Page 145 of Merry Christmas, You Filthy Animal
“Perfect.” He lifts my chin and then gently kisses me. “Then I’ll get it for you, something to remind you of the vision and goal.”
“Oh, you don’t have to do that.”
“I know I don’t, but I want to.”
He takes the globe from me and then grabs my hand, leading me around the rest of the room. But instead of taking a look at everything else around me, I can’t stop looking up at him, and of course, he catches me.
“What?” he asks.
“You’re really sweet. Probably the sweetest guy I’ve ever met.”
“My parents raised me well,” he says.
“I can tell. You’re really supportive, and I appreciate that. When I was starting my other business, my boyfriend at the time really didn’t get it. It was one of the reasons why we split up. He said I was spending too much time thinking about the store, and I didn’t understand why he didn’t comprehend the importance of how much time and effort I put into it.”
“Sounds like an inconsiderate douche. You’re better off without him.”
I squeeze his hand. “I think I am.”
Chapter Twenty-Four
Max
Narrator: Word on the street is Florence is still sayingboner.
Just thought you might want to know that.
Really got nothing else to say.
Shall we carry on with the story?
Ornaments, garlands, and lights dangle from the ceiling, the mood’s set with dim lighting throughout, and the subtle sound of instrumental Christmas music playing in the background brings the entire space together.
Betty sits across from me, sipping her cranberry martini, while I can’t help but stare at her and the way she takes in the decorations, how she delights over her drink and exudes pure joy with every little detail that she sees.
“This might be one of my favorite places ever. Reminds me of one of those bars you see on social media that people are alwaysshowing off during the Christmas season. You know, the ones shrouded in Christmas decorations.”
“That was the inspiration, actually,” I say. “With the added elements of tartan and reindeer.”
“I seriously love it. Makes me rethink my entire candy cane theme.”
“Don’t,” I say. “Your candy cane theme is perfect.”
She twists the snow globe I got her and says, “It is, isn’t it?”
“I love it. Also really liked the idea of getting a candy cane when you check in.”
She smirks. “One to eat, not to play with.”
“You might need to add a note that says,Please use candy canes responsibly.”
She nods. “You know, not a bad idea, followed byPeppermint stings.”
I laugh. “Yeah, cover all your bases.” I lift my drink—went with a soda since I’m driving—and I take a sip. “So tell me something about you that I don’t know.”
“There’s a lot that you don’t know.”
“Well, give me a quick rundown then. What are your interests, your dislikes, pet peeves, comforts? I want to hear it all.”
