Trish shook her head and smiled.
“The lawyer you bragged about…that helped you with your divorce, what is his name?”
“David Shaw. He is brilliant. Truly, if you have any legal problems go to him. His office is downtown.”
“Yes, good-looking young man. I know where his office is. I stop by the toy store a few blocks away every year to say hello to the good boys and girls in there.”
“One time I saw him in court and he was, well, magnificent. Brilliant. Very charismatic and he goes the full mile for his clients.”
“Sounds like he comes highly recommended. It also sounds like you’re fond of the young man.”
Trish let out a bit of a squeal. “If I tell you, will you promise not to repeat what I said at the party when we get there?”
“I promise. Santa can keep a secret, I assure you.”
“I am fond of him. I’m afraid I might be too fond of him. It’s strange and scary. I just got divorced you know. I don’t think I should like a man this much so quickly.”
“Ho, ho, ho. Love comes along when you least expect it. You have to be brave enough to accept it when it does.”
“I didn’t say I was in love with him.”
“Maybe you are and don’t know it or don’t want to admit it to me. However, if you’re not now, you will be very soon. I’ve known the Shaw boys since they were little. They’re pretty tenacious when it comes to something they want.”
Trish giggled as she remembered one of David’s steamy kisses. “Tell me about it.”
Santa chuckled. “That was definitely a loaded comment. Are you going to tell Santa more?”
Trish smirked. “Oh, Santa, you know a lady doesn’t talk about such things.”
“Oh boy.”
They both laughed.
“I…I could be…you know…falling for him. I find myself thinking about him a lot lately. I don’t know how he feels about me though.”
“By the way you speak of him, he is a smart young man. With that being said I’m sure he adores you and thinks of you as often as you think of him.”
Trish smiled. “David did admit the other day that he thinks of me often.”
Santa shook his head. “Now see, love can bloom during Christmas.”
“Oh, I don’t know, maybe,” she shyly replied.
“Looks like we’re here,” Santa said.
Trish looked at the large two-story house that was decorated in white lights. “Oh, yes, and remember this is our secret.”
“I won’t say a word,” he said and put his gloved finger on his lips and winked at her.
They smiled as they walked up to the house and climbed the three steps up the porch. Trish pressed the doorbell. It played a Christmas chime. Trish admired the wreath that was on the door.
“Wow, Mrs. Shaw really is into Christmas. I haven’t seen David’s parents since I was sixteen. I wonder how much they’ve changed.”
Before Santa could say anything, the door opened. Elizabeth Shaw stood at five-foot-six wearing a long green dress with long sleeves. It lightly hung from her slender body, and her dark hair was in a French braid. For a woman in her mid-fifties, she barely had any wrinkles. Her pale skin was flawless.
“Merry Christmas, Mrs. Shaw,” Trish said.
“Trish? I haven’t seen you since you were a teenager. You were pretty back then, but you’re prettier now,” Mrs. Shaw said with a bright smile.
“Thank you. These are for you.” Trish turned her body to indicate the items they were carrying. “Oh, I hope you don’t mind that I brought a friend.”
“Ho, ho, ho,” Santa said.
Mrs. Shaw giggled. “Not at all. Hi, Santa,” she said in a high voice and waved her hand.
“Hello, have you’ve been a good girl this year?”
“Oh, yes,” she said a bit seductively.
“Good, because I have a special gift for you.”
“Oh,” Mrs. Shaw said and giggled with excitement.
Trish fought the urge to turn her nose up. She couldn’t believe Mrs. Shaw was flirting with Santa Claus right in front of her.
A girl with blonde hair in a ponytail, who looked she was around fourteen, approached them.
“Kelly, this is Trish. She’s a friend of your cousins,” Mrs. Shaw said.
“Which ones?” Kelly asked.
“Teddy and David,” Mrs. Shaw answered. “Trish, this is my great-niece, Kelly.”
“Hi,” Trish said.
“Hi, I like your coat. You look bad to the bone. Is it real?”
