Red Hot Christmas (17 page)

“Wonderful. Now all we'll need is some fish.” She smiled.

“We can get those for you, too. What kind do you want?” She translated to Iian, who pulled out a list and smiled.

She was happy that he'd come prepared and was excited about her idea.

When she walked into the empty back room at the end of her shift, the workers had made enormous progress. They'd used the back doors to haul all the old carpet and ceiling tiles out. For the most part, the place had been gutted in one day. She knew firsthand that it sometimes took longer to put something back together than it did to take something apart.

When she arrived at home, she wasn't surprised to see Luke sitting in his truck. There was a small Christmas tree in the back of his truck, and when she walked by, he jumped out with a large bag.

“I've got something for you.” The look on his face didn't look particularly happy.

“I can see.” She looked at the tree.

“I figured you'd have one of those plastic ones. There's just no replacement for the real deal.” He smiled and handed her the bag. “You carry that, I'll carry this.” He pulled the medium-sized tree from the back of his truck.

She rushed ahead of him and unlocked the door. Then she set the bag down on the table and held the door open as Luke maneuvered the tree inside.

“I think it should go by the window, just in the corner there,” she said as he walked towards the windows. “Oh, I have a stand. Hang on.” She rushed from the room and came back with a small green and red stand.

They took a few minutes to set it up. He lay on the floor while she held the tree, making sure it was completely vertical.

“There.” H dusted his hands and stood back, next to her. “Now all we need are lights and ornaments.”
 

“
It's a good thing I have some of those.” She smiled and went back to her office, then came out with a large box. “Actually, I have lots of ornaments. I'll get the other box.” She went back for the second box.

They spent the next hour stringing up the tree, hanging each ornament where she wanted it. He laughed at her when she moved several around to 'fill holes' as she called it. Then she made hot chocolate and they sat in the dark, watching the chasing lights reflect off the glass.

“
All you need is a fireplace and some Christmas music,” he said as she snuggled next to him.

“Don't forget the presents for under the tree.”

“Oh, presents.” He stood up and flipped on the kitchen light. “Where did you put it?”

“Put what?” She watched him from across the room.

“The bag with the box in it.”

“Oh, there.” She pointed to the table by the door.

He walked over and grabbed the bag, then moved back over and sat next to her.

“My gran left this for you.” He pulled out an old box. “I found it this morning in her room. There was a note for me. There's one for you, too.” He handed her a note.

She took it with shaky hands. “Why would she leave me something?”

“I don't know. My note said for me not to open it, but to bring it to you, instead. I didn't want her holding a grudge on me in heaven, so I obeyed her.”

He handed her the box. She held it on her lap and slowly opened the note.

Amber, I know we only met once, but I saw how Luke's eyes lit up around you and could tell you were the one I needed to pass this precious information to. I can't trust the boy with a pan of brownies, so there is no way I'm giving him the recipe for them. Guard it and remember, chocolate cures all. -- Margaret Kennedy.

Amber laughed and opened the box slowly. Inside was a treasure trove of recipes of every kind:
Chicken dumpling, turkey pot pie, cakes, breads, and there was even receipts for ketchup and mayonnaise. “Who makes their own Mayonnaise?” Amber asked Luke who was looking over her shoulder.
Chicken dumpling, turkey pot pie, cakes, breads. There were even recipes for ketchup and mayonnaise. “Who makes their own mayonnaise?” Amber asked Luke, who was looking over her shoulder.

“There isn't a recipe for brownies in there?” Luke was straining to see over her shoulder.

She pulled the box aside and quickly shut the lid. “No you don't. This is for me, not you.” She smiled and walked into her kitchen, setting the box on the top shelf. When she turned around, he was right behind her. He moved her until her back hit the refrigerator. His hands went to her hips, hers to his shoulders.

“My gran must have liked you a lot to trust you with her treasures.” He placed a kiss on her lips.

“Hmm. She knew a good cook when she saw one.” He laughed.

“I think she just trusted you more with her brownie recipe. She would never bake them while I watched. When I was at MIT I tried to make them, but I could never get the recipe right.”

“You actually went to MIT?” She pulled back and looked at him.

“Yeah, for a few years. Until my grandfather passed. Then I came back here to be closer to my grandmother. She needed me.” He leaned in and kissed her neck.

“Luke, I've been at work all day. I smell like food and sawdust.”

He pulled back. “Sawdust?”

“Oh, yeah, I forgot to tell you over the weekend. With everything that was going on, I totally forgot. Iian and I are rebuilding the Golden Oar. Well, not rebuilding it completely.” She smiled.

Luke was so interested in hearing her story and seeing the changes to the place, he promised to drop by for lunch tomorrow so she could show him everything they had planned.

