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Maia claps and giggles at the same time. She’s fucking so damn cute it drives me crazy.
“You should be on the debate team. You’re very convincing.”
“Am I?” I grin and pretend to act innocent.
“You are. But tell me, why don’t you fly instead of driving all that way?”
I grimace. “Let’s just say…airplanes and I…we don’t get along.”
Maia chokes on a laugh. “What?”
“It’s true. We don’t. They fly up super high, and I projectile vomit the entire time.” My stomach turns as the memories assault my brain.
“Oh fuck,” Maia says between laughter. “That sucks. I can’t say the same, as I’ve never flown before.”
“You’re not missing out, believe me. I enjoy driving anyway. And there’s lots of beautiful scenery on the way as we pass through several states. It’s a great chance for you to see more of the country, too.”
“You had to throw that last little bit in, didn’t you?”
I smirk. “You know it’s true. I know there’s a dreamer side of you, one that wants to see the world, as much of it as she can. But there’s doubt too. And I’m here to erase that doubt and convince you to go.”
“Okay, okay, I’ll go,” Maia says.
“Hell yeah!” I hold out my fist for a bump. At first, she rolls her eyes playfully, but she eventually bumps me back.
“This is crazy,” she says as she walks up the stairs. “First, we need to make these kids have the best Christmas ever. You ready?”
“Yep. Call me Rhett the Elf.”
“They’ll love that,” Maia says as she pushes the front door open. The sweet smell of baking cookies fills the air, and my mouth waters. Christmas music is playing softly in the background, and the kids are running around, exploding with excitement.
As soon as they see us walk through the front door, screams and giggles fill the room.
“Maia, Maia! You’re here! It’s present time!” One of the boys yells.
“Present time! Present time!” All of the kids begin to chant.
“Rhett, do you have our gifts?” A little girl looks up at me with big brown eyes, and I melt at the sight of her sweet face. Joanie is one of my favorite littles here. She only comes up to my knees, but at four years old, she’s as sharp as a whip.
“Yes, I do! Are you ready?”
Joanie holds her arms up, and I lift her into my arms. I start spinning her around in circles as we both laugh.
“Present time! Present time!” The kids continue to chant.
“Alright, Rhett, let’s get these kids some gifts before they go feral on us,” Maia says.
“I think that ship has sailed.” I nod toward the kids running around like chickens.
Maia laughs and shakes her head. “You say things only old people say. That ship has sailed.”
“Joanie, are you hearing this?” I tickle her belly, and she giggles.
“Aren’t boys so silly, Joanie girl?” Maia tickles Joanie too, and we’re all laughing.
Who knew I’d be having so much fun at an orphanage rather than at a college banger?
Definitely not me.
