Holiday History Read Free

him.”
    “Something of a smartass, are you?”
    “Is it that obvious?”
    “Let’s just say I know your type. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a big fan of smartasses.”
    “Well, thanks. I guess.”
    He looked at me over his shoulder as we entered the small guest bathroom. There wasn’t a lot of room to move, and I did everything in my power not to touch him. My pulse jumped just from being close to him even as I tried to calm myself down.
    “Anyway, I think the walls are in good shape, but this color is just all wrong. I really want the whole house to be right before everyone arrives.”
    “You have a big family?”
    I bit my tongue, breaking Tim’s rules yet again. I wasn’t supposed to make small talk. I was supposed to do my job. Wincing, I turned my head towards the faux-finished wall.
    “Yeah, kinda. It will be a full house. Everyone usually goes to my sister’s house, but they didn’t want me to be alone over the holidays.”
    “Why would you be alone?”
    His face dropped a bit, and I did my best to let him off the hook.
    “I’m sorry, Mr. Jordan. Shit, I didn’t mean to pry. It’s none of my business. I’ll go get the paint and get started. Forget I said anything. It’s none of my business anyway. This is what Tim was talking about; I just don’t know when to shut up.”
    I turned, trying to get my head back in order. He shocked me when he grabbed my wrist. I reluctantly looked up at him. His eyes were still dark.
    “It’s okay, Kevin. I just got out of a serious relationship, about nine months ago. My family means well, but they are going a little overboard this Christmas. They’re all coming here to make sure I’m okay. They didn’t come right out and say it, but that’s what they’re doing. So, I needed to clean this place up a bit. Prove to them I’m not wallowing. I let it go way too long.”
    “I’m sorry, Mr. Jordan.”
    “It’s Gary, please.”
    “Gary.”
    I don’t know why I repeated his name. My voice cracked; my throat desiccated. It was at that moment that I realized he was still touching me. His thumb felt heavy and hot on the inside of my wrist. He leaned in toward me by a fraction, his lips slightly parted. I looked down at his hand, and he let go. Nothing so simple had ever had such a profound effect on me.
    “I should let you get back to work, Kevin.”
    He moved past me and disappeared, leaving me breathless. I shook my head, trying to shake loose what had just happened.
     
    *  *  *
    My phone rang first thing in the morning, even before my alarm went off. I knew before I even picked up that it was Tim.
    “This better be good, Tim.”
    “Don’t start, Kevin. I need you to go up to Gary’s on your own today. The dog has gone crazy, shitting all over the house. Margie won’t let me go to work until I take him to the vet. She’s going crazy, cleaning up for the holidays, and the dog’s ruined her favorite area rug. Fucking thing. I’ll try to be there by lunch, but we can’t show up late. I’m counting on you, kid; don’t fuck this up.”
    “I think I can handle it. I’ll see you later.”
    I rolled over and sighed. I knew I should feel angry, but I didn’t. The thought of being alone in the house with Gary didn’t seem so bad. In my logical brain, I knew nothing would happen, but a guy could dream, couldn’t he? Maybe if I hurried, I could still catch him in the shower. Just as I was ready to reach into my boxers to enjoy the mere thought of Gary soaking wet, my alarm went off. So much for fantasies.
    Not only was Gary not in the shower when I arrived, he was heading out the front door. My heart sank as I saw him walk toward his waiting BMW.
    “Hey, Kevin. How are you?”
    “I’m fine. How are you?”
    “I’m good. I have to run, so you’ll be on your own. I hope that’s okay. Help yourself to a drink or anything you need from the kitchen. I should be back soon.”
    Before I could respond, he waved from the car and sped away. Hearing Tim in my