AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I blow out a long breath. “Well, that went well.”
TWENTY-SIX
LIA
It’s Christmas Eve, and Toby, Drix, Daisy and I have all headed over to the shopping mall for some last minute gift buying. After a hectic few days of work, and juggling Toby between us, it’s the first opportunity we’ve had to spend some quality time together.
Thanks to my part-time job, and not having to pay towards our keep, despite my insistence, I’ve managed to put aside enough money to gather a small nest egg and buy Toby some presents. For the first time in a long while I’m really looking forward to Christmas. One way or another, Martin had always managed to spoil Christmas, so this time I want to make sure it’s special. It isn’t about the presents themselves, more the act of giving and being surrounded by people who I adore, and who care about me and Toby deeply.
“Mama, is that Santa’s grotto?” Toby asks me, stalling as he points to the cute set up in the centre of the mall. The wooden shed has been decorated with fairy lights and Christmas decorations, whilst two women dressed as elves are entertaining the children lined up waiting to see Santa.
“It sure looks like it,” I agree, eying the long cue and wondering whether we have time for a visit.
“Can I see him? Can I?” Toby asks, tugging on my hand.
“Santa looks very busy,” Drix observes, a soft smile spreading across his face as he absorbs Toby’s excitement. “But I reckon he’s got time for another special little kid before he needs to gather his reindeer and start delivering presents.”
I wince, looking at the hoards of people and the queues in every store.
“I can take him,” Daisy offers, noticing my hesitation. “I mean, if you don’t mind?”
“Are you sure?” It’s not that I don’t want to, it’s just I haven’t got anything for Toby yet and I really don’t want him to wake up on Christmas morning without at least a few gifts.
“Yep, I’ve got everything I need anyway. I was just coming along for the fun of it. Get in the Christmas spirit and all. This will be the perfect opportunity to do that.”
“Thank you. I’d appreciate it.”
“Sure thing! Come on then, Tobes, let’s meet Santa!”
Before I’m able to reply, they’ve disappeared into the crowd and have joined the back of the queue.
“Pretty sure Toby would happily follow Daisy anywhere she’d go,” I say, smiling.
“He adores her,” Drix replies, sliding his hand into mine, tugging me towards the toy store.
“Toby adores you too,” I say as we step into the store and are confronted with rows upon rows of toys. There are shelves stacked with handmade wooden toys, puzzles and boardgames, soft toys and electronics, dolls and action men. Not to mention a whole section dedicated to Funko Pops.
Drix’s eyes light up when he sees them, and I can’t help but grin. “This must be heaven for you.”
“Heaven is wherever you are, doll,” he replies with a wide grin.
By the time we’ve finished, my hands are full of bags filled with toys for Toby. Drix reaches for them, taking them off me.
“I’ll take them to the car. Go find Daise and Toby, and I’ll meet you at the coffee bar in ten minutes?” he suggests, leaning in to brush a soft kiss against my lips.
“Thank you,” I murmur, and before he’s able to slip away, I grip his arm and whisper. “Drix, Toby isn’t the only one who adores you. I adore you too.”
Our eyes lock and my heart stutters at the look of absolute devotion in his eyes. “The feeling’s mutual, doll,” he says, before turning on his heel and slipping out of sight.
Even though we hadn’t talked about getting a gift for one another, I want to do that for Drix, so I head back into the store, and towards the counter that says ‘design your own Funko Pop’, grinning widely when the shopkeeper explains what I need to do.
“Maybe we should go find him?” Daisy says, looking out of the cafe window at the crowd of people passing by. “It’s been almost forty-five minutes. It shouldn’t take that long to drop stuff off at the car.”
We’ve already drunk our own coffee and Toby is getting restless. The one I bought for Drix is now stone cold. “Is he still not answering his phone?” I ask, an edge of concern coursing through my veins.
“No. It keeps going to voicemail. Probably ran out of battery or something.”
“Okay, let’s see if we can find him. Perhaps he got caught up with someone, and lost track of time?” I suggest, ignoring the churning feeling in my stomach.
