Unwrap these Presents

by Astrid Ohletz

  “No. I’m based in New York, actually. I was visiting a work colleague here, and then flying to San Francisco to visit friends for Christmas.”

  “So your holiday plans—”

  “Out the window,” Erika said with a laugh. “Good thing I had a feeling this might happen. I made another reservation at the hotel right before I left for the airport. If I had actually boarded the plane, I would have canceled. Looks like I’ll be taking the train back home.”

  “Smart move, on both counts.” Rae envisioned Erika notifying the hotel via a miniscule headset like in The Matrix. “So you’re just passing through for business, then?” Maybe she was a government agent. Rae could see that, too. Rae steered for the exit, across a ridge of snow.

  Erika waited to say anything until they were safely on the ramp. Rae eased the car to an almost-stop at the bottom of the ramp, but since there wasn’t any traffic, she turned without a full stop. The streets were slick enough here that she didn’t want to spin out on the ice. Once again, Erika waited a few moments before continuing the conversation.

  “Mostly. I figured I’d get that last meeting in before Christmas shuts everything down for a bit. I was able to visit an old friend who lives here, too.”

  Rae made a noise of agreement as she worked her way around a semi. “So what kind of business are we talking about?” That was much less personal than asking about the old friend. She tried to sound just interested, like anyone might be when talking to a stranger at, say, an airport while waiting for a flight.

  “I’m a literary agent.”

  Secretly, Rae gave herself a high five. She’d pegged Erika as involved somehow in the arts. She hadn’t quite nailed the field, but she was in the ballpark. “Cool. What areas?”

  “Science fiction, fantasy, and mystery, mostly. But I also have some paranormal authors I work with.”

  “That is seriously cool.” Rae geared down for a right-hand turn.

  “I’m glad you think so. Most people’s eyes glaze over when I reveal my secret identity.”

  “No, that’s really excellent. Tell me some authors you’ve placed.”

  Erika named a few and Rae threw another glance at her. “Excellent. The power behind the throne, huh?”

  She laughed and a really nice warmth flowed up Rae’s legs into her chest. Uh-oh. She was definitely coming down with what seemed to be a lust virus. Damn.

  “I take it you read those genres,” Erika was saying.

  “Yeah. Kind of neat to know that I met the agent of a few of the authors I’m familiar with. And you know, you could always just tell people you’re an agent, to prevent the eye-glaze thing.”

  “And how would that work?” she asked, with that little punctuation wink that made Rae breathe a little faster.

  “Easy. Somebody asks you what you do, and you just say ‘Oh, I’m an agent. Just got back from DC, and now I’m on a new assignment.’ It’s not completely wrong, after all.”

  Erika laughed again, but this time it was a sultry little chuckle and the warmth coursing up and down Rae’s legs turned into a burn, bordering on an ache. Definitely the lust virus. Double damn.

  “True,” Erika said. “So what about follow-up questions?”

  “You tell people you’re looking for a few good spies. Or vampires, maybe, since you acquire paranormal. Then, when they think you’re totally nuts, that’s when you drop the ‘literary’ part in.”

  “I see. It’s how I’m packaging my field that might be the issue.”

  “Exactly. It’s in the branding.”

  “Do you work in advertising?”

  “No. I’m a graphic artist, actually.” She slowed as the car in front of her was trying to turn right.

  “That is seriously cool. What venues?”

  “Graphic novels, mostly.” Rae turned left onto Twenty-third Street. They were almost at Erika’s hotel and that definitely calmed the lust virus down. A little.

  “So give me one of your biggest titles.”

  “Wolf Moon series.”

  “No way. You’re that Rae Trent?” The surprise in her voice made Rae tingle a little more.

  Rae shrugged, shy. “Yes, that’s me, but there are a few others who work on the series, of course. We’re waiting on text for the next volume, actually.”

  “I cannot believe I’m sitting in the car of a woman who draws for Wolf Moon. That’s a great series.”

  Rae maneuvered the car around a traffic circle and exited onto New Hampshire. “Glad you like it. The next one’s supposed to be out in June, but you didn’t hear that from me.”

