The Holiday Exchange (Boyfriend in the Bargain)

14. Kayla

14

KAYLA

W hen I see my screen light up with a call from Mom while I’m packing up after school I almost growl in aggravation. I’ve been in a bad mood all week and I doubt talking to my mother will improve it. But she never calls, so I decide to answer in case something is wrong.

“Hey, Mom.” I infuse my voice with as much cheer as I can muster.

“Hi, honey. Your sister asked me to call and let you know your niece arrived safely this afternoon.”

“Really? Oh, that’s wonderful!” My enthusiasm is genuine now. A niece! How exciting. “What did they name her?”

“Halle Rose.”

“Aww, that’s beautiful. How’s Renee?”

“She’s doing well. Tired, but well.”

“Good. Will you send me some pictures?”

“Certainly. Or you could just come for a visit.”

“I will, Mom, once school lets out for Christmas break. Only tonight and then two more school days.”

“Oh, that’s right, your Christmas pageant is tonight.”

“Yeah. ”

“Are you alright? You don’t sound as excited as last time we talked about it.”

“I am excited, it’s just…” Just that I’m tired. And every time we rehearsed this week, I could barely keep my eyes off the wooden fireplace and my mind off Trevor. I sent him a message to let him know what time the play is and that Annie would save him a seat down front. He responded with a single thumbs-up emoji, so I guess that means he’s still coming but who knows?

I sink into the chair behind my desk and lean back against the headrest, closing my eyes. “I just have a lot on my plate. I’m ready for a break.”

“Maybe you’ve been working too hard.” Mom hesitates for a moment. “I know I’ve always encouraged you to focus on your career, but I’ve been remembering lately that there’s more to life than work. Maybe it’s time for you to slow down a little, find a young man, and start a family like your sister.”

I sit straight up in my chair. It’s all I can do not to scream. “Do you always have to do that?”

“Do what?”

“Compare me to Renee. I am and have always been my own person. I have my own life and my own way of doing things. And there actually is a guy that I like a lot, but it doesn’t look like he’s interested in me so even if I wanted to, it will probably be a while before I can follow Renee’s example.” I stop, my chest heaving with emotion.

She’s silent for so long I look at my phone to see if we’re still connected. Finally, she responds.

“I never meant to compare the two of you. I’m sorry if my comment came across the wrong way.”

I heave a sigh. “I know you don’t mean to Mom, but you still do it even if you don’t realize it. It’s been happening since we were kids. I’m tired of living in Renee’s shadow.”

“I…I never knew you felt that way. ”

“Well, I never told you. I figured if I could make my own way, have my own accomplishments, maybe you’d be proud of me.”

“I am proud of you. I’ve always been proud. I’m sorry you didn’t know that.”

I pause for a beat, taking this in. She’s proud of me. “Thanks, Mom.”

“Now, what’s this about a guy you like?”

I roll my eyes and drop my head to my desk. “I don’t want to talk about it.”

“Alright, I won’t push. But just know I’m here if you want to talk. And maybe you’re wrong and he really is interested in you. Sometimes men just don’t know how to show what they feel.”

My heart warms at her support. “Maybe.”

“Well, I guess I’d better let you go. I’m sure you have a lot to do to get ready for tonight.”

We say our goodbyes and I drop my phone into my bag. Even though I appreciated Mom’s encouragement, she didn’t see Trevor with Gracelyn the other night. He didn’t look like he was suffering under her attention.

A thought occurs to me – what if he brings her to the play tonight?

I groan. I guess the good news, if you want to call it that, is that I seem to be a terrific teacher and possibly a matchmaker. I taught him how to talk to people and then introduced him to a girl for him to practice on. Maybe I should turn this into a side business, like that movie Hitch . I’ll teach guys how to get a girlfriend and try not to fall in love with all them like I did Trevor.

Woah, where did that thought come from? Who said the L-word?

I feel my heart racing as I linger on the thought, examining it carefully. Do I love Trevor? I don’t know. But can definitely say that I feel something for him. It’s like I can see the edge of the feeling just poking up out of the ground like a daffodil shoot, ready to grow and bloom as I get to know him better.

Sitting up straighter in my desk chair, I make a decision. First, I’ll get through tonight. A lot of people have worked hard to make this production a success and I owe it to them to give it my full attention. But tomorrow? Tomorrow I’ll tell Trevor how I feel, even if it means hearing that he doesn’t feel the same way because he’s marrying Gracelyn.

Or just dating her. Whatever.

Regardless of their relationship status, at least I will have laid it out there so he knows.

But not until after the play.

I gather up my things and head for the door. I have just enough time to go grab a bite to eat before I position myself in the auditorium to welcome students as they arrive to get ready.