“Kelly, it’s not polite to ask such a thing,” Mrs. Shaw whispered loudly.
“It’s okay. No, it’s not. I don’t like hurting animals,” Trish answered.
“Nice,” Kelly said and nodded her head with approval.
“Kelly, take these things into the kitchen, please,” Mrs. Shaw said and gestured towards the wine and gift basket that Trish and Santa were carrying.
Kelly took the items and said, “See you guys later,” and left the foyer.
Trish found it strange that the girl didn’t acknowledge Santa.
“Please come in,” Mrs. Shaw said.
Trish and Santa stepped into the foyer. Mrs. Shaw closed the door. Santa helped Trish take her coat off. Mrs. Shaw took it and hung it up in a closet. They walked out of the foyer and into the living room. There were people sprinkled in every corner and seat.
Teddy sat on the edge of the sofa holding a beer mug. He had on a Santa hat and a white turtleneck. He stood up when he saw Trish. “Hey, Trish, you finally made it inside. I saw you two from the window. What were you and Dad talking about?” he asked as he walked over to them.
Trish blinked. Dad? Seriously? Mrs. Shaw wasn’t a freak with a Santa fetish. She was flirting with her husband. No wonder Kelly didn’t acknowledge Santa, she knew it was her uncle coming to his own house. Then, her face fell and she froze. Here she was thinking that she was talking to a perfect stranger, who she didn’t think she would see again after tonight and it wasn’t. Trish threw a fit, had a pity-party, and bared her soul to David’s father.
Trish literally and utterly wanted to die right then and there. Then, she remembered that David’s father was a doctor and would probably revive her, so it was no use dying.
“Are you all right?” Teddy asked.
“I think your father did his Santa impression for Trish. It appears she didn’t figure out who she was really talking to - until now.”
“Oh God,” Trish mumbled, barely moving her lips.
“Should I get your medical bag? Trish looks like she’s about to pass out,” Teddy joked.
“No, but she could probably use a drink to warm her up,” Dr. Shaw said.
“Yes, get her a drink and take her to David. He’s been waiting for her.” Mrs. Shaw looked at Trish who still had shock on her face. “Oh don’t worry, dear. Whatever you told Santa will stay between him and you.”
Trish brought her hand to her forehead.
Teddy was amused by her reaction. “Dad, I’ll pay you $100 if you tell me what she said.”
“I’ll pay you $200 to drop it,” Dr. Shaw said as he took off his beard.
“I’ll collect my check at the end of the night,” Teddy joked.
Chapter 29
David drank his scotch as he listened to Uncle Edgar brag about all the fish he caught in July. He saw Ted walk into the den from the corner of his eye and then approach him.
“I sensed you needed saving when you didn’t come back into the living room,” Ted said.
“Saving from what? I’m telling some damn good stories, boy,” Uncle Edgar said as he rubbed his belly. “Ain’t that right, David?”
“Yes, sir,” David said.
“Your girl has arrived. I would have brought her to you, but she got caught in a conversation in the kitchen with Daisy, Melanie, and Marcus. They were a year ahead of her in high school. They’re catching up.”
“Girl? What girl? You got a girl? You didn’t menti
on a girl.” Uncle Edgar slurred.
“He probably didn’t have a chance. Take a breath, Uncle Edgar. Let your alcohol digest,” Ted said.
“I have to go, Uncle Edgar,” David said with a smile.
“I want to hear more about the womens,” he slurred.
“Ted, will fill you in on all the womens you want to know about,” David said.
“Thanks,” Ted said sarcastically.
David quickly left them. He weaved around friends and family to the living room.
“Hey, David, have you tried this caviar? It’s delicious,” Fran said.
“Earlier, it’s good,” he replied as he was trying to get to the kitchen.
“Marvelous,” Fran said and put a cracker with caviar in her mouth.
“This is some tree you have here!” Katie said in her Brooklyn accent. She was looking up and down at the Christmas tree next to the window.
