Stuck With My Christmas Crush (Sweet Christmas Kisses)

20. Chapter 20

Chapter 20

Charlie

“ M erry Christmas!” Calvin pulls a cracker with Lou as George Michael sings his classic on the sound system Christmas playlist. We laugh as the shiny cardboard rips. A slip of paper falls out with an orange plastic whistle and a pink party hat. Lou picks up the party hat, unfolds it, and puts it on. Calvin picks up the whistle and blows it, then unwraps the mini pack of playing cards from the previous cracker, clearly delighted with the dinky prizes .

“Ah, a joke,” Lou says clearing her throat in preparation for theatrical effect. “What do elves do after school?”

“We don’t know,” Calvin and I chime in together. “What do elves do after school?”

“Their gnome work!”

We all groan collectively. “Honestly. These get worse every year,” says Calvin.

“Where did you get these?” asks Lou.

“Ah, they’re left over from that corporate event downtown last week,” I say, sipping from my glass of mimosa. “Remember Tim, the organizer? He handed me a goody bag on the way out and the crackers were part of the swag.”

“Excellent. Cool. Cheers,” says Lou. “Got to love a big-budget gig.”

“It’s my go,” I say, carefully putting my glass down.

“Oh, well, we don’t have any more of those crackers left, but this box was sent to the office.” Calvin hands me a cardboard box with pictures of crackers on the top and the sides. “It’s actually addressed to you, Charlie. Looks deluxe. Special.”

“Ah, yeah. It’s probably from the family, that we did the wizard party for, who were let down at the last minute. Do you remember? They were so grateful when I said we could step in.”

“Yeah. Vaguely,” says Lou before she sips her mimosa .

“There must be a mistake,” I say, laughing, as I open the box. Strangely, there’s only one cracker inside. “Where are the others?”

I take out the lone cracker, hold one end, and offer the other end to Lou. We tug at the same time causing a crack and more ripped paper. As expected, another party hat falls out. This time it’s lime green. I unfold it and put it on. Then I shake my end of the cardboard tube, and a little box, tied with ribbon, drops on the table with a thin slip of paper.

“How intriguing,” says Calvin leaning over to get a better look.

I pick up the box, then uncurl the piece of paper, and read what’s written on it.

“Tell us another appalling joke, Charlie,” says Lou giggling.

“It’s not a joke. It’s a Christmas wish.”

“What?”

“That’s what it says here. It’s a rhyme.” I begin to read out loud.

If what you wish for is the same as me.

This gift cannot be found under the Christmas tree.

Look inside your heart.

That is where your wish might be .

“How odd,” says Lou taking the flimsy piece of paper from my hand. “What does it mean?”

Lou looks at Calvin who shrugs and says, “That family must have you confused with someone else, I think.”

I stare into space as an idea slaps me. “I think it’s from Jason,” I say quietly as I reach for my mimosa and take a swift slurp.

“Really?”

“Open the box,” Lou demands.

I pull the ribbon from the square cardboard package and carefully take the lid off. Inside is something sparkly wrapped in pink tissue. I take it out and peel away the layer of thin paper.

“It’s a bracelet,” I say turning the dainty string of glittery stones arranged in a series of flowers over in my hand.

“So pretty,” says Lou with twinkly eyes. Then she says, “Well, if it is from Jason. How do you feel about that?”

“I don’t know. I’m surprised. I love it.” I put the bracelet on and admire how it sparkles. “It’s just so unexpected. I mean, we haven’t really connected since that day at the mansion. He left a message, but I haven’t called him back.”

“It could mean that he’s had a change of heart,” says Calvin topping up our glasses with what’s left of bubbly wine.

“Call him. ”

“No. It might not be from Jason. Anyway, he’ll be with his sister and…”

“Well. He might just turn up. You did invite him for Christmas dinner, remember?”

“Speaking of which,” Calvin says as he stands up holding his glass. “I should get busy in the kitchen.” He leaves Lou and me in the living room, sipping his mimosa as he goes.

