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If I’m honest, I’d have to confess to him that this is actually the last thing I want. But since the leopard can’t change its spots and I just can’t get rid of being so focused on harmony and peace, I just smile and nod.
The days that follow rush by, as interchangeable and unimaginative as the ads on a television commercial break. They are filled with the obligatory Christmas party with the entire Chamber of Commerce and Industries, and another one with Kevin’s colleagues and their wives. I fit in there like a rowboat between frigates. Then there’s a meeting with Pauline on the neutral ground of the Christmas market to prepare for peace negotiations between us. And every lunch break, I’m systematically scouring the local retailers in search of Christmas gifts for Kevin and his parents.
Yes, I know that I started this way too late…
…but first, it was still so long until the holiday. And once I landed in the pre-holiday time-lapse, I just couldn’t think of anything to get them.
Kevin’s parentsalready own everything. And as for Kevin? Let’s express it diplomatically: he is extremely difficult to please.
“…you’ve outdone yourself again, Mommie,” Kevin mumbles with his mouth full, immediately stuffing another load of the sour potato salad into his mouth.
Embarrassed by his behavior, I slide around on the red-checked plastic cover of the corner bench in Kevin’s parents’ kitchen.If only I didn’t have his father’s almost X-ray-like gaze on me. I would love to ram my elbow into Kevin’s side. You can’t let yourself go like that on Christmas Eve!
“Another pair of weenies, Celine?” asks Kevin’s mother.
Before I can point out to her that a second pair is too much for me, the wiener sausages land on my plate. Surrendering to my fate, I pick up my knife and fork. “Thank you very much, Mrs. Schreck. Very kind of you.”
“That gal’s got such a rattly rack,” she informs her husband as if I weren’t sitting right there at the table. “I’ve told you a dozen times, Kevin,” she adds as she turns to her son. “You have to make sure that gal eats something!”
“She’s grown up herself,” Kevin replies, angling for his third pair of sausages from the steaming porcelain tureen in the center of the table. “In case you haven’t noticed, Mommie.”
I give him a grateful sideways glance.I’ve never heard him stand up for me to his mother before. Maybe I should take that as a good omen for thismeet-the-dragon-in-law-to-beday?I muster up all my courage and smile at her. At least when she unwraps my present later, her reservations should dissolve like a gummy bear in a glass of water. I immediately feel the anticipation. At Neugebauer’s on the market, I found parts for her ‘80s coffee service. Because every time we’re at her house, she whines about how she only has four cups left with no cracks.
Kevin’s dad opens two more bottles of beer and passes one to Kevin.
Out of the corner of my eye, I try to read the expression behind his gray full beard.
Since Mr. Schreck is just as averse to alcoholic pleasures as his son, I have procured a bottle ofRothaus Black Forest Single Malt Whiskyfor him.
Will the spirit, presented in an elaborate tin can, take him from me? The grain spirit was expensive enough.
But before I can think any further, the Schrecks are already rising from the supper table. After Kevin’s mother and I clear the dishes, we walk over to the barely temperate living room.
“Merry Christmas!” thunders Mr. Schreck’s voice. He hands his wife a small gift.
“But you didn’t have to do that,” Kevin’s mother flutters as she gently removes the paper from her package.
I use the distraction to present my gift to Kevin. My heart beats loudly in my throat.What will he say to what I have chosen for him?To match his silver signet ring with square cabochon-cut onyx, I got him a set consisting of a silver necklace and bracelet from the same jewelry line.
“What did that gal buy for you?” his mother asks curiously. At least, she seems to like the jewelry. She gives me an almost appreciative look before helping him put on the bracelet.
“Where are the good whiskey glasses?” her husband interjects. Eyes blazing, he waves the brandy bottle for everyone to see. “This needs to be tasted immediately!”
Frau Schreck scurries to the glass case and fetches what he wants, whereupon Kevin pours lavishly for his parents and himself.
Thoughtful, contented silence descends over the parlor after they have tasted the spirit.
I relax, leaning back in the armchair. By the looks of things, I’ve passed the baptism of fire namedhanding-out of presentswith flying colors.
“Hand me the remote control,” Mr. Schreck demands. He turns on the device and starts zipping through the channels while sipping from the alcohol again and again.
Well, this way of spending Christmas Eve is not something I’m familiar with.But if Kevin’s parents like it…I put on a friendly smile and peer over at Kevin.What does he say about his parents’ preferences?
But he’s no longer sitting between them on the sofa—instead, he’s crawling around under the spruce decorated with straw stars.
What’s going on now?
He comes over to me and holds out a small box. “For you!” he says, grinning.
