A Curvy Christmas
A Curvy Christmas
Robin’s Story
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Note from the author:
My books are written, produced and edited in the UK where spellings and word usage can vary from U.S. English. The use of quotes in dialogue and other punctuation can also differ.
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All rights reserved. This book, or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner without the express written consent of the author or publisher.
This is a work of fiction and is intended for mature audiences only. All characters within are eighteen years of age or older. Names, places, businesses, characters and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, actual events or places is purely coincidental.
© 2014 Harmony Raines
Silver Moon Erotica
Kindle Edition
“I hate leaving you alone at Christmas,” Max said, placing a cocktail dress very carefully on top of the rest of her clothes, which were all neatly folded in her suitcase.
Robin laughed. “Don’t think you’re going to stay here and blame me for missing Christmas at your parent’s house.”
Max turned to her and pulled a face. “Now the time’s come, I really wish we were having Christmas here. But when my parents asked Dan’s parents to visit for the holidays. I knew they really wanted to accept so they could get to know each other.”
Robin gave a short laugh. “I'll give them two hours before they change their mind and high tail it back here.”
“Two hours, I think you’re being generous Robin.” Max smiled at her, and once again Robin saw her anguish at leaving.
“You know I have a special relationship with your father.” She went and hugged Max. “Listen, despite everything, I hope it goes well. Dan’s family is so nice, you never know, some of that Christmas spirit might rub off on your father. Anyway it’s good for them to meet, once you and Dan are married you’re all going to be related. I truly hope they all get on together.”
Max unconsciously fiddled with the engagement ring on her finger. “Don’t remind me about the wedding. I feel sick every time I think of it.”
“It’ll be fantastic, and you and Dan deserve to be happy together.”
Max held Robin tightly, her voice a little choked with tears. “And what about you Robin?”
“Don’t you worry. It’s time I let go of the apron strings.” She took a step away from Max, determined not to let her emotions get the better of her. If she burst into tears now, Max would cancel her plans, and that wouldn’t be fair on anyone.
“You know you can live with us once we’re married.” Max said.
“I know, Dan very thoughtfully told me that right after he proposed.”
“He did?” Max went back to her packing. “I hate the idea of you being alone, and you know we’d never see you homeless.”
“Who knows, I might surprise you and find Mr Right before you get married. The wedding is still another six months away. I have plenty of time.”
“I would have agreed with you when you were still seeing Greg.” Max paused in her packing again. “I thought you were serious about each other.”
“I don’t know. He gives me the impression he’s waiting for something, but I don’t know what. I told you I thought I’d met him before. But he never said anything, not directly.”
“And you didn’t ask him?”
“No. That’s the problem, I’m scared at which stage of my life I might have met him.”
“What does that mean? Do you have a secret life I don't know about?”
“No. Well maybe yes, I had been around a bit before you found me.”
Max laughed. “That makes you sound like a waif and stray. It’s not as if I found you at the dog pound.”
“It’s close. I dread to think where I might have ended up if you hadn’t let me move in with you.”
“Hey, you forget, you were the one who helped me finish my education. After the argument with my father.”
“Yes. That argument. Do you ever think how much better off you would have been if that had never happened?”
“Yes.”
Robin sighed. “I am sorry. Not that I spoke to him like that, but that it ruined your relationship with him, and your mom.”
“Now I am worried about leaving you.” Max sat down on the bed, looking directly at Robin, making sure she understood every word she had to say. “If I had continued to live under my father’s thumb, I would never have known what it was like to be myself, to make my own decisions. Think of all the mad things we’ve done. And most importantly you would never have persuaded me to hire an escort, and we both know how well that turned out. So never apologise for being yourself.”
“That’s the problem Max. All of a sudden, I’m not sure who I am.”
“Yes, you do Robin. You’re you. A very unique human being, and if your Greg can’t see that, then it’s his loss.” She stood up again, looking at her suitcase thoughtfully. “Now, do you think I have everything?”
“Yes, apart from some sleeping tablets for your father. That would make the holidays perfect, put him to sleep for the duration.”
“I’ll pass your regards onto him,” Robin said sarcastically.
“Yes. Please do.” Robin said, resting her chin on her hands and wondering how she was ever going to get through the holidays without her best friend. But she refused to let Max see how sad she was, so she stood up and said, “Well, you’re not driving, so I am going to make us some mulled wine, you can have a toast with me before you disappear into the countryside.”
She went out to the kitchen, finding the lack of festive food depressing. Sighing, she warmed the ingredients for the wine, and lost herself in thought, trying to find a positive in all this. She could watch movies, cry her eyes out, and eat chocolate until she was sick. But it wouldn’t be the same without Max.
“That smells wonderful.” Max said, coming into the kitchen.
Robin put on a bright smile. Get two glasses, let’s toast.”
