “That was nice of her.”

  David shook his head with a wry smile. “You’re such a bad liar.”

  “No, I meant that, but it did surprise me.” Alex pulled his arms close to his body. He indicated the door Zooey walked out of. “Weren’t you two on a date the other night?”

  David’s eyes flitted to the ceiling. “No, I thought it was a work thing.” Alex gave him a hard stare and David dropped his head. “She had other ideas. I set her straight, but I’m not sure it took.”

  “I noticed.” Alex pointed at David’s forearm. “But I don’t want to talk about her . . . I’m sorry. That just fell out.”

  “Don’t apologize. You have a lot on your mind. How are you?” David reached over and took his hand.

  Alex stared at their hands for a long moment. He thought of his aunt, frail and tiny in that hospital bed, and pulled back, clenching his hand into a fist. Tears welled. He wanted to scream; he wanted to run.

  David took his hand again and he let him. “Let me help.”

  “What?”

  “Let me help. Tell me what you need.”
/>   Alex huffed. “I honestly have no idea.”

  “You know I’d do anything for Mama, and you, Pinoy.” David squeezed his hand.

  Alex stared into his deep blue eyes. That was true. He knew that to his core. No matter what else was going on, he could rely on David Cooper. Without meaning to, he laughed.

  “Is that funny?” There was a hurt look on his face, and David’s hand relaxed.

  Alex clasped it tighter. “I’m not laughing at you.”

  David relaxed. “What then?”

  “The absurdity of it all? That I’d be here, sitting with you now after all these years.” I love you. It was a stray thought, but with a start, Alex knew it was true. But he told him that once, they played that scene out, and all it did was separate them. Take this for what it is.

  #

  He sat with his aunt until visiting hours were over and then drove to the restaurant. He wanted to help out. He needed something—anything—to do, but his presence had scant effect. They did not need him either.

  Instead, he busied himself in the upstairs office, catching up on emails he’d avoided. After closing, he went downstairs to help clean up. He could at least do that.

  Later, he and Papa sat at a table in the back of the restaurant, folding napkins for the next day. Business was brisk but not overwhelming. A good weekday evening. Papa had a glass of wine and an open bottle in front of him. “Juice,” as he called it. It was a tradition to have one shift drink with the family meal.

  Most of the servers were gone. Bonnie worked on the closing paperwork in the office while Justin finished cleaning the coffee station. It was really just an excuse to wait for her.

  Alex took a sip from his water. “Mama is awfully insistent on me not spending too much time with her. She said I should be working on the CYA party. Why is she so invested in it?”

  His face opened in surprise. “It’s because of you.”

  “What?”

  Papa took a long sip of Pinot Grigio. “Claire and Tandi formed it two years ago, right after your father passed and we found out how he threw you out.”

  “How did you know that?” Alex stared at him. I never told them that.

  “It was terrible. I’m so sorry for what he did to you.”

  “But, Tiyo, how did you know?”

  Papa pushed his chair back. “He told us before he died. I can’t believe he threw his own son out of his house because you’re gay. We knew it wasn’t easy, but we never knew how bad it was. We didn’t know why you left until he told us. And I’m so sorry.”

  Reaching over, Alex put a hand on his arm. “It’s okay.”

  The older man shook him off. “No, it’s not. We weren’t there for you and it kills me. We can’t make up for what he did, but Mama tried with the charity.” He wiped a tear away.

  Alex got out of his chair and knelt beside his uncle, embracing him. “I love you so much. You two mean everything to me.”

  Papa rocked him back and forth like when he was a boy on his knee. “We’re so proud of you, Pinoy. You’re the closest thing we have to a child. No, you are our child, and we love you.”

  He wiped his eyes on his sleeve and got back in his chair. “But why Cooper Youth Association?”

  “Tandi was desperate to help, especially after what Eric went through. She and Claire became good friends when David’s father passed. And everyone knows their name. It just made sense. David’s father was much loved.”

  “Yes, he was.” Remembering Justin was there, Alex turned to him. “Sorry.”

  “No, I apologize. I should’ve left.” The young man stood up, but Papa waved him back.

  “Don’t be silly. You’ve worked here for years. You’re part of the family.” Papa patted the table, and the young man took a seat closer to them. Alex handed him a stack of napkins, and Papa poured him a glass of wine.

  “Juice.” Papa held up his glass.

  “Juice, baby,” Justin agreed with a grin.

  Alex held up his water and they clinked their glasses together.

  “Now what about you and Bonnie?” Papa asked, and they delighted in watching Justin squirm.

  “What about me?” Bonnie appeared beside them.

  Justin jumped to his feet, making them snort with laughter.

  Bonnie’s phone chimed and she grimaced. “Crap.”

  “What happened?” Justin asked.

  “Text from a client. His website went down. I need to run home and take care of it.”

  “Let’s go,” the surfer agreed and walked her to the front door.