“You know, I've been thinking of changing a few things around the house myself. When I moved back home, I redid the bathroom. Gran’s shower was about two feet too short for me, and she insisted that I fix it to make it more comfortable. The rest of the place could use a fresh...well… everything.” He laughed. “It is kind of decorated in mid-eighties.” He looked at her. “Maybe you can come over on your night off and give me some of your thoughts.” He smiled and pulled her close.

“Luke, if you want me to spend the night, all you have to do is ask.” She kissed his lips.

“I want you to spend the night. All of your free nights.” He leaned his head against hers. “I've been lonely without you. The place feels empty. Jackie feels it, too. Why do you think she acts up when you aren't around?”

Amber felt herself starting to shake. “Luke, I don't mind spending a few nights here and there. But, I have my own place. I tried living with my last boyfriend. It didn't end very well.”

He pulled back like he'd been slapped. “I'm not your ex.”

“
I'm not saying you are. I'm just not ready for that kind of commitment.”

“I know.” He walked to the window, next to the tree, then turned back to her. “It's snowing again. I'd better get going.” He walked to the door. Her heart felt heavy. She knew she had trust issues, but she was sure she'd handled the situation well. After all, they'd only know each other for two months.

“Goodnight.” She held the door open as he walked by. “Luke?” She stopped him. “I just need some more time.”

He looked at her like he was still hurt. “I know. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to pressure you. I hope you'll still come over and help me plan out my changes. You did such a great job moving everything around so it works better. I think you'd be great at helping me decide what to do with the place.” He ran his hand down the side of her face gently. “Goodnight, Amber.” He leaned in and placed a soft kiss on her nose.

After he left, she stood by the Christmas tree with its flashing lights and watched the snow fall.

L
uke drove into the Golden Oar's parking lot the next day feeling very confident that he knew what he wanted. But when he walked in and saw her, his confidence faltered. She was standing near the back room wearing the black pants and  red top that were the new uniforms for the restaurant. They looked very appealing on her. It amazed him how beautiful she was. She looked up and waved at him as he started walking towards her.

She handed the man she'd been talking to a piece of paper and he walked away. “Luke, you made it.” She looked a little relieved, like she hadn’t been sure if he'd come today or not.

“I wouldn't miss it. Besides, I'm dying to find out what you've got planned.” He looked around. “Is the large sheet of plastic to keep the dust down?”

“That and the noise. I've put up a “pardon our dust” sign, but for the most part, I think we've had more people in here since we started remodeling. I think they're curious. I think they're more curious about all the mess then enjoying all our Christmas decorations.” She motioned to all the wreaths and ornaments around the place. Then she took his hand and walked him around the plastic sheet. “You can't really tell anything yet, since they are still in the breakdown stage. But this is what we have planned. Todd stopped by yesterday and helped me sketch these out. Isn't he great?” She showed him a folder that had been sitting on a desk.

The sketches showed exactly what she'd described to him. He could imagine the large back room turning into a more open area with a stage and a dance floor.

“In the corner, Iian is going to put a couple of video games.” She laughed. “I would have never thought of it. He said something about Pac-Man and was off hunting on his computer to get the games.”

Luke laughed. “I'll bet.” He thought of stopping by and talking to Iian about another idea. “This all looks wonderful. You say they are going to have it done before Christmas?”

“Oh, yes. There's no real structural changes. Just paint, flooring and ceiling tiles. The stage is movable so if a party doesn't need it, it will fold up.”

“You said something about a fish tank?”

“Here.” She smiled and grabbed his hand again, pulling him past the wall of plastic towards the bar. “It's going to sit here.” She handed him another drawing. Again, he could just imagine the separation that would give both large areas more privacy.

“You really have a talent for this kind of stuff. I hope everything's done for the Christmas party the Jordan's always throw.”

“Oh.” She bit her bottom lip. “Christmas party?”

“Yes, don't get any ideas. This one's all Lacey's doing. She enjoys pulling out all the stops for this one party.”

“Oh,” she looked a little hurt.

“Don't worry. There are plenty of other parties you can plan. My birthday is coming up in February.” He smiled.

She smiled back at him. “Did you want some lunch?”
 

“
No, I ate. I'm just heading over to play.”

“Oh, right, it's game day. I wish I could be there for the Hornets and Sasquatch's rematch.”

“That's okay, maybe next time.” He placed a quick kiss on her lips.

He made a quick stop to Iian's office and then they left together to head out to the game. When he made it back home, he was sorer then he'd been in years. Every inch of him ached. How could a bunch of teens whoop their butts so bad?

There were a few messages on his computer, and he ended up staying up all night to fix a few bugs in his latest product. Launch day was scheduled for Friday, and he was just as excited as he'd been the first time a product of his hit the open market.

Now all he needed was someone to share that excitement with. He looked around. Jackie was curled up on his bed, a spot she'd taken to since Amber had vacated the spot. Looking over at his clock, he realized it was almost noon the next day. If he got a few hours sleep, he could probably make it over to Amber’s place when she got off work. He crawled into bed with Jackie and smiled when the small dog got up off her pillow and came over to snuggle against his chest.

