Forever ... Christmas by MARY KELLY REED

Author:MARY KELLY REED [Mary Kelly Reed]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: 7 SEASONS
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

That evening the house fills up quickly.

“Stay close to me,” Christine advises as she goes around introducing me to everyone, each time with a little joke.

At one point, I see her father on the patio and I join him. It’s cold, but there are so many people inside that I understand why he would want to get a little fresh air.

“Do you mind if I join you?” I’m not sure if he likes me or if he’s just putting up with me in order to avoid arguing with Alex.

He smiles, relieving some of my nervousness. “Katie. No, come here, I wanted to speak with you. Alex approached me this morning to talk, and I have the feeling it is in part thanks to you.”

“I didn’t do anything.”

“On the contrary. I know my son. He doesn’t do anything he doesn’t want to. But I’ve observed him with you and I noticed how much he values your opinion. Make no mistake,” he adds when he sees me about to protest. “I don’t know if he loves you. I can’t read his mind. I might be a good lawyer, but I was never able to understand Alex, which is why we have so many problems. Regardless, I know he respects you, and that you hold a very important place in his life. I can tell you’re a good person and that you love my son. In my opinion, you are made for one another, but I’ve seen so many couples with supposedly solid relationships fall apart that I no longer trust anyone, not even my son. Katie, don’t let him manipulate you. If he wants something from you, make him fight for it. Actually, I think without being aware of it that’s already what you’re doing.”

The snowy landscape holds my gaze as I take a moment to process his words. Turning back to him, I say, “Mr. Reed, there was never any question of a romantic relationship between Alex and me. We’re friends. We enjoy spending time with one another, but that’s it. I promise you, everything’s fine.”

“I know that in this moment everything’s fine, but be careful Katie. A relationship like yours can’t last forever.”

Thanks for confirming my fears.

I stay on the patio for a while after his father goes inside. It’s not much later when Alex comes out to join me.

“What are you doing out here all alone?”

“I was talking to your father.”

He looks at me worried.

With a laugh I reassure him, “Alex, I was talking to your father; I wasn’t out killing bears.”

“My father can be very intimidating, believe me,” he says, sounding a tiny bit defensive.

“But also very considerate. Like someone else I know.”

He doesn’t say anything, but we go inside together and he spends the rest of the evening pretending to be an attentive boyfriend. I bet everyone thinks we’re together.

The party doesn’t end until 2 a.m. but Christine insists on opening presents. Mrs. Reed thanks me for her gift, as does Mr. Reed who starts talking with me about Hitchcock’s films.

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