Page 32 of Naughty-ish

They make their way through the crowd until they get to us.

“Nick.” Zebb holds out a hand, enthusiastic to see my neighbor, and they hug like old friends. “You remember Eva.”

Her name is pronounced like Evan without the n. It’s so pretty.

“Hey, Nick.” She steps up to him, giving him a quick hug while Nick kisses her cheek.

“Guys, this is Holliday.”

Zebb’s head turns first. “The hot neighbor?”

Heat rushes over my cheeks and I catch a glance with Eva. She quickly says, “I love your costume. Better than all the elf-wannabees.”

“I’ve noticed.” We share a smile about the number of women dressed like sexy elves, possibly hoping to be willing ‘helpers’ to the various Santas tonight. As I’ve had time to look around while Nick greets people, the place is like a Santa convention.

“So, what do you do?” Eva asks me.

Over a certain age, it’s difficult to make new friends. I’d lost many of the people I thought were my friends during the divorce. The neighborhood Karens, and Kathys, and Heathers, all stayed in the suburbs while I was booted to the city. From my old community, you didn’t cross a certain avenue heading south without having a strong misconception that you’ve entered the ‘hood.

“I work as a bank teller.” I expect the conversation to end there, but Eva becomes a chatterbox about banks and the holidays. How people give cash as a gift when they don’t know what to purchase someone. She then goes on to explain how she used to work for Ashford’s, a major department store in downtown Chicago, and now owns her own boutique shop near Roscoe Village.

“Come in sometime. I’ll give you the friends and family discount.” Her smile assures me her offer is genuine, even though we’ve just met.

“Do you have any children?” she asks next, which leads to me explaining Eloise and Nash, and Eva talking about Tam.

“She’s Zebb’s daughter.” Eva looks up at her husband. “But I’m adopting her.”

“That’s so wonderful.” It’s inspiring actually and I reach for her wrist as a means to express my admiration. Plus, the wine is going to my head which always makes me overly affectionate.

“Another round?” Zebb asks as our party seems to suddenly be four.

“Malbec.” I lift my glass.

Nick raises his beer and Zebb waves a hand to signal to the bartender.

“Want a Coke or something?” Zebb asks his wife with concern.

“I’m okay with lemon water.” She lifts the glass and takes a sip meeting my eyes.

I know that look. “Are you—”

“Let’s dance.” Eva grabs my arm and tugs me toward a mash of people in a corner as there isn’t an official dance floor. A disc jockey spins more Christmas tunes that the crowd continues to belt out loud and proud like they’re attending a rock concert.

“I’m sorry,” I blurt as we join the mayhem.

Eva places a finger over her lips. A warning that Zebb might not know yet, and it’s going to be a surprise.

For a second, I miss the possibility of having another baby. After Eloise and Nash, I would have had another child, but Mitch didn’t want more. I was happy with two, felt fortunate even, and didn’t give it another thought. But moments like this, learning someone is pregnant, brings the longing back.

Quickly, I snap out of baby-funk and into the craziness of singing Christmas carols like rock ballads while dancing to them.

“I haven’t danced in years,” I confess to Eva.

“It feels good to let loose once in a while.”

When was the last time I really let loose? The memory of a few nights ago comes back to me and I seek Nick among the crowd. I don’t have to look far because he’s made it to the edge of the makeshift dance area with Zebb. Both men are watching us.

“It’s almost unfair how hot fireman are,” I say.