Page 38 of Oh, Christmas Con

Maye sighed, knowing she was about to give in to her curiosity. Though, as Maye sat on her couch with her eyes glued to the screen, she was struck by an odd moment of introspective clarity. It was almost an out-of-body experience. These movies had become part of her healing process and a reliable comfort on her journey. How would she possibly explain this to Tracy?

By the end of the movie, Maye thought about texting Chris, but it was pretty late and she didn’t want to bother him. But he did say to let him know how the volunteering goes. And he could just text back the next day if he was already asleep. So, she went for it.

Maye:

Just finished the latest installment in the If I Had Only… series. I actually stayed awake for this one! As someone who has explained the bargaining phase of grief to many people, and could be in it right now, I liked how your character promised himself he could flirt twice as hard after the bake sale if he could keep it professional inside the gymnasium until all the homemade apple fritters were sold.

“There. Sent,” Maye said. “Now let’s get to bed—”

Her heart skipped a beat when she heard her phone ding.

Chris:

haha…that character had a will as strong as an ox. Maybe 10 oz.

10 ox, I mean. #spellcheckfail

oxes?

Maye:

oxen.

Chris:

Ah! That sounds right.

Maye:

Sorry to text you so late, I just wanted to while it was fresh in my mind.

Chris:

It’s fine. I’m at a night shoot just waiting for my call time.

Maye:

Filming again? Let me guess…you play a failing magic store owner who gets a sudden rush of interest from the single woman who lives in the apartment above your store. All the new customers save the store and they fall in love?