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I’m always glad to find something new that she likes.
Something that makes Holly instantly happy makes me happy, too, so we’re soon back out on the streets, and I let her local knowledge and street food experience guide us.
Even better, her craving opening my eyes to a new world of flavors and seriously good food.
Better than the burgers we just endured, that’s for sure.
There’s some lively street entertainment too, and carolers of all kinds.
Despite the past year’s problems, the city seems to have relaxed and is ready to celebrate something. What better time of year than Christmas?
I’d never usually stay out after dark or even bother to take in any of it, but seeing Holly happy is enough to have me actually enjoying myself.
I couldn’t remember who I was when I met her, and now I can’t remember how I ever lived without her.
Because I haven’t been living, I’ve been existing. A good life, don’t get me wrong, but the most important things were never there until now.
Full of food and all caroled out after a few hours, we both end up stifling yawns, and not because we’re bored of each other’s company.
Just tired.
I’m an early riser, and unless I have projects to keep me up, I’m glad to be in bed early.
Even happier with Holly as my bunkmate.
Sensing my mood, she lets me know we can go whenever I want, her own efforts not to yawn failing, and I help support her as I hail us both a cab.
Going back to the office just to drive home?
Forget it.
I want my little lady warm and snug in my arms in our bed as soon as possible.
Helping Holly in first, I’m surprised to see the familiar face of the same cab driver from the night before.
The one who used to drive me everywhere years ago, Hank Rutherford.
I remember everything now.
He used to ensure I always had a ride to important meetings and let me off if I never had the full fare.
Being so close to Christmas, he’s donned a Santa cap, and the interior of the cab glistens with silver tinsel, already wilting from the heating.
I tell him where we’re heading. Home.
“Well, Mr. Carter. What a pleasant surprise. I hope you’ve had a nice evening?” he asks sincerely. The man does care if we’ve had a good night.
“We have, Hank. We definitely have,” I tell him, asking him how his night’s been.
“Oh… So-so. Most folks wanna walk about this time of year, even though it’s freezing. Most fares I get are only a block or two away, but I ain’t complaining,” he adds cheerfully, focusing on the road ahead and humming a carol to himself.
I feel Holly reaching for me, holding as much of me as she can with her seatbelt on.
“How much do you make a month, Hank?” I ask him, point blank. That nasty habit of making deals and helping people out looms up in me again.
Holly looks up, giving me a surprised look, but Hank doesn’t mind telling me, and once he pays the owner of the cab his share, it doesn’t leave a lot left over.
Fishing for my wallet, I find a business card in front of the fresh wad of cash and cards Madison made sure I had once he found out I was at the hospital.
