“Doesn’t matter how slowly. As long as you’re moving forward, that’s all that matters.”
“Thanks, Haze.”
“Why are you thanking me? Besides the chips.” She winks and places another in my mouth.
“Just thank you for everything.”
“No need to thank me. Just get me something good for Christmas.”
“Already have.”
“What? Really?” she asks in surprise. “Did you seriously get me something?”
“Yup. And it’s good.”
“When did you get it?”
“In Nuremberg. At the Christmas market while you were peeing.”
“Crew.” She pushes my shoulder. “I didn’t get you anything.”
“You don’t have to. You being here is enough.” I snag a chip from her and smile while chewing.
Yeah, I can’t wait to give her the gift I got.
Chapter Eleven
HAZEL
“Merry Christmas Eve,” Crew says, lifting up from the bed to find me walking out of the bathroom, freshly showered and clothed. His hair is rumpled and he has a lazy smile spreading across his face—he’s completely and utterly adorable.
“Merry Christmas Eve, Crew.” I take a seat on the bed. “I’m assuming you just woke up, but did you get a chance to take a look at the weather?”
“No. Cold today?”
“Snow for the next two days. Calling for heavy snow tonight leading into tomorrow.”
“Oh, shit, really?”
I nod. “Looks as though it’ll be a white Christmas in Germany.”
“Think Pops planned that?”
“Probably.” I bring my foot up to put my sock on and say, “I think we should consider spending the day where Pops has planned, and tonight, we drive to the next stop. If the hotel is close we can just head to whatever Christmas location we’re supposed to be at.”
“Yeah.” He pushes his hand through his hair. “That might be a good idea.” He tosses the covers off him and goes to my backpack, where the letters are. He picks up the letters for today and tomorrow. “I feel weird opening both.”
“I know. Maybe we can just look at the itinerary and not the letter for tomorrow.”
“Oh, that’s a good idea.” He opens up the letter for today and sits next to me on the bed, draping his arm casually over my shoulder as he reads. And because he’s just woken up, he’s so warm. I swear, male skin does not work properly. His tempting warmth has been hard to steer clear of at night in our bed, because all I’ve wanted to do was snuggle into him. But that’s dangerous. “‘Hey kiddos. Merry Christmas Eve. How was fencing? If I could guess who won, my money is on Hazel Girl.’” I needle Crew’s side and he squeezes me tighter. “‘Next on the trip you’re headed to one of the most popular stops on the trip, Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Why is this town so popular? A few reasons: it’s one of few walled medieval towns left in Germany, meaning the entire town is circled by a large stone wall. But most importantly, you’ll find the Plönlein, a yellow, crooked timber house at the entrance of the spital quarter. It’s a house that sits in a fork of the town’s cobblestone road, and it’s the inspiration for Disney’s Pinocchio. You’ll see that Gloria and I took a picture in front of the famous house that splits the town’s two towers. I suggest you give it a look, take a picture, and marvel at how a building can be crooked and majestically, can still stand tall. Makes me believe we’re all a little crooked in our own way, but with a little support from our friends, from our family, we can still stand tall.’”
“God, that rings so true,” I say, missing the advice Pops always offered.
“Truer than I think you know,” Crew says softly before continuing. “‘I suggest from there, you walk around the wall. There are staircases at the entrance that allow you access to the top. It’s the best view of the town you’ll get, but note—cars aren’t allowed in town, so look for parking outside the walls. Since it’s Christmas Eve, and I wouldn’t make you drive on Christmas Day, this is a day trip. After you have walked around, maybe pick up a beer stein from one of the souvenir shops, get back in the car for an hour drive to Nördlingen. There will be a package waiting for you at the hotel. Love you. Pops.’”
“I guess we don’t need this letter, then,” Crew says, holding up the Christmas Day one.
“He really thought of everything.” I glance at the letter. “I wonder how long it took him to put this all together.”
