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Lucas’s eyes widen briefly as if he’s only just remembered I have yet to graduate. His mouth opens, but before he can voice an apology or excuse, his phone rings.
“Don’t tell me that’s the fucking coffee shop,” Seth says angrily while pointing an accusing finger at Lucas. “They’re supposed to be closed today. I don’t care if the line is all the way to Timbuktu, you’re not going. Christmas—and all the other winter holidays for that matter—is a time for family. Not for slaving away pouring coffee for assholes.”
“It’s not work,” Lucas says while holding up his phone, which is currently displaying Alex’s name. “Alex is video chatting us from Germany.”
“Well, what the hell are you waiting for?” Seth slides closer to me, making room on the couch for Lucas to plop himself down. “Answer the poor guy!”
Lucas does just that. He holds up the phone for all of us to stare at the screen, watching it change from black to Alex’s smiling face. He looks good with his fiery red hair gleaming in the light. It looks like he’s staying in some sort of log cabin. There’s a window behind him which displays a snowy background. He has what appears to be a steaming cup of coffee. And his bright blue coat brings out the hue of his eyes.
“Guten tag!” Alex shouts cheerfully while holding up his mug.
“Hey!” Alex and Lucas say in unison.
“Hi, Alex,” I say with a wide smile. “How are you?”
“Busy,” Alex says after taking a swig of his drink. “We’re taking a break right now. I’m having what they call Feuerzangenbowle.”
Seth makes a face. “What the fuck is that?”
Alex’s smile widens and he leans back in his chair, looking very satisfied with himself. “It’s hot punch made from red wine, rum, and caramelized sugar. You guys must try it when you come here.”
“Ha! Like that’s ever happening,” Seth says with a shake of his head.
I hold up Maria in front of the phone and watch Alex’s expression light up.
“Maria!” Alex shouts. He leans closer into the camera. “Hi, Maria! How are you? I miss you, sweet little girl.”
Peering down at my baby, I watch as Maria’s face scrunches up, her lips trembling, and I know exactly what’s about to happen before it does. Maria lets out a loud wail. She fists her little hands. Her face turns bright red as tears stream down her cheeks, and poor Alex’s smile falls, his eyes reminding me of a puppy’s when it’s refused food.
“Oh, no!” Alex says, sounding almost betrayed. “She hates me already? She’s barely even met me.”
“She doesn’t hate you,” I say while cradling Maria closer to my chest. “She’s just tired. It’s her nap time.”
“Are you sure she doesn’t hate me?” Alex sticks out his bottom lip, making him look even more pitiful.
“Positive,” I say, patting Maria’s back while she cries into me.
“How is Hamburg, Alex?” Lucas asks. “It’s been a while since I’ve been in Germany.”
“Amazing,” says Alex. “The people are so kind. I’m surprised so many are able to speak English. I mean, I’ve been to Berlin and Munich before, but some of the places we go to are so out in the boonies, and yet still people are able to communicate with me. And, when they can’t, they smile and use Google Translate. They’re so hospitable. I seriously want to take everyone if I ever get the money for it. You guys would love it here.”
“Well, we miss you,” says Seth. There’s something sweet in his tone, something that clues me in to the fact that he means it.
Alex tilts his head, a sweet smile he reserves only for me and Seth. “I miss you too. I miss everyone,” he adds quickly, his face flushing. “I can’t wait to see you guys next week.”
“Yeah,” Lucas says with a chuckle, “it will be great to have a fourth person to help with little Maria.” The screen briefly turns black, and we watch Hunter’s name flash on Lucas’s phone. “Sorry.” Lucas frowns and brings his phone up close to his face. “It looks like Hunter is trying to call in.”
“That’s fine. I need to get back to work anyway. Tell Hunter I say hello, and I will see you guys next week.”
“See you soon!” Seth calls before Lucas switches the video chat over to a very disgruntled, exhausted looking Hunter.
All three of us lurch away from the phone as Hunter scowls at us through the screen. His long blond hair is frazzled, his face flushed, and his eyes are so bloodshot it looks like he hasn’t slept in days.
“Merry fucking Christmas,” he growls into the screen.
“What the fuck happened to you?” Seth asks.
“I’ll tell you what happened to me.” Hunter leans in close to the camera and whispers, “Teenagers. Fucking teenagers. I hate them. I hate them all. I would prefer to be locked alone with Maria for a week compared to this torture.”
