12 Dates of Christmas (Christmas Falls: Season 2)

CHAPTER FIVE

“You don’t like Christmas,” Leo said, completely flabbergasted as he turned to look at bachelor number one the following night.

They’d just walked into the arts and crafts holiday fair being held inside the Christmas Falls Festival Museum and, well … that seemed a little weird to Leo.

His date, Mike, shrugged. “Nah, I mean it’s just an over-commercialized event. Totally pointless except as an excuse to drive fourth quarter sales.”

“It can be,” Leo said slowly as they approached the first table at the craft market. “I mean, I’ve definitely seen people fall into the trap of focusing all on the buying gifts part of the celebration and ignoring the rest, but you’ve got to admit it can be more than that.”

Mike made a face. “Commercialism is still at the heart of it.”

“It doesn’t have to be,” Leo pointed out. “What about spending time with family?”

“Which adds more pressure to buy, buy, buy,” Mike said, stuffing his hands into his jacket pockets.

One of the vendors at a table frowned at them and Leo made a mental note to go back and shop at their booth when he wasn’t walking around with a total wet blanket of a guy.

Leo thought of some Christmases he’d had as a kid with only a few presents under the tree when milk prices were down and his family struggled. And sure, at the time, he’d been bummed he hadn’t gotten the latest and greatest piece of technology all of the kids in school were clamoring for.

But he still had great memories.

“I think it can be special even without a ton of gifts,” Leo said earnestly. “I mean, my family always had a lot of fun traditions. We went for drives to see the lights, decorate the Christmas tree together, listen to music?—”

“See!” Mike said triumphantly. “All steeped in commercialism. People have to pay for the car and gas and the lights and electricity. They have to buy a tree and ornaments they use once a year. And the music! That costs money too. Plus, whatever you play it on.”

He looked proud for having torn apart Leo’s most treasured memories and reduced them to commodities.

Leo was tempted to point out they’d cut down trees they’d grown on their own farm, many of the ornaments had been handed down through several generations, and they’d listened to records from Leo’s grandparents’ collection on a vintage turntable belonging to Leo’s grandparents but he had a feeling Mike wouldn’t be impressed.

“Well,” Leo said as diplomatically as he could manage. “I can see why it wouldn’t be for everyone. What made you choose to live in Christmas Falls then?”

Seemed like a super weird decision for a guy who hated the holiday.

Mike blinked. “I grew up here.”

“And you never thought about moving elsewhere?” Leo prompted.

“No.”

Wow. This guy sure was … something.

Leo spotted a booth with some hand-carved gnomes his mom would like and he felt a flash of irritation that he now felt awkward about going over to pick one out for her.

Thanks, Mike .

He was definitely coming back another night though to get one.

Gah, why couldn’t Mike see giving gifts could be joyful too. Leo loved supporting local artisans and finding a present he knew the recipient would love. There was nothing like watching someone’s face light up with joy at the sight of a gift they adored.

But hey, the night wasn’t over yet. Maybe there was a way to salvage it. Leo cleared his throat. “So, why did you choose to come to this event?”

Mike shrugged. “There was nothing else to do. And I wanted to meet you.”

“Yeah?” Leo asked. The latter part of the statement was flattering but getting excited about that felt like grasping at straws. Even for him. “What made you decide to sign up for a matchmaking service?”

Mike shrugged again. “I didn’t have much luck meeting people otherwise.”

You don’t say, Leo thought drily. Can’t imagine why. Could it be your attitude toward everything?

But hey, Nick had recommended the guy so there had to be something redeeming about him.

Unfortunately, try as Leo might, the night didn’t improve from there.

While they strolled past the cheerfully decorated booths filled with hopeful vendors eager to make a sale, Leo made vain attempts to spark any conversation to build a connection with Mike.

He mentioned music, movies, TV shows, vacations, work … every single topic he could dredge up but most of Mike’s answers were short and ended the conversation before it began. The only thing Mike seemed to get fired up about were his rants on commercialism, which included Leo’s role in helping companies set up websites to market shit people didn’t need.

Which, fine, Leo could respect up to a certain point but as Mike described his future dream of selling his belongings, buying a used van, and converting it to live off-grid, Leo decided they definitely were not a match.

Mindful spending and avoiding overconsumption he could get on board with but there was no way in hell he’d ever be okay with a toilet in his kitchen. Nope. No way. Fuck that shit.