“Probably a long time.” Crew stands from the bed and hands me the letter. “I’m going to take a shower, and then we can get going. If we’re driving to two towns today, I want to get a head start so we make sure we spend an adequate amount of time in Rothenburg.”
“Sounds good.” As he starts toward the bathroom, I call out, “Are you nervous about the package at the hotel?”
“I don’t know if I’m scared or apprehensive. Either way, I feel as though I’m not going to be able to appreciate the town we’re supposed to be visiting today.”
“Same.”
“Don’t worry about breakfast, by the way. We can pick up some egg sandwiches and coffee from that place downstairs.”
“Sounds good.”
He ducks into the bathroom, and I sit back up on the bed, pulling out the picture of Gloria and Pops. It’s faded—the colors almost all seem to mesh together—but their smiles are clear and so is the crooked building in the background. I wish I’d met Gloria, but she passed away before we were even a thought. Seeing this side of Pops makes me wonder if I’ll ever experience the love they did. He was so kind and thoughtful, romantic with his beautiful wife, and sensitive to two young kids who needed his wisdom. Still need his wisdom. Makes me wistful.
According to the many stories Pops shared about Gloria, she and I share the same vivacious attitude and hate being told we won’t achieve something we set out to do.
Maybe that’s why Pops liked me so much, because I reminded him of his Gloria.
I rub my thumb over the picture, smiling to myself.
“What do you think, Gloria? Think I’m crazy to like your grandson?” I sigh. “Yeah, crazy stupid.”
* * *
“Thank you,” Crew says to a fellow tourist who took a picture of us together in front of the Plönlein.
“Of course,” the guy says before walking off with his boyfriend. While we waited in line, we struck up a conversation with them and found out they were on their first official trip together as a couple. We took a picture for them and they were kind enough to return the favor. “Enjoy your stay.” They wave and we wave back.
From my back pocket, I pull out the picture from Pops and hold it next to Crew’s phone. We compare the pictures and, once again, it feels like Pops is here, looking over our shoulders, enjoying the picture with us.
“My mom will love this picture.” Crew sends it to her and then he stuffs his phone in his pocket. He brings his hands to his mouth and blows in them. “Fuck, it’s cold out today. Usually the sun helps warm things up, but with a storm coming, I feel as if my dick is turning into an icicle.”
“That’s a visual,” I say.
“I don’t know if I can stay outside too long.”
I pat him on the back. “That California blood of yours is really showing.”
“You’re telling me you’re not cold right now?”
I shrug. “It’s cold but I’m not going to be dramatic about it.”
Crew’s head swivels to face me. “Are you calling me dramatic?”
“Yes.”
He nods, nostrils flared. “Okay, I see how it is.”
“Good. Glad you can recognize the truth.” I loop my hand through his arm and say, “Let’s go into that shop over there. It has beer steins.”
“I’ll go anywhere as long as it’s not outside.”
As we walk toward the shop, I ask, “Am I going to have to get you something warm to drink in order to make it to the wall?”
“You might.”
“Why aren’t you wea
ring the scarf I bought you?”
“Left it back at the car.”
“Well, that wasn’t very smart, was it?” I ask as Crew opens the door to the shop for me.
We’re instantly hit with warmth, and Crew groans. “Oh, that feels fucking good.”
Turning toward him, I say, “That sounded really sexual.”
“This very well might be a sexual experience for me,” he says, rubbing his hands together.
“You’re pathetic.”
“I’m aware.” He laughs, and I guide us over to the quirky beer steins.
“I want to get something for Mia and Grandpa Thomas.” I pick up a stein and nearly choke on the price. “Holy shit, these are expensive.”
Crew picks one up and takes a look at the price. “Sixty euros isn’t bad.”
“Says the boy who grew up outside LA in a house that overlooks the ocean,” I say, the tone of my voice snarkier than before.
“Hey, I didn’t mean to be insulting.”
“I know. Sorry. I was just surprised is all.”
