Page 240 of Romeo

Me: Obviously.

Ma Belle: A real one.

I frowned at the screen.

Me: Now we have a problem.

Ma Belle: Why?

Me: I’m a landscaper. I know what happens when you drag a dying tree indoors.

Ma Belle: You’re impossible

Me: Fake tree. Looks good forever.

Ma Belle: Absolutely not.

Me: This could end us.

Ma Belle: Then it was nice knowing you

I shook my head.

Me: You’re choosing a tree over me?

Ma Belle: A real Christmas tree is nonnegotiable.

Me: Fine.

Ma Belle: That was easy.

Me: I know when I’m beaten.

Ma Belle: I’m saving this conversation forever

Me: Delete it immediately.

Ma Belle: Never.

Me: Anything else?

Ma Belle: Ornaments.

Me: Those generally come with Christmas trees.

Ma Belle: Not matching ones.

Me: What’s wrong with matching ornaments?

Ma Belle: Everything.

Me: Very compelling argument.

Ma Belle: They’re supposed to mean something. Ones kids make. Ones from trips. Stupid ones people give you because they remind them of you.

I stopped smiling—not because there was anything sad in the words, but because I could see exactly what she meant.

A tree like that didn’t come from a store.