Page 96 of How (Not) to Conjure a Boyfriend
“You could do both,” Gran steps back in. “We have Christmas on Christmas Eve. The night of. I’m sure Hayden would love to have you here.”
I don’t know. I mean, we’ve always done Christmas on the morning of Christmas itself. The idea of opening presents a day early is foreign to me, except back when I’d beg and Mom would let me open one. There’s not usually enough to do that nowadays though.
“I might be able to,” I say. I can entertain them for a little longer, but I know it’s not going to happen. “I’ll ask Mom.”
“It’s really okay if you can’t,” Mr. Marcus says.
“Oh, we can make it work.” Super Old Gran waves him off, and I can’t help but let out a tiny laugh.
“And you don’t have to bring anything. No gifts,” Hayden quickly spouts.
“Yeah, I’m not getting him anything either,” Zach laughs across the table at his brother.
Hayden grunts, I think in amusement. I could be wrong.
“What about me?” Holly whines. The pout puts a stake in my heart, so I can’t imagine it doesn’t tear Zach to shreds.
“Don’t worry. I have something for you,” he tells her, and nudges their shoulders together.
“Good. I got you something too,” she says proudly.
“I just don’t want him thinking he needs to.” Hayden puffs his chest. I can’t help but notice Zachary’s eyes flinching between Hayden and me every time Hayden refers to me ashe. It’s really not a big deal, but I think it truly bugs him.
“Of coursetheydon’t have to,” Zachary says.
Despite how shitty my insides feel, in that moment the way he saidtheydoes put a smile on my face, which unfortunately I think he notices. He sits back and juts his chest out, those steel eyes beaming.
“It’s good,” I tell them, sweeping my gaze across the table. “I promise.”
I also promise that if this dinner isn’t a short one, I’m going to go insane. Like clinically. The thoughts rampaging through my skull, fighting between self-preservation and being a decent human being are going to rip me apart.
“What do y’all say we play some Old Maid after dinner?” Mr. Marcus suggests.
Old Maid? What’s that?
“Oh that would be fun,” Mary-Anne agrees.
“I’m going to bed after this,” Super Old Gran says.
“Couldn’t we play something less…kiddy?” Zach asks.
I nervously raise my hand like I’m at school before Zachary can have his request answered.
“Yes?” Mr. Marcus asks. I think he’s confused by my hand being up. “You don’t have to raise your hand, Kenzie.”
I yank it back awkwardly and smile to cover my embarrassment. At least it’s getting my mind off what’s been flying around inside it the past day.
“What is Old Maid?” I ask.
“You don’t know what Old Maid is?” Zach practically comes across the table, he’s so surprised.
“Uh, no.” I jump back.
Is it one of those games kids grow up playing with their dads that I never really got? Like football or something? Mom would always play baseball with me. Sometimes basketball, but we never dared try football, except the international variety.
“Whoa!” Zach howls.
“Not everyone knows what it is,” Hayden defends me, even though part of me likes that Zach is roasting me. “It’s sort of an old person game.”
