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“Two words. Toyota Corolla.”
“Ahh, small car. Makes more sense now.”
In less than ten minutes, I’m turning right into Mr. Big’s Tree Lot. Rows upon rows of everything from firs, spruce, cyprus, to pine. “What kind of tree are you thinking?” I say, looking over at Willow.
“I’m thinking of a Fraser fir. It’s the most popular Christmas tree. The silvery-green needles are the perfect color and it's soft to the touch, so it doesn’t prick you when you’re trying to decorate it. Plus, Fraser firs have excellent needle retention. Don’t ask me where I learned that because I can’t for the life of me remember. Oh, did you also know that although spruce is popular for Christmas trees, they tend to lose their needles first.”
“I actually had no idea.”
“So, what kind of tree do you want, Oliver?”
“Honestly, I’m not sure. I’ve never bought a tree for myself.” I say, taking a quick glance over at her.
Her eyes widen in disbelief. “Wait, you’re serious? Are you like a grinch or something?”
“No, I just have one too many ghosts of Christmas past in my stocking.” I whisper it quietly almost as if I don’t want her to hear me. Sadness coats my thoughts over all the things in the past that have gone wrong over the holidays.
She reaches across the seat and squeezes my bicep lightly in sympathy. “I’ve had my fair share of bad memories in the past, but it’s time to change that. Leave those ghosts of Christmas past and hop into the Christmas present with me! Now’s as good a time as any to start new traditions.”
I shake his head and let out a sigh, eyes focusing back on the road because looking at her feels too personal. “It’s not as easy as you think.”
“Well, sometimes you just have to try a little harder. Okay, make me a promise?”
My heart trips up waiting to hear what this promise is going to be. “Depends on the promise?”
“Promise me that you’ll give Christmas this year a chance. Give it the opportunity to make all the ghosts of Christmas past disappear. Give me a chance to show you just how magical it can be for even the biggest scrooges.” She sounds almost as if she’s begging me and willing me silently to give it a try.
I look over at her and grin, pretending I’m not scared of trying. “I can’t promise that, but I can promise that I’ll try. For you.”
She seems to cheer up with my promise to try and it makes me melt a little on the inside. I feel like I’m going to be so lost on this girl.
“Good.”
“Let’s go pick out these trees then. They’ve got to be perfect.”
I follow along behind her as she moves effortlessly. Her ass jiggles with each step, and I can’t help but watch it. I should be looking at the trees around us, but she captivates me.
The snow is falling at this point and I’m quickly starting to believe that maybe this town really is a winter wonderland. Maybe there is a bit of magic to be had. I watch as she inspects each tree, and I can’t help the way my eyes linger on her blue jean clad legs down to her boots that crunch through the snow on the ground. “Why can’t you just pick one?”
“Oliver, it’s very clear you’ve never picked one out before so I’ll clue you in on why I can’t just pick one. It’s about the needles, the shape, whether the top can handle the tree topper. Oh crap! We forgot the tree topper… shoot. We’ll just have to eyeball it then.” She sighs, shaking her head in frustration before going back to her inspections.
“Okay, why won’t this one work?” I say pointing at the fir I’m currently standing beside.
“It’s too perfect. That tree will get picked up by any family. It’s gorgeous. I’m looking for the tree that’s not as perfect. That I’m afraid no one else will take. The one that no one’s going to pick because there’s a hole in the needles on one side or its smaller than the rest.”
“Well, that’s easy. Why not just wait until all the best ones are picked and then come back?”
She shrugs like it doesn’t matter. “I do a tree trimming tutorial online every year, so I need the tree now.”
“I think I’m starting to see it.” I internally roll my eyes. I’m still not stuck on the idea, but I promised her I would try.
“Exactly. That’s the spirit!” She keeps walking and stops abruptly. “Here. This one is perfect!” I look at her, lifting a brow as if to say what the fuck. My eyes flit back to the tree and I still don’t understand. There's a big bare part of it. It has a slight tilt to the side. The top is not really big enough to hold a tree topper, but if she says it’s perfect, then I’m going with it.
Turning around, a smile covers her face and reaches out to touch her eyes. “Now, we just need one for you and we’ll be good to go!”
“But I don’t have any ornaments or lights…”
“Oliver, you leave that to me.”