  “Have fun, you crazy kids,” Alex yelled, making Bonnie stop at the door and glare at him. Justin gave him a shaka as they left.

  “I like him. Website went down?” Alex asked.

  “Bonnie does freelance web design. She did the CYA website and ours.”

  He shook his head. “That boggles the mind. Capili’s has a website.”

  “Alejandro, we’re not phyllis—what’s that word you liked to use?”

  Which one? “Philistines?”

  “That’s it.” Papa clucked. Sitting his glass of wine aside, Papa stood up. “I need to go home and walk my doggies.”

  Alex snapped his fingers. “That’s right. You have two Bichons.” He followed his uncle to the coat check.

  “Are you writing?” Papa pulled on his jacket. “You’re never so happy as when you’re writing.”

  “Oh, I haven’t written anything in a long time.”

  With a hmmm, Papa pulled him into another hug and, after pinching his cheek, walked out the door.

  That night, while replying to emails from the bride in the Blake-Krug wedding, Alex thought long about the CYA. David and his mother were deeply involved in it. Bonnie was too. But he stayed emotionally removed from it, running it like it was any other job.

  So many people he cared about were invested in it. The CYA had the potential to have a real impact in the community in Edgedale. And he had yet to even go to their offices. It was not just another event.

  Chapter Thirty-One

  Walk on the Wild Side

  The next morning at the theater was productive. It looked like the contractors would finish sooner rather than later. Confident in the timetable, Alex firmed up the plan for them to go over to his house. He calculated it’d take them half a day at most.

  Fearing he’d catered too much to the bridezilla’s whims, he ignored most of her emails. Enough was enough. Luckily, Enrico picked up that baton and ran with it. He owed him.

  Time Alex normally spent on Five Points he now wanted to devote to the CYA. After Papa left last night, he worked on the press release, emailing back and forth with Tandi Cooper and Bonnie. They found a draft they all thought was ready and forwarded it the press agent for tweaking.

  Discovering the origins of the charity brought a new sense of urgency and energy. It had to be right, not just because it was a good cause, but for Mamá.

  His phone rang. With a start, he saw it was her. They let her have her cellphone? But then he imagined them trying to take it away and laughed. “Good morning, Aunt Claire. How are you?”

  “I’m a bit tired and restless, but I’m fine. I want to get out of here and go back to work.”

  “What did the doctor say?” He walked to the entrance and looked out.

  “They’re adjusting my medication. They want to keep me a few days,” Mama said. “Where are you? Are you at your house?”

  “No, I’m at the theater, helping the contractors,” he said. That got a laugh from several of them. “I do things,” he shot over his shoulder.

  “I’m sure you do.” She tittered. “Now, there’s something I want to talk to you about.”

  Finally. “You can tell me anything, Aunt Claire.” He hugged himself against the draft coming through the crack between the doors.

  “Good, I want you out of the attic at the restaurant,” Mama said.

  “What?” That was not what he expected. She was on her sickbed and giving him orders. Okay, t
hat’s just like her.

  “It’s past time you moved into your own home,” she said in the tone she took with errant employees and stubborn children. “You’ve been moping around for a week. You need to get off your skinny butt and move into your own place.”

  “I’ve been busy.” It was a lie. Until today, he’d done a lot of nothing. He ran a hand through his hair. He didn’t use any product this morning, and the curls were unruly.

  “And now you can go be busy in your own home. Last time you were over there was days ago.” Her tone softened. “I love you, Mijo, but it’s time you quit haunting my attic.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” He kicked the plate on the bottom of the door with his boot as he rubbed the brass door handle with his thumb.

  “How’re things with the party?” she asked.

  “It’s going well.” Turning, he headed to a warmer spot in the lobby.

  “Do you need more supplies? Tell me if you need more.” In the background of the call he heard a television. She was watching her stories. “How are you paying for the contractors?”

  “I have everything in hand. You don’t need to worry.” One of the workers shared a nod with him, hearing his half of the conversation.

  “Mothers,” the man said with a knowing smile.

  Her tone turned firm again. “But I do worry, Alejandro. This is important.”

  “I know, Mamá. You told me. If I need anything, I’ll let you know. I promise.” The phone in his hand chimed. When he glanced at the screen, a smile broke out over his face. “I’ve gotta go.”

  “Is that David?” she sang.

  “Stop it,” Alex warned. “I’ll come see you later.”

  “I love you, boy.”

  “Thank you, Mamá. I love you too.” He thumbed the screen, changing lines to answer David’s call. “What’s up?”

  “Hey, I need a favor.” The wince in David’s voice was back.

  He could all but see the furrowed brow. Same old David. “Name it, big guy.”

  “There was a call out and I’m stuck at the hospital until relief comes in. I could slough it off to someone else, but . . .”

  “That would not look good with your quest to become supervisor,” Alex finished.