Leo edged his way toward the exit, grateful when he finally escaped the crush of bodies in the museum. Outside, the temperature had dropped and Leo rubbed his arms to keep warm as Mike blathered on about some online video he’d watched about van conversion.

“Well,” Leo said brightly when there was the barest hint of a break in the conversation. “Would you look at the time? I have a big workday tomorrow so I think I’ll have to let you go!”

Mike looked crestfallen. “Oh no. I was having a nice time too.”

Leo tried not to grimace. That made one of them.

“I’ll, uh, see you around then?” Leo said, edging toward the street.

Mike shook his head. “Oh, no. I’ll walk you to your door like a gentleman. You live over the bakery, right? It’s on my way.”

Damn it. Leo regretted telling Mike that earlier but, in his defense, he’d been desperate for something to discuss.

“Oh, that’s, um, very sweet but really not necessary,” he said hastily.

“No, I insist!”

Leo gritted his teeth and turned in that direction.

Thankfully, the walk to Leo’s apartment was nearly silent and he spent most of it enjoying the crispness of the late fall air and the crunch of leaves under his feet. He couldn’t wait for the first snow.

“Romantic night, isn’t it?” Mike asked as they passed the dumpster in the parking lot behind Ginger’s Breads.

“Mmm,” Leo said. The smell of old food and cooking oil didn’t really do it for him but hey, to each his own.

Though Leo was sure he would have ignored the ick and found it romantic if he was out with someone he clicked with … someone like Nick …

“So, when can I take you out again?” Mike asked when they reached the back door.

Leo already had his keys in his hand and he quickly fumbled for the correct one.

“Umm.” Leo smiled tightly as he glanced at Mike. Well, this was awkward as fuck. “That’s sweet but I am not sure we’re a great fit.”

An offended look crossed Mike’s face. “Why not? What’s wrong with me?”

So many things , Leo thought but that was unkind. He was probably perfect for someone out there. Just not Leo.

“Uhh, it’s not you!” he said hastily as he jabbed the key into the lock and twisted. “It’s, um, me?”

“Oh right,” Mike said, scoffing. “That’s what everyone says. C’mon. We should see if we have some chemistry.”

He leaned in like he planned to kiss Leo, eyes closed, lips puckered.

“I can’t go to the bathroom where my food is cooked!” Leo blurted out, fumbling for the knob and throwing himself inside the building. “Sorry! Good luck!”

Jelly wound around Nick’s ankles and mewed for food as he opened the dishwasher and loaded in the dirty bowl and spoon from the pumpkin cheesecake ice cream he’d eaten while watching TV earlier.

He’d yawned his way through the latest episode of Northdale Heights , then finally decided to head to bed. He’d been half-asleep on the couch anyway.

Jelly gave a particularly strident meow.

“Yeesh. Give me a minute, cat.” His phone vibrated in his pocket.

Hmm. Probably a marketing text or something. He’d check it when he got upstairs though to be sure it wasn’t important.

Nick tossed in a cleaning tablet, closed the dishwasher, then pressed Start .

He poured a little kibble into Jelly’s dish, turned out the kitchen lights except for the one over the stove, then checked that the doors were locked.

Even now, it was his least favorite time of day.

He hated how quiet the house was, how empty it felt as he trudged up to his bedroom, knowing he’d be slipping into the wide bed alone. He felt the familiar pang of missing Nicole, wishing he’d walk into the bedroom and find her cozied up in bed, nose buried in a book.

Even the company of Jelly, who would be up as soon as she was done with her snack, didn’t soothe that ache.

Nick was halfway through brushing his teeth when his phone buzzed again and he remembered he was supposed to check it. Hmm . Maybe Leo was onto something with the suggestion to write more down …

The first text was from some random company but, to Nick’s surprise, the second was from Leo.

Bad news. Date #1 was a dud.

Nick frowned around the toothbrush and responded, Sorry! Unfortunately, they’re not all winners right off the bat!

Although he’d had a few couples who had hit it off immediately and quickly moved in together or got married.

I know. But like … this was tragically awful Nick.

Concerned, Nick spat out the toothpaste, then wiped his mouth on the nearby hand towel.

Was he a creep or a jerk or something? Because I’ll let him go as a client if he crossed a line.

Oh no! Leo fired back. God, not like that. He was polite, I guess? Leaned in for a kiss when I very much was not feeling it but otherwise, a decent guy. We have very different values, I think.

Hmm, in what way?

Uhh, can I call? I think it would be easier to explain.

Sure. Give me ten?

No prob. Call me when you’re ready.

