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My parents always loved Liam. There was nothing harder than having to tell them we were done. They were so disappointed and hurt. And they didn’t understand. Mainly because I never gave them a reason, then packed my bags to move to the city. Once my mom finds out we’ve reunited, she’ll be over the moon. But they didn’t raise a cheater. Infidelity is a no-no, and for me to be parading around town with my long-lost love while they still believe I’m still in a serious relationship is not okay.
I move into action, singing ’Tis the Season throughout my whole shower, Jingle Bell Rock while I blow dry my hair and apply a light layer of makeup, and I’ll be Home for Christmas while I dress in a cute pair of jeans and a fluffy sweater.
I’m humming Silent Night as I shuffle through my closet and reach for an old shoebox. Opening it, I grab the item on top.
“Give it to me!” I jump up and down in anticipation. I can’t wait a second longer.
“No. What if you don’t like it?”
“I’m sure I’m going to love it. Let me see it.” I stick my hand out and tap my foot against the ground.
“It’s just…you’re so hard to shop for, and you wouldn’t give me any ideas and kept saying you didn’t want anything.”
“I want you. That’s all I need.”
“Which makes it harder to find something for my beautiful girl when she has everything she wants.”
I giggle, leaning forward and offering him a sweet peck on the cheek. “I do. Whatever it is, I’m sure I’ll love it, so give it to me.” I stick my hand out, and he places it on my palm. I clutch the little glittery box and pull at the green silk bow before lifting it open. My hands tremble. I’m speechless as I reach in and pick up the mistletoe. My eyes lift to Liam’s as he fidgets.
“I know it’s silly but—”
“It’s not silly.” My voice cracks.
“It’s just…if all you want is me, I figured maybe I can just keep giving you parts of me.”
“Can I see if it works?”
He nods, and I lift it above our heads. Our eyes lock, and I swear the lights on the tree sparkle a little brighter as he gives me the best Christmas kiss of all time.
I lift the artificial mistletoe to my nose, inhaling the faint potpourri-induced scent of pine and sweet berries. Liam never needed to shower me with material things to show his love. He just needed to give me him. And he did with every kiss. I can’t fight the silly grin. I sigh happily. The chime from the grandfather clock dings, indicating I need to go. I jump into gear, hanging the mistletoe near the tree for when we return, and I won’t have to hide how happy I truly am.
It’s colder today, as I race down the street. My cheeks are a nice shade of red and I tighten my scarf. The town square comes into view and I look around for my parents. The entire town is in attendance. The tree glitters with the snow that fell overnight, and steam pours from the booths selling hot chocolate and homemade cider donuts. I wave at Mrs. Kinsley as I scan the crowd. Where are my parents? I need to find my mom. Everyone is starting to line up for the parade. Mayor Riley begins to address the town on the loudspeaker as I push through the crowd.
People shuffle closer to the curb. The parade begins, and the first two floats pass. I shift onto my tippytoes but still don’t see Mom or Dad. “Shit,” I mumble, unsure of what to do. Do I get on the float? Do I not? Ugh! I need to have faith that Mom and Dad will understand. I’ll explain.
“I haven’t missed him yet, have I?”
I turn to the voice next to me, finding Mary McCallister gazing over the crowd.
“Huh?”
“Liam. I haven’t missed his float, have I? I really want to see him before he leaves.”
What the fuck is she talking about? “Uh… no. And he’s not going anywhere, not that it matters to you.” God, once a snake, always a snake. I turn away, dismissing her, and do another scan. My phone vibrates in my pocket. Maybe it’s Mom or Dad looking for me. I check it to see Vincent’s name pop up. With a scowl, I click ignore and shove it back into my pocket.
“You don’t know? Oh, but how would you? You’re barely friends.”
Okay. She wins. I turn back, giving her my full attention. “What are you yapping about, Mary? I seriously don’t have time for your petty bullshit. Spit it out and be on your merry way.” At least I still keep it holiday spirit-ish.
