AllFreeNovel
Share Us
PS- I think we’ve passed the strangers on the internet phase and moved to friends on the internet. You can call me Sam.
CHAPTER1
Chelsea
When I was a little kid,Christmas was all about the excitement of my presents. What’s in that big, giant box with my name on it? Why does this one rattle? What did I ask for that comes in a blue box?
And—is one of these a puppy?
As an adult, I’ve found that this frenzy of anticipation shifts. I stopped hoping for a puppy. (Mostly.) Now, I enjoy watching other people open gifts I bought for them.
Like right now, as my heart pounds and I can’t stop fidgeting, waiting for the big reveal.
Okay. I should clarify. I’m not one of those people who’s secret strength is gift giving. I am not Santa’s child or something. And it’s not EVERY person’s gift I care about.
Just one.
“Mason,” I groan. “Can’t you just open one gift like a normal person?”
Mom chuckles and pats my knee from her spot next to me on the couch. “Patience, Chelsea.”
Doesn’t she know by now that patience—though rumored to be a virtue—is not something I possess in even small quantities?
“I’m hurrying,” he says in his rumbly voice.
He’s not. He’s absolutely not. The tiniest uptick of his mouth assures me of this. He knows he’s being slow. And he’s doing it on purpose.
I not-at-all patiently watch Mason’s big hands as he carefully—delicately, almost—pulls back the tape like he’s trying to preserve the sanctity of the wrapping paper. I have half a mind to grab the present, tear into it like some kind of Tasmanian she-devil, and then hand him back the opened gift.
We always exchange Christmas gifts—ever since my brother invited Mason to join our family on Christmas years ago. I was relieved Mason came this year, even without my brother.
This is the first year John isn’t physically here, and I feel his absence like a bruise. My brother’s work is his girlfriend, his mistress, and his wife, all wrapped up in one. He can’t escape it and doesn’t want to, which is why he flew to Spain December twenty-third for a six-month position.
Being a teacher, I donotrelate. I might love my third graders, but Ireallylove my breaks.
John being gone for Christmas just about killed my mom. And me too, if I’m being honest. Ever since we lost my dad when I was in middle school, the three of us got really close. Holidays—especially Christmas—are pretty much sacred. Up until now.
What kind of company requires an employee to move overseas two days before Christmas? John’s Scroogey, Grinchy company, apparently.
But at least Mason’s with us. His own family situation is less than ideal. I don’t know details, but Mason never got to meet his father before he died. And Mason’s mother, from the little I know, has never really been much of a parent. So, ever since that first Christmas, he’s been with us. Like family.
Still—I wasn’t sure if he’d come without John the deserter, who I hope gets bedbugs for missing Christmas. Okay, bedbugs is a pretty awful thing to wish on anyone.
Maybe just lice.
The only upside to John being gone? I’m moving into his empty, amazing loft in downtown Austin tomorrow. Score!
But we have to get through the holiday first. And it will never end if Mason can’t open my gift—a gift I’m rethinking.
It shouldn’t be a big deal. But it’s the first time I’ve gotten Mason something other than a gift card. It’s a thoughtful gift.
A silly, thoughtful gift I carewaytoo much about. And one that I hope doesn’t reveal all my feelings like some kind of giant flashing sign.
Mason is the Holy Grail of men—kind, dependable, funny, and let’s not forget VERY easy on the eyes. He was a volunteer EMT all through college while also playing basketball at UT. He still spends one night a week at a boys’ youth shelter, playing basketball and mentoring teens. He’s the kind of man who opens doors for people, always saysyes, ma’am, and writes my mom thank-you notes after every dinner at our house, even though she told him years ago to stop.
All while being very,veryattractive.
The man could make a nun un-nunnify. Or … whatever the technical term is. Denunification? Disnunciation? ANYWAY.It’s no wonder I’ve been head over heels for my brother’s best friend for literalyears.
