Come Away With Me by Erika Kelly

Author:Erika Kelly [Kelly, Erika]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: EK Publishing, LLC

4

“Merry Christmas.” His mom stepped out of her condo to give Jinx a hug.

He couldn’t help noticing she felt a little softer, thicker. “Mom.” He hugged her a little longer, a little tighter, partly out of guilt that he’d brought someone here to change her, and partly because he was so damn worried about her.

When he pulled back, he gestured to Skylar. “Mom, this is Skylar James. A friend from Calamity.”

It never failed. Even though he was dating Lori—and liked her—every time he looked at Skylar his chest got tight, his blood pumped hard, and his breath caught in his throat. When she’d hugged him in the diner, he’d thought he’d have a heart attack. It was all he could do to keep his hands to himself.

“Hello.” With a grin, Skylar reached for his mom’s hand, clasped it between hers. She had a way of leaning in, of looking people right in the eye, that told them they were important. “It’s so good to meet you. Jinx talks about you a lot.” Her voice was filled with warmth, and he wanted some of it.

Which is progress. I used to want all of it.

“Well, come on in,” his mom said. “Let’s get out of the cold.”

“Cold?” Skylar headed inside. “Calamity’s minus ten right now, so your sixty degrees is downright balmy.”

“Let me take your coat.” His mom held her hands out for Skylar’s parka.

Jinx looked around the condo. With the blinds shut, the condo looked tired and gloomy. Other than a couple of his paintings hanging on the walls, the room had no personal touches. “Hey, Mom, no tree?”

“No.” His mom leaned into the closet to hang up the coat. “It’s just me here. I didn’t want to bother.”

“You used to love Christmas.” He thought of Skylar’s salon, the twinkling lights, the smell of pine and cinnamon. The feeling of home. In contrast, his mom’s place felt stark. Like she was a traveling salesman just passing through.

His heart twisted at his mom’s isolation. He hoped like hell Skylar could help her. She needed friends, hobbies, interests.

His mom turned to face them. “I loved it when you were guys were little. Now, there’s really no point.”

“If you love Christmas and don’t want the bother, you should come to Calamity next year,” Skylar said. “We go all-out. Lights everywhere, a huge tree all lit-up in the town green. The coffee shop rolls out a cart and sells hot cocoa. We’ve got carolers. It’s awesome.”

“That sounds lovely. Maybe I will come.” She jerked her thumb towards Jinx. “Of course, it all depends on whether he’s still around.”

“I’ll be there.”

His mom looked surprised. “You’re staying?”

“I am.”

His mom eyed him thoughtfully. “I’m glad to hear it.” She rubbed her hands on her scrubs. “Well, I just got home and haven’t had a chance to go shopping, but I can make you some sandwiches. Anyone hungry?”

“We just ate, Mom. We’re good.”

“I’ll bring out some drinks.”

“Just water for me, thank you,” Skylar said. “Can I help?”

“No, no. I’ll just be a second.

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