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Audrey took it as an invitation. She unwrapped her scarf and laid her jacket and bag on a side table near the door. Pulling the gift out, she said, “I brought you a gift.”
“Pfft. Hope you weren’t counting on anything. I’m like a prisoner here. I couldn’t go shopping.” She settled in her recliner facing the TV.
“They told me they do trips to the mall.” In all likelihood, Gram had probably forgotten. That had been happening more and more. “Here.”
She accepted the small package and peeled at the paper. It wasn’t much, but Audrey had chosen a box of Gram’s favorite chocolates, ones Gram typically only indulged in for special occasions. The doctor had said that small reminders might help prompt her memory.
“What’s this?” She studied the box for a minute and then practically threw it at the table beside her. “I hate chocolate. Makes me sick.”
“No, it doesn’t, Gram. Remember? These are the ones filled with booze. They’re your favorite.”
She sniffed, a look of irritation on her face. “I never drink.”
Audrey sighed and sat on the edge of the loveseat. So much for holidays with family. They fell into silence, except for the blaring of the TV showing reruns ofGeneral Hospital. Audrey longed to talk with Gram like they used to do.
Gram suddenly turned and looked at her. “Tina? What the hell are you doing here? I told you to stay away.”
“Gram, it’s me, Audrey.”
Gram rose and jabbed a finger at her. “Don’t you lie to me. Get out!”
Audrey’s throat closed. This was why she’d been forced to bring Gram here. There had been more days of confusion than reality. Audrey missed Gram.
“Have a good Christmas,” she said quietly as she picked up her jacket and bag and left.
On the bus ride back home, she swallowed tears. She’d believed she’d have more time with Gram. Being alone had never really bothered Audrey, but losing Gram was unfathomable.
She let herself into the apartment and stepped over three pairs of sky-high heels that Misty typically tossed when she walked through the door. A smudged mirror sat on the coffee table, alerting her to the fact that partying had been happening in her absence. Misty must’ve celebrated the holiday before going in to work.
She went straight to her bedroom. Burying herself in work was just the antidote for her abysmal thoughts. Mr. Green had given her a job, so that was where she would focus her energy. Spending the night digging into someone else’s misery made her feel better about her own circumstances.
It didn’t take long at all. Seven hours later, she had a dossier of dirt for her client. With it being almost three in the morning, she debated whether she should send it now or wait. It was officially Christmas, so would it be rude to interrupt his holiday? No, he was the kind of guy who worked around the clock. She didn’t know how she knew that, but she did.
Data: I have a Christmas present for you.
She immediately rethought the message because the dude might not even be Christian. If he was Jewish would he be offended that she’d made the assumption? She sent the link to the file and set her laptop on the bed next to her with the intention of logging off for the night. But a message immediately bleeped at her.
Green: You work fast. I appreciate that.
Data: Don’t you sleep?
Green: Of course. Do you?
Data: Sometimes
Green: Alone?
Audrey snickered. Where the hell did this guy get off asking if she slept alone?
Data: Sometimes. You?
Green: Sleeping? Always.
Hmm… Mr. Green was letting her know he was a player. She shouldn’t care, but this was the most personal they’d ever gotten.
Data: Kind of a sad comment on your life. Not only do you always sleep alone but you’re working on Christmas Eve.
Green: The same can be said of you.
