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He rolls his eyes. “Yeah, well, there’s a reason I don’t like fucking candy canes.”
“Care to fill me in?” Mack comes over with some water for us, takes our drink orders and shows surprise when Andrew orders the same thing I do.
When he leaves, I give Andrew a look, hoping he’ll fill me in on what’s going on.
Sighing, he says, “My ex, the one I told you about? This was his favorite season.” I hiss. “Yeah. So, I’m not a big fan. He went all out with decorating, watching the movies, listening to the music. It’s just not a great season for me right now. Eventually, I’ll probably put it behind me, but right now, I hate it.”
I blow out a breath. Yeah, that could definitely give someone an aversion to the season. “I’m sorry, Andy. That’s rough.”
“Andy, Scrooge. Which one will you stick with?”
I tap my chin, looking up as if I’m thinking. “I’m not sure. I’m hoping we can be friends and I’ll know you when you’re not a Scrooge. So, I’ll stick with that until you change your ways.”
“Fine by me, Pickles.”
Before I can ask again why he calls me that, Mack comes back over with our food. “I think it’s adorable that you order the same thing. You make a great looking couple.”
Scrooge opens his mouth to say something but I cut him off. “We sure do. It’s our first date.” I give him a wide grin. He narrows his eyes at me but doesn’t say anything.
“So glad you two came here.” Mack pins Andrew with hard eyes. “You treat him right. He’s an amazing man who deserves the world.” I pat Mack’s hand lovingly. We’ve gotten to know each other over the past seven years I’ve been coming in here. He’s a great omega. He and his mate own this place and they’re very happy and in love.
To my surprise, Andrew answers. “I know he is. Don’t worry. He’ll always be safe with me.”
I’m not sure what he means. If he means physically or otherwise, but either way, my heart warms knowing Scrooge actually has feelings.
Mack pats my hand back and takes his leave. Andy watches his back, that small smile on his face. “Looks like you have a protector.”
I nod. “Yeah, I do.”
We eat in silence, but it’s comfortable. I spend most of the time looking out the window, checking out the snow-covered streets and the families walking to and fro, Christmas shopping, laughing, and having fun.
“This is nice,” I say, not talking about lunch, but how picturesque the streets of downtown Fair Falls look. “Really pretty. Like being in a snow globe.”
Andrew sighs, wiping his mouth and tossing his napkin on his plate. “I wish I could see it how you do. It’s just … so hard.” I’m shocked that he’s letting me in like this. We’re still practically strangers, but I think being a bartender helps. He knows I’m as tight as a vault with anything he tells me. “I never loved the holidays. I was fine with Christmas and all that, but it was never my favorite.”
“What’s your favorite?”
“Halloween probably.” I grin at him. I didn’t expect him to answer, but I figured I’d try since he seems to be in a sharing mood. “But yeah, after Carlton, this holiday has been an annoyance.”
“I can understand that. But Scrooge, don’t you think you’re giving him too much power over you after he broke your heart? That’s a lot of resentment to hold on to.”
He looks thoughtful but doesn’t answer. I don’t expect him to. It’s hard to analyze something like that so quickly. I allow him to sit in his thoughts while I gaze out the window. I don’t mind the silence.
Finally, Andrew sits back and says, “You might have a point. Are you done here?” He points to the plate and I nod. “Want dessert?”
“No. I’m stuffed.” I pat my belly for emphasis. Checking my watch, I see it’s only three in the afternoon. I’d like to keep hanging out with Andrew, but I’m not sure if he feels the same way. He’s so hot and cold, I can’t get a read on him. I’m not ashamed to admit that I like him. He’s interesting. I want to know more about him, but I don’t want to push. “Thank you again for your help.” I pull out my wallet and put money down on the table for the bill.
“I’ll walk you home. Or back to the bar. Whichever.”
“Such a gentleman,” I joke, giving him what I hope is a dreamy look. He scoffs and I know I nailed it. “I’ll head home. I love winter, but my poor little toes are cold.” I look down at my shoes, a little peeved that I didn’t wear my boots. I will tomorrow, that’s for sure.
Andy inclines his head and I head towards the door, waving at Mack on my way out. Again, we walk in silence, where I kick some chunks of snow every now and then. The sidewalks are mostly clear, so I don’t fear slipping on any ice.
“What time tomorrow?” Andy asks when we get in front of my building.
“Same time. I’ll have some breakfast for you and we can get some lunch again.”
He nods, looking down at the ground. He doesn’t make a move to walk away, so I stand there, waiting for him to do…something. Finally, he raises his head and his eyes bore into me. “You don’t look like him,” he mutters.