“You know we still have a huge dent to make in the money Pops left us.”
“I’m not using that money to buy gifts for Mia and Grandpa Thomas.”
“Why not?” He casually picks up another stein. “I used it to buy those pant-less cherubs. He said to use the money however we wanted.”
“You used it for the cherubs?” I ask, feeling as though it might be okay for me to use it since Crew did.
“Hell yeah.”
“Okay.” I nibble on my bottom lip. “But I still don’t want to pay sixty dollars for a beer stein.”
“This one is thirty.” Crew holds up a more decently sized one.
“Really?” I take it from him and examine it. “Think you can fit a normal-sized beer in here?”
“Do you expect Mia and Grandpa Thomas to actually use them?”
“Why not?”
Crew examines the bottom of it. “I don’t know. I thought they were meant to be decorative.”
“No, I think you can drink from them.” Not being shy at all, I walk up to the register and ask the store clerk, “Hello, I was wondering if you could drink from these?”
The elderly woman with her hair in a crown braid smiles softly and nods. “Ja. Hand wash.”
“Thank you.” I turn to Crew. “See? You can drink from them.”
“Huh.” He scratches his chin. “I wonder if I should have got the boys beer steins instead of pant-less, musical cherubs?”
I shake my head. “No way. The cherubs are so much more fun. Think about their reactions. They’re going to see they got a package from Germany, know it’s from you, and expect something like a beer stein, but instead find a cherub and a heartfelt card telling them how much the figurine reminded you of them.”
“Oh, shit, I forgot about the cards.” He chuckles. “You’re right. I just wish I could see their reactions when they open them.”
“I’m sure they’ll be the what the fuck expressions you have in your mind.”
“Especially River. Pretty sure Hutton will love it, though.”
“Hutton seems like the type who would marvel in such a present.”
Crew chuckles and picks up another beer stein, giving it a good look. “Yeah, he’s the kind of guy who will probably leave it around the house he shares with other athletes to try to freak them out.”
“Oh, yeah, that’s what I’d do too.”
He nudges my shoulder with his. “See? You two would be great friends. You don’t have to be salty about him.”
“I’m not salty about him anymore. Actually, he’s hot. Why don’t you set us up?” I ask jokingly, but the smile on Crew’s face falls.
“He’s taken.”
“I was kidding, Crew.”
“It wasn’t funny,” he says seriously, reaching out for another beer stein.
“Are you seriously mad right now?” I ask, my brows pulled together.
“Do you think my dad would like this?” he asks. “I think I want to get one for him and Uncle Paul.”
I needle him with my finger. “Hey, don’t ignore my question.”
“Do I look mad?”
“Uh, you sound mad.”
“I’m not. Just nice how quickly you’ve asked to be set up with all my friends, even though I’m standing right in front of you.”
“Whoa.” I hold my hands up. “Where’s this coming from?”
“I’m sensitive,” he says, and I see the smallest crack of a smile pass over his lips. “My man feelings can’t take the harsh dismissal of my good looks and superior charm for other men.”
I roll my eyes. “Oh my God, I really thought you were mad.”
I really thought he wanted to be considered.
Ha—of course he’s joking.
I’m not his type. Not his match. Not the kind of girl he could ever see himself with.
“I mean, it wouldn’t hurt to have my ego stroked every once in a while.” He holds up a black beer stein with the Plönlein carved into the cylinder.
“You get your ego stroked enough by everyone else around you. What you need from me is reality.”
“Oh yeah?” He tucks the black beer stein into the crook of his arm and picks up a matching one. “And what’s my daily dose of reality going to be today, Twigs?”
I find a green stein that has a white castle carved into it that I know Mia will love. She’s all about the fairy-tale romance. “Reality is you’re stuck in Germany with me for Christmas, and unless you want it to be an awkward Christmas, I suggest you don’t ask for your ego to be stroked.”