  “I heard nothing,” she said in a fake mysterious voice.

  Rae pulled up in front of the Madera Hotel, getting as close as she could to the curb. It resembled a 50s or 60s-era upscale apartment building. A maroon awning extended from the front entrance to the curb and fortunately, the hotel staff had done a good job shoveling and clearing. “All right. Here you go,” Rae said, hoping she didn’t sound as wistful as she felt now that the ride was over. She unbuckled and got out before she did something even crazier than offer a ride to a stranger. Something that involved lips, tongues, and a whole lot more. “You okay getting out over there?” she asked as she took Erika’s bag out of the back and held onto it, so as not to set it down in the snow.

  “Got it, thanks.” She got out and shut the door then stood on the curb just in front of the awning, waiting.

  A hotel employee approached, bundled in a long winter coat and hat and gloves. “Good evening and welcome to the Madera. Can I take that?”

  Rae let him take Erika’s bag and he, too, didn’t set it on the ground and hence, the snow. He started to walk back toward the hotel’s entrance, but Erika didn’t follow him.

  “Thank you so much for the ride and the conversation. It made what might have been a shitty night definitely not that way.” She dug into her shoulder bag and pulled out a business card. “Email me, will you? I’m going to try to get out of here tomorrow evening, but I’m not holding my breath. Probably Christmas Day, more likely. But I will be checking email. I would really like to chat more.”

  Rae took the card like it was made of glass. “Will do,” she said, trying to sound casual.

  “Good. Thanks again.”

  Rae nodded, thinking that the way the snow fell on Erika’s hair and long, black cashmere coat made it a sort of magical tableau and even if she wasn’t really a superhero, she definitely had some kind of magic. “You’re welcome,” Rae managed. “Thanks for the company.”

  She smiled and turned away but she stopped halfway to the entrance and looked back at Rae. “Email me.”

  Rae raised the card at her. “Yep.” And she watched her go inside, her coat almost swirling around her black jeans like a cape. She stood in the snow for a bit longer, not sure why, until a car pulled up behind hers. She got back into her car then and placed Erika’s card on the passenger seat, like it was a placeholder for her. Rae put the car in gear and pulled away from the curb. Another fifteen minutes and she’d be home, and she’d resolutely vow not to email Erika that night. Too weird. And it might come across as desperation. But for what, Rae wasn’t sure. Erika had her thinking all kinds of things, and a lot of them didn’t involve clothing. Damn lust viruses had a habit of doing that to her.

  Tomorrow. She’d email Erika tomorrow, when she was a little more sane.

  * * *

  Rae woke up the next morning and looked out the window. No way in hell was she going in to the office today, she thought, as her phone rang. She checked the ID. Speak of the devil. Leon.

  “Hey, Mr. Supervisor Guy. What’s up?”

  “Merry Christmas Eve. Did you get out of DC last night? Because I will be amazingly surprised if that’s the case.”

  “And I’d be really pissed, because it would be four in the damn morning if I did.”

  “Oh, shit. That’s right. I’m sorry. Is it?”

  “No,” she said with a laugh. “I’m still in DC.”

  �
��Then I’m sorry again because you didn’t get to see your sister for Christmas.”

  “Shit happens, as they say.” Rae thought again of Erika, and cleared her throat while she pulled sweatpants, sweatshirt, and thick socks on. She moved her phone from shoulder to hand when she finished. “So what’s the word?”

  “Do not—I repeat—do not attempt to go to the office. The city’s pretty much shut down. Just stay home and draw pretty pictures. And call if you need to.”

  “Where are you?”

  “Home. See you day after tomorrow, if we haven’t all died in the snowpocalypse—oh, are you good for Christmas Day? Lynette and I can set a place for you. You’ll love her mom,” he finished, with just a hint of sarcasm.

  “I’m good, but I really appreciate the offer. Thanks, bro.”

  “It’s there if you need it, even last minute. All right, stay warm. I’ve got to call the rest of the crew. Later.”