“OK,” said Max, reaching up for two big wine glasses. “What do we toast to?”
“Surviving Christmas. I’ll be surprised if there isn’t a murder where you're going.”
“Stop it. Well I’m going to toast to Christmas Magic, and may all your wishes come true.” She held out a gift, neatly wrapped. “Here. Merry Christmas Robin.”
“I’ll save it for Christmas day.”
“No, this one is for now.”
“Max, you shouldn’t have. What is it?” Robin asked, shaking the small box.
“Open it, before Dan gets here. I want to see your face.”
“OK, now I’m definitely worried the socks I bought you are going to pale in comparison to whatever's in here.”
“You bought me socks again?” Max laughed.
Robin’s hands trembled slightly as she undid the small red bow. It was immaculately wrapped, and she hated to tear the paper, so it took her a few minutes to take the wrapping off, during which time Max fidgeted anxiously, while blowing on her wine to cool it down.
After the wrapping had been discarded, she was left with a pretty box, still no hint of what was inside. Carefully she opened the lid. Inside lay a silver charm bracelet.
“Wow. This is beautiful,” Robin said, holding it up. The charms were uniquely chosen to reflect Robin’s life, only Max could have put this together. Tears formed in her eyes, and she went to Max and hugged her. “Thank you.”
“You are most welcome, Robin,” Max replied, placing her wine down on the counter top. “Look, I’ve left this side for you to fill with new things. Maybe one day you might put a lucky horse shoe on it. When you get married.”
“Maybe. Or a cat. I’ve always fancied having a cat as company.”
“Robin. I’m serious.”
“So am I,” she said brightly, and then her face sobered. “Some alone time might be just what I need to put things into perspective, and think about my future.”
“That is a great idea. But no wallowing in self pity. Max said, holding the tiny silver charm in her fingers. “Do you like the Buddha? I bought it so you would never forget that episode with my father.”
“Thanks,” she said sarcastically. “That has to be my favourite. Along with the friends forever charm. We will always be friends, Max. Promise me.”
“Of course, Robin,” Max said, wiping tears away. “I’m only going for a few days.”
“But then it’ll all change. New Year, new life.”
“It’s a beginning Robin, not an end.”
“I know. It’s scary, that’s all.”
“You’ve grown soft you know. Five years ago nothing would stop you. I think I’ve been a bad influence on you.” Max picked up her glass, smiling at Robin.
“I am not soft.”
“Really. Because the old Robin would have held onto Greg and turned his world upside down.”
“It’s complicated.”
“Exactly my point. You used to like complicated. Listen, why don't you go and see him, try to put him to rest one way or another. I know you’ve got unfinished business there.”
“You mean go and fuck his brains out and then move on.”
“Wouldn’t be the first time. But seriously, it’s not just about sex. He’s got under your skin, and you need to find out why. You should ask him outright what's going on. What’s the worst that can happen?”
“You have no idea, Max. No idea at all.”
Max stood upright. “That’s the door. Dan’s here, I need to get my case.”
She left the kitchen, calling, “Can you let him in,” as she went.
“Sure.” Robin went to the front door, and opened it to a very nervous looking Dan. “Come in. How does it feel to be about to spend Christmas with your in-laws to be?”
“Hello, to you too Robin.” He kissed her on the cheek. “Merry Christmas.”
“Merry Christmas Dan. So, seriously, how are you feeling?”
“Don’t ask. My mom is having kittens about the whole thing. Mainly about the Christmas presents for the girls. By the way, Helen said you were welcome to spend Christmas with her if you're stuck.”
“That is sweet, but I’m going to be OK here on my own.” She raised her voice so Max could hear. “I’m not some lonely old spinster yet.”
“She only cares about you,” Dan said, placing his hand on Robin’s arm.
“I know, and I love her to death, so you look after her and protect her from that father of hers. He is such a snob, and I don’t want her upset on your first Christmas together.”
“I will do my best.”
“And don’t let her worry about me,” Robin said, dropping her voice. “I will be fine, just have a great time together.”
“We will. But remember, Helen would love to see you.”
“I don’t know if I’m quite up to playing dolls all day. Kids have this ability to be extra excited at Christmas, and I might be a downer. But I’ll call her. How is she?”
“Better. But she needs a break really to get her and the girls out of the rut they’re in.”
“Max was talking about getting her some temp work at the bank to boost her CV. Do you think Helen will do that?”
“Max has spoken to her about it. But it’s a step out of her comfort zone. She hasn’t done serious work since before she had the girls. I don’t know. She deserves so much more than she’s been handed.”
“Don’t we all? Brad Mitt in my stocking would be nice. I can guarantee I wouldn’t miss you both at all if that’s what Santa has in store for me this year.”
“I’m going to miss you Robin,” he said smiling at her. “Next year we are definitely going to spend Christmas here with you.”