It was hard to explain the love he felt when she leaned her little head up and licked his chin. Her sad eyes looked at him and he smiled. Another moment that he wished he had someone to share with.

He woke several times to let Jackie out and give her food, but he kept crawling back into bed. His eyes were heavy. Maybe he was coming down with the flu? He didn't feel like he had a fever, he was just really tired.

The last time he looked at the clock it was one in the morning, and he thought he could sleep for another eight hours straight.

When he did wake, it was still dark. He was confused and looked at his clock. Seven. He didn't know if it was seven in the morning or at night. He grabbed his phone and realized it was seven at night. He'd slept a whole day away, nineteen hours and he felt like he hadn't moved a muscle that entire time.

He moved to the end of the bed and felt every muscle in his body revolt. His head was dull, like he'd just drunk a tub of tequila. His shirt and shorts were a little sweaty. There was no doubt he had had a fever now. When he stood, he felt weak and had to grab onto the night stand.

He hated being sick. Jackie sat on the floor, looking at him like she was in trouble.

“Sorry, baby. I know I didn't let you out. If you made a mess in the house, don't worry about it. I'll clean it up later.” She turned in circles and followed him into the bathroom.

After a very hot shower and a few aspirin, he downed a dozen ounces of orange juice from the fridge. He cleaned up a puddle by the back door as he let Jackie out.

He started feeling better and decided he felt good enough to head over and see if Amber was off work tonight.

The holiday season was in full swing in Pride. Amber had never truly understood what Christmas meant until she’d ended up here. Everywhere she looked decorations and lights hung. The storefront at O’Neil’s was transformed into a wonderland filled with nativity scenery, and a large Christmas tree stood in the window.

It seemed everywhere Amber went, people would stop and chat with her about her holiday plans. She'd been invited to countless dinners, parties, and plays. But the biggest and best party everyone was talking about was the Christmas party at the Golden Oar. It seemed Lacey knew how to throw a party.

“
You see, dear, it all started a few years back, before Lacey and Aaron were married. They threw a joint party at his house for New Year’s. Well, the next year, they moved it forward to Christmas and had it at the restaurant. It was such a success, they continued the tradition. Now it's just assumed that everyone will be there.” Patty finished bagging her items. She smiled at the dog ball Amber had picked up for Jackie. “How is that cutie doing? I bet she's being spoiled rotten.”

“Jackie? Yes, I haven't seen her in a few days, but I hear she's causing quite the mess lately. I hear that along with new jeans, Luke now needs a new pair of tennis shoes.” Amber tried not to laugh.

“Well, that's what puppies do.” Patty smiled. “So, will you two be heading to the party together?”

Amber had been wondering the same thing. Luke hadn't talked to her about the party. Actually, in the last two days since she'd seen him at the restaurant, she hadn't talked to him at all.

Maybe he was still hurt about the other night? He hadn't acted like it the other day, but then again, she hadn't given him much time to talk either. She'd just walked around, chatting about the changes being made at the restaurant.

By the time she walked back into her apartment, she'd talked herself into quite the state. She began questioning if he ever wanted to see her again. Maybe this was his way of pulling away? After all, she'd pretty much compared him to Chris, her ex-boyfriend. She'd never really given him a chance to explain what he did for a living. All she knew is that it had something to do with video and computer games.

She just couldn't imagine a full-grown man making a living working on games. It wasn't as if she didn't like games. When she'd been dating Chris, she'd played Alien Engagement with him on several occasions. The game was very addictive, but she’d known when to shut it down. Chris hadn't. She guessed that was her question about Luke. Did he know when to shut down playing and come back into real life? She knew his past, that he'd given up school—at MIT, no less—to come back and take care of his grandmother. Chris wouldn't have gotten off the couch cushion to visit his mother, let alone move across the country to take care of her.

Luke had wanted her to move in with him, at least that's what she thought he'd been hinting at. Letting Chris move in with her had been the largest mistake she'd ever made. Their relationship had been fun up until that point. Just like her and Luke's relationship. Sure, there was the weekend she'd spent nights at Luke's place. It'd been magical, and she truly believed he'd been as real as he was going to get. Some men hid things, like if they usually forgot to put the cap on the toothpaste, they'd do it when you slept over, but the second you were gone, they'd go back to being their old self.

She didn't think Luke was like that. Sure, he forgot things, like he was always losing his keys, even though his grandmother had a hook by the back door. But until she'd gotten her key bowl, she'd been the same way. She snapped her fingers, realizing the perfect present for Luke for Christmas.

She was just putting the last of her items away when there was a knock on the door. Smiling she walked to the door, hoping it was Luke.

She opened the door and saw her mother standing just outside on the landing in the dim light as the rain lightly fell. Then a tall, thin man stepped forward, and when the light hit his face, Amber knew her worst nightmare had come true. She looked into the eyes of the monster she'd feared for the last seventeen years.