We both take turns changing into our outfits for the party and stand amidst the chaos of the living room. Heather sets up her digital camera in the center of the room, directing each of her children to stand in front of the Christmas tree one by one.
I stay off to the side, unable to keep my eyes off of Penny. As an only child, it’s interesting to watch their sibling dynamics play out before my eyes. Violet instructs everyone where they’re supposed to go, Mari is the first one to act and the last one topose while Hazel and Penny fix each other’s outfits and laugh at their whispered inside jokes.
“Okay, I put the timer on. Let’s do a couple with the entire family.” Heather says, rushing back behind her children, the rest of the spouses filter in, the second generation standing in front of their parents. “That means you too, Asher, c’mon and get in the picture.”
“I’m not sure I should.” I say, waving my hand.
“Nonsense, you’re practically family. Come over here and stand next to Penny.”
Penny smiles, her cheeks flushing as our eyes meet.
She gives me a soft smile as I approach. “Here.” She directs me under her breath, taking my hand in hers and placing it around her middle and interlacing our fingers together.
The whole thing feels natural, less like we’re playing a part. It’s like this is one of our family traditions. Even more so when she begins to run her thumb over the back of my hand from side to side. I lean down closer until I can smell her wildflower perfume.
“On three everyone say ‘Merry Christmas.’” Heather counts down, “One, two, three.”
“Merry Christmas.” The camera clicks, and then everyone disperses as indistinct murmurs erupt around us.
I whisper in her ear, “You look beautiful, by the way.”
Penny releases my hand and turns to look up at me, her palms smooth over my charcoal sweater, “You don’t look half bad yourself.”
“Look at that,” Heather coos. “Can I get a photo with just the two of you?”
“Sure.” Penny replies.
I mutter under my breath, “We really don’t have to do this.”
“I want to,” Penny squeezes my hand then looks at her mom, “How do you want us?”
“How about you look into each other’s eyes like you were a few seconds ago.” Heather asks gesturing towards the tree.
Penny closes the distance between us, then splays her palm across my chest and looks up into my eyes. I tuck her hair behind her ear and trace along her jawline with my thumb. The constant chatter of their family members fades, all eyes are on us, but suddenly it seems like we’re the only two people in the world.
One moment we’re players performing the number we had been preparing for, and another we are Asher and Penny. The change is clear in her features, her fake smile falters, and her eyes crinkle as she softens her features into something real. The same smile she gets after she teases me, the moment she dealt the final blow to the big bad and the one she gets when she is talking to her twin.
There’s something more I can’t quite decipher and don’t dare to hope for. The longer we linger together, the more I feel I might be right. We are no longer role-playing.
The camera flashes, and the world seeps back in, the sound of lively conversation exploding all around us—while I was busy trying to count the tiny gold flecks in Penny’s green eyes.
She takes a step back and smooths the skirt of her dress, avoiding my gaze. I don’t blame her; it feels too raw and vulnerable now. It’s easier for us to keep the pretense of the party than to focus on my true feelings, especially since I told her the story of when we met.
“These look great!” Heather says, looking down at the camera. “I needed to commemorate this. Who knows how long it’ll be until Penny brings another man home?”
Penny freezes, her fingers digging into my forearm, then before either of us can react the doorbell rings, and the first few guests begin to arrive.
FOURTEEN
Penny
Soon the houseis overrun with aunts, uncles and friends of friends who I haven’t seen for years. The combination of sounds, scents and stress is giving me a headache. Add to the fact that I’m still reeling from the moment of taking photos with Asher. I sure called it. My mother is quick to remind me that most of my worth comes from settling down and finding a mate.
I should have spoken up then, but then she was saved by the bell and the strangers stomping through our home. They’re likely salivating for a family scandal. Did you hear, Meredith? Heather’s daughter ruined their Christmas party.
And Asher, gods, I don’t think I would have been able to stomach this holiday without him beside me.
I stare down at the hall table, decorated with LED candles and sprigs of plastic holly, where my mom had deposited all the framed photos from the mantel. My siblings are front and center with Violet’s graduation photo, flanked by Hazel and Marigold’s respective wedding photos, the three blocking my high school prom photo, which is pushed flat against the wall.