We clear the debris of Christmas wrapping from the floor. Then Lou goes to the kitchen to help Calvin as I lay the table and arrange the candle centerpiece.

I pause to look at the pretty bracelet again and hold it up to the light. A warm glow fills me as I think about Jason, the most practical, sensible person I have ever met. And the consideration and effort that went into my gift. Maybe I read him all wrong. I had him pegged as a dry, decidedly unromantic man who would never understand me. The bracelet proves that there’s much more going on than I first thought. If the gift is from Jason, that is.

I light the candles on the dining table and admire the cozy living room with all its tinsel and twinkly lights. Nat King Cole sings about roasting chestnuts on an open fire and I feel all tingly inside - the sort of tingles that only happen at Christmastime. Then I realize that Nat King Cole is my phone ringing and not the track on the Christmas playlist. The device vibrates and lights up on the bookshelf, where I left it, beside the mini-Santa in his sleigh pulled by some very life-like reindeer.

I pick up my phone and answer without checking caller ID.

“Hey, Charlie. It’s Jason.”

I gasp in surprise. My heart is about to burst, but manage to say, “Ah, Jason. Merry Christmas. How are you?” I’m nervous and gabbling. “Are you having a nice time? Is Rocko wearing his Christmas collar? Where are you spending your day? At the mansion? Is it cold up there?”

“No.” Jason laughs. “I was at Meredith’s this morning, but now I’m right outside your place.”

Still holding my phone I hurry to the window and peek out through the drapes. Jason is standing on the path. Snowflakes fall softly. He’s holding a big bag decorated with Christmas angels. I’m stunned for a minute by the magical scene, then drop my phone on the couch and rush to open the door. Christmas tingles are now heart-fluttering jitters. I fling open the door but almost slam it shut again.

Then I get it together enough to say, “Hello, Jason. What a surprise.”

“Is it?” Jason smiles at me through the falling snow. “You invited me. I have the card here, just in case you forgot.” Jason holds up the Christmas card that I had given him with the juggling balls. “It is Christmas day. And I guess it is coming up to dinner time. So, here I am.”

I shiver in the evening chill. “Jason. I can’t believe you're here.” My breath appears in clouds. “Come in. Please.” I step aside to allow Jason to pass, then close the door.

“You didn’t return my call, so I really only had one option, Charlie,” Jason says shyly as he follows me into the living room where the table is set for four. “It is still okay for me to…”

“Yes. Yes, of course. I’m just, um.” I shrug. “I didn’t think you’d come. That’s all.”

“If you’d rather I left,” Jason says moving back toward to front door.

“No. No. Please. Let me take your coat. Have a seat and… Can I get you a drink? Egg nogg? Coke? Tea?” I try and think of other drinks and beverages I can offer. “We’re having mimosas. I could get you one of those.”

“Yeah. A mimosa would be great. But make it orange juice heavy. I’m driving.”

“Sure.” I’m breathless. “One sec.” I run to the kitchen. “Guess what?” I hiss at my roommates.

“What? ”

“It’s Jason. He’s here.” I point wildly behind me. “In the living room. He wants a mimosa.” I slump against the doorframe. “He’s come for dinner. And it’s snowing!”

“That’s great, Charlie. Go,” says Lou ushering me from the kitchen. “I’ll bring the drinks.”

I take a deep breath before casually walking back to the living room. I sit beside Jason on the couch. The Christmas angel bag is on the floor beside him. There’s an awkward pause before I turn to him and ask, “Did you send one Christmas cracker in a box addressed to me?”

“I see you got it.” Jason takes my hand and looks at the bracelet. “It looks really nice. I was hoping that you’d like it. Maddie helped me choose. It belonged to Great Aunt Alice. She’s wearing it in the photo at my place. Do you remember?”

“Ah. Yes. I love it. Thank you so much.” I slowly turn my wrist to admire the sparkling stones. “It’s so special.” Then, I say, “And the cracker. What did you mean? The poem?”

Jason opens his mouth to reply but he is interrupted by Lou and Calvin who come in holding trays of drinks and plates of canapés.