Nick finished getting ready for bed, trotted down the stairs to grab a notepad, pen, and earbuds, then went back up to his bedroom.

Jelly followed on his heels, clearly confused about the change in her human’s routine.

In a pair of plaid pajama pants and a white tee, Nick slid under the covers and got his earbuds connected.

He called Leo, who picked up quickly.

“Okay, so I feel bad if I made Mike sound like he was a creep,” he said the moment the phone connected. “He’s not. A little weird but, like, he politely walked me to my door and asked me out on another date.”

“If he tried to kiss you and you didn’t want it, that was creepy,” Nick pointed out, frowning.

“Maybe gently remind him unless people are really giving off interested vibes, he should ask instead of trying to initiate?” Leo said.

“I can definitely do that,” Nick assured him. “And seriously if he does it again, I’m booting him out. I don’t want you to have to deal with stuff like that. I mean, no one should.”

Leo was silent for a moment. “Yeah, thanks.”

“So, uh,” Nick cleared his throat. “Even before that, you didn’t feel there was a good connection?”

Leo chuckled. “Yeah, no. Not so much. Mike, uh, has strong feelings about commercialism. And like … fine. Whatever. But he insulted my career and hates Christmas. Which made the event very awkward.”

Nick winced and scribbled down, Ask clients about views on holidays.

Jelly jumped up on the bed, landing beside Nick’s feet. She walked closer to his hand, bumping it with her head and he patted her, enjoying the purr she immediately let out, before picking up his pen again and jotting down a few more thoughts.

“Nick?” Leo said a moment later. “You still there?”

“Yeah, sorry,” he said, distracted. “I’m taking notes.”

“Aww, you listened to my advice,” Leo teased.

“Sure, why wouldn’t I?” Nick asked, perplexed.

“I dunno. Didn’t expect it, I suppose.”

“I’m open to change,” Nick explained as Jelly hopped onto his thigh. “I never want to get so stuck in my ways I become inflexible.”

“That’s a good trait to have,” Leo said warmly. “Maybe make a note to ask your clients that too. See if they like change or prefer routine.”

“Great suggestion!” Nick jotted it below the other notes with his right hand as he tried to pat Jelly with his left. “Man, having you as my test client is incredibly helpful.”

“Glad I could be of service,” Leo teased. “So what are you up to tonight?”

“Well,” Nick said drily. “My night is less exciting than yours, I think. I watched TV?—”

“Ooh, what’d you watch?” Leo asked.

Nick chuckled and capped the pen, tossing it and the notepad aside.

“ Northdale Heights ,” he admitted.

“That’s so good! I can’t believe I missed the latest episode for a date with Mike the Grouch.”

“Well, I won’t spoil it for you then,” Nick said, chuckling when Jelly bumped his chin.

“What’s so funny?” Leo asked.

“Oh, the cat. She won’t let me be. Has to be in the middle of absolutely everything .”

“I’m surprised I didn’t see her when I was over.”

“There’s a reason I lock her out of my office. Also, I’m afraid she’ll bolt out the other door and go for an adventure in the backyard when I have clients over.”

“Yeah, fair,” Leo said. It sounded like he was smiling. “Should I leave you to spend time with her?”

“Uhh,” Nick said, feeling strangely reluctant to hang up. “I mean, she is used to our cuddles before bed but I can talk more unless you’re in a hurry.”

“Nah. I’m winding down before bed too.” Leo let out a wistful sigh. “Cuddles sound nice though.”

“Well, I’ll keep looking for your future cuddle partner,” Nick promised him. “I have another guy in mind for you all lined up.”

“Yeah, okay,” Leo said. “So, umm, message me with the details whenever. Thanks, Nick. Goodnight.”

He was gone before Nick could even respond and he stared at his phone for a moment, confused by the abrupt ending to their conversation.

“Well, that was strange, Jelly Belly,” he said with a sigh as he plugged his phone in.

The cat bumped her head against his chin again in solidarity.

Nick set the pen and the notepad aside, smiling a little wistfully at the logo at the top of the page. Flowery script said, From the Desk of Morgan Nicola .

Which was Nicole’s pen name.

“Cuddles before bed do sound nice,” Nick admitted aloud. It was what he missed more than anything, really.

He turned out the light and settled on the bed, letting Jelly curl up beside him, pushing her head into his palm for more petting. His feline companion would have to do.

“Night, Jelly Roll,” he said with a sigh, closing his eyes.

But other than the rumble of the cat’s purr, there was no answer.