“Thank you.” His mother beamed proudly.
David finally walked through the swinging door of the kitchen. He noticed Trish stood in a small circle with Marcus, Melanie, and Daisy. He approached them.
“Hey,” David said and put his arm around Trish’s shoulder. “Mom did the trick, huh?”
“Yeah, but I’m glad I came. Thanks for inviting me,” Trish said with a big smile.
Marcus, Daisy, and Melanie went silent. Their faces were blank.
“What’s wrong with you guys?” Trish asked.
“I..um….what?” Daisy stuttered.
“I must be drunk,” Melanie said.
“I think we’re all seeing the same thing because I’m the designated driver,” Marcus said and scratched his short afro. “Unless this punch is spiked.”
“What are you talking about?” David asked.
“Are you serious with that question?” Daisy asked with a perplexed look.
“The last time we knew you two were mortal enemies,” Marcus stated.
“I think the term mortal enemies is a bit strong,” David said.
“Are you kidding me?” Melanie said with amusement.
“Yeah, remember the fourth of July when Trish beat David up?” Daisy asked.
“I wasn’t there, but I heard about it. Everyone was talking about it at school,” Melanie said with amusement.
“She didn’t beat me up,” David said.
“That’s right. Trish didn’t beat David up,” Marcus said.
“Thank you,” David said.
“She whooped his ass,” Marcus said and started laughing.
Daisy and Melanie smirked. David wasn’t amused at all.
Trish smirked. “That was years ago. We’re cool, now. I even worked in David’s office for a couple weeks.”
“What!” the threesome said.
“Why is this so hard for you guys to believe?” David asked.
“I don’t think you two realize or remember how your mutual animosity looked to the outside world,” Marcus said and sipped his punch. “When you put your arm on Trish’s shoulder I was bracing myself. I thought Trish was going to break it off.”
“I have no intention of doing that, so you guys won’t see a fight this evening,” Trish stated.
“Damn, would have made this Christmas party memorable,” Daisy said.
“Yeah, no fair. I missed the first one years ago. I always hoped to see the rematch,” Melanie joked.
David looked up to the ceiling.
The back door opened. Bobby, who attended high school with David, walked in. A light trail of smoke hung around him. He closed the door and pulled his stocking cap off his bald head, and then he looked up at the group. He gawked at Trish and David. His dark skin almost turned gray. “What the hell is this?”
“Haven’t you heard? Trish and David are best buddies now,” Daisy announced.
“Shit,” Bobby said. He put the stocking cap back on his head. He also grabbed an open wine bottle from the table.
Bobby turned back towards the door.
“You just came back from a smoke,” Marcus stated.
“Who cares, this is one of the signs of the apocalypse. I’m going to enjoy myself while I can,” Bobby said and walked back out the door.
Everyone laughed.
*******
Trish stood alone next to the Christmas tree. David got caught in a conversation with an older gentleman concerning probate laws. Dr. Shaw walked up to her. He had taken off his beard, but still wore the Santa suit and hat. “Are you having a good time?”
“Yes, I am.”
“Good. Glad to see you in good spirits.”
“By the way, that trick you played on me was not nice,” Trish said.
“It wasn’t a trick. I was in character. I can’t break character while I’m out. What if a child saw me?” he asked with a not-so-innocent smile.
Trish leaned her head back and examined his face. “I see where he gets it from.”
“Excuse me?”
“David can be rather incorrigible sometimes. I see he gets it from you,” Trish said and shook her head.
He chuckled. “If that’s the worst you can say about the boy, then I did a good job. Elizabeth was right. I don’t divulge what people tell Santa.”
Trish looked down. “I know. It’s just…I’m sorry you saw me have a fit out there. I thought I was alone.”
He smiled. “I’m a doctor; I’ve seen and heard people say and do worse. At least you didn’t beat my son up again.”
“Dr. Shaw.”
“Just kidding, Trish. But, just like so many years ago, you two have become the talk of the party.”