Wiggling his eyebrows, he asks, “Can I ask for something else to be stroked?”
I press my palm to his face and push him away. “You wish.”
He wraps his arm around my waist and pulls me into a hug. “Ah, only in my dreams, right, Haze?”
The press of his chest against my back combined with the feeling of his words dancing across the back of my neck has me catching my breath quicker than expected.
“You tell me,” I say, feeling breathless.
“Do you need help with those steins?” the store clerk asks, walking up to us, looking concerned at how Crew is holding me. Probably doesn’t want anything to break.
Crew releases me and says, “I’m going to take these. What about you, Twigs?”
I hold out the green one, trying to appear as casual as possible, even though there’s a wave of butterflies in my stomach from his touch, from his words, from the suggestion in his tone.
“Uh, this green one. Thanks.”
The clerk takes the steins from us, and I right my jacket as Crew moves past me, his arm brushing against mine as he makes his way to the glass ornaments.
I steady my breath and follow closely behind. “Look at this. It’s a pretzel.” Crew holds out an ornament, acting as if everything is normal.
“Do they have an RV? That would be a cool one for your mom.”
He sets the pretzel back on its hanger and then searches around. “No, but not sure how popular an RV ornament would be in Germany.”
“Too bad they don’t have a Funyun bag.”
He chuckles. “Now that’s an ornament I would buy for everyone, including you . . . even though I already got you something.”
I sigh. “Stop rubbing it in. I feel like I need to find something to give you.”
“Nah, I’m just teasing you. You don’t need to get me anything.”
“What are you going to open tomorrow?”
He shrugs while looking over some baubles. “Maybe Pops left something.”
“Maybe.” Taking in the rest of the shop, I ask, “Are you good in here?”
“No, I think I want to stay a few more hours.”
I playfully push at him. “You’re braving the cold. I don’t care what you say.”
“Brutal.”
* * *
“How are you doing?” I ask as Crew cuddles up to his large coffee.
“Surviving.”
“You’re so strong,” I say sarcastically as we make our way around the town, walking on top of the stone wall. It barely fits two people side by side. Thankfully I’m smaller than Crew or else we’d be having a hard time walking next to each other. On the outer side of the wall, it extends up and connects to a wooden roof, providing shelter from the freshly falling snow. It’s light, but it’s starting to increase. And the town side of the wall is blocked off by a wooden split-rail fence that I don’t think could take the weight of Crew if he fell into it.
“How much longer do we have?”
“We’re almost back to the start. Glad you could enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime stroll with me instead of counting down the minutes.”
“I’m sorry,” he says quickly. “I don’t know what’s with me today. It’s the lack of scarf. Shit, okay.” He shakes his arm out and puts it around me. “What do you want to talk about?”
“Are you using me as body heat?”
“I wish that was an option, but you’re so goddamn small it makes it impossible to steal any warmth from you. Just trying to show you that I’m enjoying our stroll.”
“You don’t need to put your arm around me to do that. You could tell me what you like about this town.”
“Honestly, I think this has been my least favorite place we’ve visited.”
“Really?” I ask, surprised. “It’s a very popular destination. Why is it your least favorite?”
“I just don’t feel Pops here. I don’t know. Maybe it’s because we’ve just walked around and there hasn’t been an activity. But I don’t know, it hasn’t really struck me.”
“Is it because you’re itching to get to the hotel and open the package waiting for us there?”
“Maybe,” he says quietly.
“I can understand that. You’re distracted so you can’t appreciate the beauty of Rothenburg ob der Tauber.”
“I guess not.”
“Then let’s pause for a second.” The entrance to the stairs and the town are right up ahead, so we don’t have much farther to go. I turn Crew toward the town and we both look out over the carbon-copy red roofs and timber houses. “Can you imagine what life was like back then, living in the circle of the town, barricaded by a wall to keep you safe, never knowing if anyone would come and attack you?”
The Romantic Pact Page 18