  “Yeah. Later.” She hung up, relieved. Leon’s energy level was always high, and though she appreciated it most of the time, early in the morning was not one of those. She went to the kitchen and placed the phone on her counter while she ground coffee and got her coffee pot ready. Did Erika drink coffee, she wondered, and if so, how? She pegged her as woman who would appreciate a strong cup of dark coffee, maybe a little splash of cream, but no sugar.

  While the coffee brewed, she went into the guest room, which also doubled as a studio, and turned her Mac on before she opened the curtains and let the day’s light in. Wow. At least a foot of snow. No, more than that, she guessed as she looked down on the street and the white lumps that at one time were cars. Leon was right. The city was shut down. An SUV braved the street, but other than that, the world was snowed in. White Christmas for sure, and definitely excellent coffee weather.

  Her radiators creaked and hissed cheerfully, and she was glad to be on the second floor because she got the heat from the downstairs apartment, too. Great light, nice space, and reasonably priced, for DC. Rae filled her coffee cup and went back to her computer so she could check her email before she started working. And then maybe she’d think about sending a message to Erika. Speaking of—Rae put her cup down and went to the closet by the front door.

  She had put Erika’s card in her coat pocket last night. Her fingers closed on its smooth surface. Again, handling it like it might break, she took it back to her studio and set it on her light table. If she was going to email her, all she had to do was reach for the card. She stared at it for a moment. She hadn’t even really read it, so she didn’t even know what Erika’s last name was.

  Maybe she was afraid she’d jinx something. Jinx what? A chance meeting in an airport? Stupid, Rae remonstrated herself. She settled into her chair, took a sip of coffee, and opened her inbox. An hour later, she went back to the kitchen and fixed a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, which she ate standing at the counter. Another cup of coffee, and she was ready to start drawing. Back in her studio, she turned her speakers on, selected one of U2’s early albums on her iPod, and settled in at her drawing table. Every now and then, a little tone emanated from her computer, letting her know when an email came in, but she ignored it and worked until noon, stopping only to make more coffee and go to the bathroom.

  While the second pot of coffee brewed, she started sketching another panel but stopped when she realized that she’d just drawn Erika, in black jeans, black boots, and a long black coat, standing next to a big black motorcycle, eyes hidden by sunglasses. “Wrong comic,” she muttered, though she was pleased about the new character. She set that drawing aside, though she kept coming back to it, adding details to the version of Erika she’d started. Maybe she’d scan it and send it to her later on.

  Or maybe not. Erika might think she was stalking her or something. Some people got a kick out of being in a comic book. Others, not so much. Her phone rang.

  “Hey,” she answered.

  “You are totally coming to dinner,” James said, the Southern in his accent emerging.

  “I am?”

  “Yes, you big ol’ grinch, you. I know how you are this time of year, but deal with it. Just think of it as a regular party.”

  “With red and green and a big tree with ornaments—”

  “Fine. Ignore all that. You didn’t get to see your sis and nephews, so Alex and I will be your surrogate family. And Devya’s coming with a friend, so you won’t have to sit and talk to us the whole time.”

  “Thank God for small miracles.”

  “Girl!”

  She laughed. “All right. What time?”

  “Five. Start putting on your winter gear so you look like that kid in A Christmas Story. Which Alex is playing non-stop here, just so you know.”

  “Actually, I like that movie. All right. Should I bring anything?”

  “Nope. We’ve got it covered. See you soon.” He hung up and she went to get another cup of coffee. It would be fun to hang out with the boys. And they always had really good food.

  She brought her fresh cup of coffee back to her studio, opened her email inbox and scanned through the messages. The most recent caught her attention because she didn’t recognize the sender. Maybe a fan. Rae opened it, and had to read it twice before it registered that it was from Erika.

  Hey. I’m pretty sure this is the email address of Rae Trent, who I met last night at the airport and who gave me a ride to the Madera. Forget the email and please give me a call. My number’s on my card.—E

  Possessed by some force she couldn’t control, Rae’s arm shot out and she grabbed the card off the light table. Where’d she put her phone? Kitchen. She took the card with her, sparks zipping around her stomach again, and dialed the number before she opted not to. And by the second ring, it was too late to change her mind.