“Hey. Merry Christmas,” Lou says placing her tray on the table. Jason stands up to greet her. “You must be Jason,” she says. “I’m Lou and this is Calvin. I’m so pleased that you made it. Perfect timing, by the way.” She smiles. “Dinner’s almost ready.”

“Thanks for having me.” Jason shakes hands with Calvin.

Lou hands round the glasses, and we stand together by the tree and say, “Cheers! Merry Christmas.” Our glasses clink together, then we all take a sip, before sitting at the table. Lou is beside Calvin, and I sit opposite, next to Jason.

“Maddie must have been so pleased you were there today,” I say thinking about the little girl opening her presents.

“Yes. She says, hi, and Merry Christmas. And she wants me to bring you to meet Meredith and Daniel soon. It’s the rules, apparently.” There’s a pause in the conversation as we sip our drinks. “That reminds me,” Jason says standing up and walking toward the big Christmassy bag. “These are from Meredith.” He pulls out a small cellophane mountain tied up with a shiny red bow. “She hopes you like gingerbread.” Jason brings the gift to the table.

“I love gingerbread,” say Lou and Calvin together.

Then Calvin says, “So, the mansion.” He leans forward on his elbows, his fingers interlaced in front of him on the table. “Charlie says it’s a wonderful old building. Used to be a hotel. ”

“That’s right. It’s definitely grand.” Jason leans back and rests his arm across the back of my chair. “And it has a history of colorful characters who have stayed there.”

“And you’re planning to sell it?” says Lou inquisitively.

“I was. But…” Jason breathes deeply then leans forward and turns to face me. “I wanted to run something by you, Charlie.” His eyes meet mine. They are soft and bright in the candlelight. Then Jason looks across from Lou to Calvin and says, “Well, all of you, actually.”

No one interrupts and we wait for Jason to continue. Michael Jackson sings ‘Santa Claus is Coming to Town’, the next tune on the Christmas playlist.

“I don’t have a clue about this kind of thing, so I was wondering what you think about maybe turning the place into a venue.” Jason smiles. “I know it sounds crazy. But I don’t want to sell up now.” Jason bites his lip before he goes on. “If I can generate enough cash somehow, I don’t know, but I want to keep it.”

“Really?” I blurt out. “You want to stay there?”

“Yes, I really do. I told my agent to hold off job offers for now. And I’ve taken the property off the market until I can figure out what I’m doing.”

“Wow! That’s so exciting,” says Lou, her eyes shining.

“Exciting is one way to describe it,” Jason says. “But I’m actually terrified. I have no idea what I’m doing.” He laughs and I reach for his hand and cover it with mine. “It’s scary but I feel as if I’m doing the right thing.” He turns toward me, but I don’t see fear in his eyes or someone with an unwanted burden. This is not the gruff, impersonal man who begrudgingly rescued me from the side of the road. “I only know about engines and how they work. But hospitality and entertainment? And marketing and publicity? These things are alien to me. I wouldn’t know where to start.” He looks into my eyes and smiles. “I was hoping you could help me.”

“Yes! Yes, of course. How brilliant,” says Calvin. “I can’t wait to have a look around.”

“I’m sure there’s a whole lot of potential for all sorts,” says Lou.

“Rocko!” I exclaim. “Where is he?”

Jason laughs and holds my hand up to his lips. He kisses it gently.

“I left him with Meredith. Don’t worry.”

“I thought he was all alone at the mansion. I couldn’t bear that.” I cover my mouth with my other hand. “Okay. Sorry. What were you saying?”

Everyone laughs. Then Calvin and Lou bring in plates piled high with a vegetarian Christmas feast. A nut roast with all the trimmings and onion gravy. We eat and chat about other things. It feels wonderful to have Jason with me. I steal a sideways look his way.

He holds my gaze for a moment, then he says, “This really is wonderful food,” as he maneuvers another forkful of sweet potato toward his mouth. “I’ve never had a vege Christmas before.”

“Something tells me that you’d better get used to it,” Lou says with a cheeky wink.