“Oh, boy,” she said somberly.
He smiled again. “It’s not that bad. Just some folks that know you two’s history are a little stunned. Bobby finally came back inside. I think it got too cold for him. I’m happy for the distraction. At least everyone isn’t talking about Elizabeth being arrested.”
“Oh, I almost forgot. What happened with that?” Trish asked.
“By the time I found out about it, the charges were dropped. David said the ADA had bigger fish to fry. I think it had more to do with what Ted told me.”
“What was that?”
“Ted told me David threatened to sue the store for so much money that it would have to close. He even played with the idea of suing the mall, too. It was enough to scare the store owner, who knows that Elizabeth shops there often, to drop the charges.” Dr. Shaw chuckled. “You’re right, my son is a remarkable attorney.”
David walked up to them. “Why are you two in a huddle?”
“We’re not in a huddle,” Dr. Shaw said. “How did you get away from Jackson?”
“Uncle Edgar called him over to tell him a fishing story,” David said with a smile.
Dr. Shaw shook his head.
“Trish, Trish,” Mrs. Shaw called out a foot or two away. “Come over here. I want you to meet my sister.”
“I catch up with you guys later,” Trish said and walked towards Mrs. Shaw.
*******
“So, what do you think?” David asked.
“I think she’s a nice girl. You seem to enjoy her,” Dad said.
“But?”
“No buts, I like her - a lot. I just want you to be sure about what you want. That girl has had a lot of losses and disappointments in her short life. She doesn’t deserve any more pain.”
David looked at his father closely. “You sound concerned for her. Ted said he saw Trish talking to Santa outside. What did she say?”
“Now, son, you know-”
“I do. Just thought I give it a try.”
“When or if she wants to tell you, she will,” Dad said.
David’s eyebrow rose.
Later in the evening, Trish and David sat on the brown leather sofa in the den. A couple of people milled around the room talking.
“Once again, thank you for a lovely evening,” Trish said.
“You’re very welcome,” David said. “You’re not about to leave are you?”
�
�I think I should soon. They were predicting a snow shower tonight.”
David shook his head. “So, what did you and Mom talk about after you met my aunt?”
Trish smiled. “Just party talk. Nothing serious.”
“Hmm, and what did you and my father talk about?”
“He told me that you got the charges dropped for your mom,” she said and sipped her wine.
“I’ll rephrase. What were you talking to Santa about?”
“Um, the holidays?”
“Trish.”
“We were. Mostly.”
“Care to elaborate?”
“Maybe another time,” she said and looked down in her glass of wine. “What are your plans for Christmas Day?”
David thought for a moment. He decided to let her have her way in changing the subject, for now. “I’m spending the night here. In the morning, we’ll have breakfast and open presents. In the afternoon, I’ll go with Mom for the house to house Christmas cheer tradition in this neighborhood - it’s my turn. Ted did it last year. We’ll have a formal family dinner, and then we’re all going to a concert at Claryfield Hall.”
“Wow, sounds like a packed day.”
“What sounds like a packed day?” Mrs. Shaw asked as she walked to them. She sat down next to David.
“Our family Christmas activities,” David answered.
“Oh, yes. I am so excited for tomorrow. Trish, why don’t you join us for dinner and the concert?”
“Oh, I can’t. I promised Darlene I would do Christmas Day with her.”
“Well, bring her along and her father, too. Dear man, James Jacobs, he’s been our financial advisor for years. Made us a pretty penny.”
“I don’t think Darlene will go for that, and I wouldn’t dare impose on an intimate family gathering.”
“You are not an imposition, young lady, so get that out of your head. I like having you around. Especially tonight. You were a delicious distraction from that ordeal I went through a few days ago. Ted said you knew about it.”
“Um, was that a compliment?” Trish asked.
“It was, and it was also a thank you,” Mrs. Shaw replied.
“And thank you for inviting me, but I really should go, it is getting late, and I believe the weatherman is right about snow showers tonight.”
The Lawyer Page 18