  “Erika Myles.”

  “Hi. It’s Rae.” The words felt weird in her mouth, like she’d been eating cotton balls. Her heart was pounding way harder than it should have been.

  “Hi, stranger,” she said, and the unexpected warmth in her voice only sent another cascade of sparks through Rae’s veins.

  “Hey. I guess you decided to stick around today, huh?”

  “I did. I got busy trying to find an email address for you. Which wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be. And you have a great website, by the way. I really like your work.”

  “Thanks.” The sparks were now fireworks. “Oh, sorry I didn’t get a chance to email. I got kind of busy on this project I’m working on.” That sounded rude. Rae winced.

  “Don’t worry about it. What I’m wondering is one, if you can actually get out of your house and two, if you’re busy tomorrow. I know that’s Christmas Day, but a girl can always hope.”

  She didn’t even need to think about it. “Yes and no.”

  Erika laughed, and the sound made Rae ache in a way that she hadn’t in a long time. “So which is it?”

  Rae grinned. “Yes to the first, no to the second.”

  “Well, then. Since I’m here in DC at least through tomorrow, do you feel like killing some time with a visitor? I’d like to buy you a drink.”

  “Definitely,” she said before she ran Erika’s request through deeper analysis. “What time?”

  “You know what? I’d like a little more time to chat than just an evening drink. How about lunch tomorrow instead? I’m sure we can find some alcohol somewhere.”

  “Probably. Lunch it is.” And maybe dinner? A girl could definitely dream.

  “I’m going to have to impose on you and ask that you come here, though. For obvious reasons.”

  “Sounds great.” Rae leaned back in her chair. Date? Not a date? I suck at this, Rae thought, desperate for something witty or at least not idiotic to say.

  “The restaurant here is pretty good,” Erika continued “And yes, they are open tomorrow. The show must go on through Christmas, they said. Especially since this place has a bunch of people stranded. If I recall correctly, there’s a bar.”

  “That sounds f
ine. Noon?” Did she at least sound cordial, and not like she was completely freaking out?

  “Excellent.”

  “Are you okay for tonight?” Rae was prepared to invite her to Christmas dinner with James and Alex, and since they always took in strays, it would’ve been fine. The question was whether Rae could make it through without coming across as dorky as she felt.

  “I am. My old friend invited me to dinner. Thank you for asking.”

  “Oh, okay. Good. Guess I’ll see you tomorrow, then.”

  “Looking forward to it. Bye.” She hung up and Rae stared at her phone. Oh, God. What would she wear?

  * * *

  “Darling,” James said in his silky baritone when he opened the door for Rae. “Don’t you look edible.” He made “nom nom” noises as he leaned in and pecked her on the cheek.

  “I feel like I should represent for the lesbian nation when I come over here. Lose the flannel and Birks, you know.” She handed him the bag wrapped around the wine bottle then took her scarf and hat off and shoved them into the pockets of her old Army coat that hung mid-thigh on her. James wore jeans and a nicely tailored rose-colored shirt that contrasted nicely with his dark skin.

  “Girl, stop.” He took her coat with his free hand and hung it on a peg near the door. “I told you not to worry about bringing anything.” He pulled the bottle out of the bag and made an appreciative noise. “But in this case, I’ll make an exception.”

  She laughed. “I’m trying to overcome my issues with Christmas. Let me buy you some booze.” She unlaced her combat boots and as she placed them on the mat beneath the coats, she paused, staring hard at the pair of black motorcycle boots that stood beneath a long black cashmere coat.

  “Who—” she started to ask James when a petite dynamo of a woman flung herself into Rae’s arms, laughing.

  “So glad you’re here,” Devya said as Rae managed to set her down and extricate herself. Even dressed in faded jeans, baggy maroon sweater, and thick gray socks, Devya always looked like she should be in a Bollywood film as the gorgeous leading actress.