Mistakes Were Made(36)

“Merry Christmas!” Erin said, and that smile wasn’t any more or less than friendly, but it still took Cassie a second to say Merry Christmas back.

Erin’s dark brown hair was unkempt. It’d been down in gorgeous waves for the party yesterday, and it was still beautiful, just slept on, a little flat on one side. Cassie couldn’t deal with how good she looked, even early in the morning, but she couldn’t look away, either. Erin wore a white short-sleeve shirt and black yoga pants that clung to her in a way that made Cassie jealous. In her hands was a coffee mug, and there was another on the kitchen island next to a glass of milk and the Danishes. Parker had settled on blueberry and grabbed the glass of milk. Cassie set her stocking down and reached for the coffee, which already had the right amount of cream in it.

“Thanks for the presents,” she said.

Erin tilted her head, looking confused. “What presents?”

Cassie gestured to the stocking.

“I’m pretty sure Santa is the one who fills the stockings,” Erin said with a little smirk.

Parker laughed, sending crumbs of Danish across the kitchen. She covered her mouth.

Cassie arched an eyebrow at Erin. “Seriously?”

Erin shrugged and turned away to refill her coffee mug. Cassie watched her pour and rather liked the idea that she got her gifts without wanting credit.

They moved to the living room for the rest of breakfast. Cassie took the love seat, and Erin and Parker shared the couch. Parker’s first pastry had already disappeared; she had a plate with her second. Cassie was slowly eating an apple Danish, looking at the lights on the tree and trying not to think about how Erin kissed. She wanted her so much it felt like it had to be noticeable. Like cartoon heart eyes or something. How was Cassie supposed to be around her without it being obvious?

As soon as Parker finished eating, she grabbed presents from under the tree and started distributing them. Erin and Parker both had a few boxes; Cassie had a small box and an envelope.

“I’ll go first,” Parker said.

Cassie laughed at her.

“Don’t you think Cassie should go first?” Erin asked. “Since she’s our guest?”

“Nope!” Parker grinned and ripped into her first present. “Shoes!” She exclaimed as she revealed the box. Her enthusiasm dropped noticeably when she lifted off the top. “Tennis shoes. Great.”

“I know you don’t think you need them, but you have to take care of yourself,” Erin said. “You’re always on your feet drawing or painting. You need good shoes.”

Parker didn’t argue. “Thanks, Mom. Cassie, you’re up.”

“Nah,” Cassie said. “Hostess first.”

Erin smiled at her and reached for a present. The one from Cassie was on top of her pile, wrapping paper puffy at the corners. That was the one she grabbed. Cassie was suddenly very interested in the arm of the love seat next to her. As Erin opened the present, Cassie glanced at her, glanced away. It was only hot chocolate, but she still had to stop herself from telling Erin she had the receipt if she didn’t like it.

“Oh my gosh,” Erin said, and Cassie looked at her. “This is my favorite kind. And so many flavors!”

Cassie smiled tentatively, and Erin beamed at her.

“You did good,” she said.

“I’m glad you like it.”

“I’m definitely stealing some of it this break,” Parker chimed in.

Erin chuckled. “We’ll see.”

“My turn,” Parker said, tearing into the envelope in her hands.

Erin and Cassie weren’t really paying attention, though, still smiling at each other. Christmas definitely wasn’t so bad.

“A gift card to Art Apart?” Parker said. “Babe, you’re too great! I’ve been wanting pens from there for ages!”

“I am too great,” Cassie agreed. “Especially because it was definitely my turn to open a present.”

“Oops?” Parker said, looking not at all sorry.

Cassie chuckled and reached for her present. The tag read Cassie in what looked like a failed attempt at fancy cursive.

Cassie must’ve made a face, because Erin said, “I know. I can’t help my terrible handwriting.”

“She’s a doctor, what do you expect?” Parker said.

Normally when Cassie got a gift, she ripped the wrapping paper. She loved presents, wanted to know what they were as quickly as possible. But this time, she went slowly. She broke the seal of the tape and unfolded the paper instead of ripping it. Erin was watching, but Cassie couldn’t look at her.

It wasn’t like Erin was going to give her anything inappropriate. Especially not in front of Parker. There was no reason for Cassie to be nervous, but she was.

Inside the wrapping paper was a box with a lid. She opened it to find a necklace, delicate silver chain and a trinket hanging down. It was a rocket ship. She bit her lip, tamped what wanted to be a huge grin into a small smile.

“It’s great,” she said, aware that her voice was strained.

“Let me see,” Parker said.

“I saw it and thought of Parker calling you an astronaut, and—well, I just thought you’d like it.”

Cassie finally looked at her. Color was rising on Erin’s cheeks.

“I do,” Cassie said. “I love it.”