Just One Year(39)

As usual, Maura and my dad had invited all the neighbors to pop in this evening. The only thing Maura ever asked was that they bring a food or drink item to share. We always ended up with more than we knew what to do with. We usually ate leftovers for a week or even longer.

Whereas many people waited until Christmas morning to open presents, my family opened ours on Christmas Eve. So that was always something to look forward to after the guests left—although Shelley often started opening hers earlier in the evening.

Caleb seemed really happy to be here. He’d spent the entire day hanging lights inside and outside the house and helping decorate. He said his parents never bothered with too many Christmas decorations, so that was a new experience for him. He’d looked even more handsome with lines of Christmas lights draped across his body.

That’s one Christmas tree I wouldn’t mind climbing.

Caleb found me in the kitchen shortly before people were scheduled to start arriving. I had been stirring some hot apple cider for the drink station when I caught him watching me.

Wow.

He looked good—smelled good, too. And he’d done something different to his hair. It was parted to the side, seeming more formal, maybe. A maroon sweater with a green stripe across the chest hugged his muscles and made me want to curl up into him. I suddenly forgot what I was supposed to be doing. I stopped stirring the cider.

“You look nice,” I said.

He smiled. “So do you.”

I had to look down to remember what I was wearing: black leggings, a red, fitted shirt, and those trusty black flats Maura had bought me. Once again, I wore my hair down.

Caleb peeked into the cider pot. “Can I help?”

I resumed stirring. “No, I’ve got it.”

When he smiled at me again, I felt my pulse react. This was the best Christmas I could remember in a long time.

Once guests started arriving, though, I considered swallowing those words. For a while I stayed busy in the kitchen, helping Maura chop up vegetables for the veggie and cheese platter. When I finally returned to the living room, I spotted Caleb talking to Bethany Grillo, one of our neighbor’s daughters, who’d been away at college. She was very attractive, and her body language was flirtatious.

I stayed in a corner watching them. All I could think was: it’s happening. That didn’t take long. He’d end up having a fling with her over the holidays, which would mark the official beginning of his new era of freedom.

My father interrupted my thoughts when he came up behind me.

“Hi, sweetheart.”

I forced my eyes away from Caleb and Bethany. “Hey, Dad.”

“Why are you standing here in the corner all alone?”

Well, I’m not going to admit to stalking Caleb’s conversation.

“Just chilling for a bit.”

He smiled. “You look beautiful tonight.”

“Thank you.”

His compliment gave me mixed feelings. I’d never discussed my hang-up about looking like Ariadne with him. But maybe now was the time. “You know, I always used to think if I wore my hair down or dressed a certain way, it would upset you.”

Dad nodded and seemed to know exactly what I meant. “Because you look like her?”

“Yes.”

He sighed. “The resemblance is uncanny. She was beautiful, as are you. But looking at you could never make me upset. You’re not her. You have a good heart and a pure spirit. I’m glad Ariadne gave you her one good quality: her looks. But other than that, you’re nothing like her.”

Hearing that brought me some comfort, though I still didn’t feel totally sure I wasn’t somehow like her.

“Pretty sure most of my other good parts came from you,” I said.

“I won’t argue with that.” He winked.

I grinned and glanced over in Caleb’s direction. A few seconds later, his eyes met mine. Instead of continuing the conversation with Bethany, he immediately excused himself and came right over. Suddenly, everything was right again in the world.

“There you are. I was wondering what happened to you,” he said.

My father placed his hand on my shoulder. “I’m gonna see if Maura needs anything.”

As my father walked away, I turned to Caleb. “You didn’t have to leave your conversation.”

“Eh.” He shrugged. “I was looking for an excuse.”

Relief washed over me. “I’m surprised.”

He cocked his head to the side. “Why is that?”

“She’s really pretty. I thought maybe you were into her.”

“Nah. Not my type. Nice girl, though. Seems really smart. But not as smart as someone else I know.” He winked.

I looked at his red Solo cup. “What are you drinking?”

“Spiked eggnog. You want some?”

“I thought you were against underage drinking.”

He leaned in, and his warm breath grazed my cheek. “We’re not in public tonight.”

Feeling a tingle down my back. “I know. I’m just kidding. Actually, Maura and my dad don’t care if I have a few drinks, so long as I’m home where they can keep an eye on me.”

“Your parents are really cool,” he said. “I hope you know that. You’re lucky to have them.”

“I do know that.” I smiled. “Speaking of parents, did you call your mom tonight?”