Stuff My Stocking

by Blythe Reid

  “Just my mom and my uncle, Teddy. But he was killed in the war.” My mom had struggled with her brother’s death, and that was why she’d turned to drugs and dumped me off on her parent’s doorstep.

  “I’m so sorry.”

  “It’s okay,” I said. “It’s been a long time now.”

  He checked his phone when it made a ping. “I’m having the tree picked up as soon as possible, and I think that’s going to be tomorrow, so I should hear something back from my sister soon.”

  “Well, while Hunter gets the flatbed, I’ll show you inside and figure out what to do with you.” I had a million ideas and not one of them could I suggest without blushing.

  Chapter 5

  Tyler

  The house seemed even bigger inside, and I couldn’t imagine why anyone would need all those rooms unless they were running a boarding house, or possibly a brothel.

  “What’s the story behind this place?” I asked.

  She turned her head and gave me a narrowed look. “What do you mean?”

  She was defensive about something, and just like earlier, I didn’t want to pry.

  “I meant the size of it and all the rooms. You’ve got one of the biggest living rooms I’ve ever seen.” All around me was possibility, and my first impression was how her living room and kitchen could host a small wedding comfortably.

  “I heard my grandfather tell someone that they ran a boarding house once, but that was years ago, long before my time.” She walked me to the stairs. “We can go up and find you a room if you like.”

  “Do you have a room upstairs?” I didn’t want to bother with the upstairs if it was completely unused, and I had to admit that being up there alone would feel a bit creepy.

  “Mine is the one at the top of the stairs,” she said. “The room next to it is always used for guests. Or would you rather be downstairs? My grandfather’s room is downstairs. There’s a bed in there, but I haven’t been in it much since he passed.”

  I couldn’t stay in the old man’s room, and as long as she was up there, I’d like to be as well. “Upstairs is fine.”

  “Good.” She walked up, and I followed her all the way and watched her hips sway. When she got up to the top, she pulled her bedroom door shut and gave me a red-cheeked grin before heading over to the next door. “This is it.” She turned the knob and pushed the door open. Inside, the room had a queen-sized bed and a beautiful dresser set that looked like someone had hand carved around the large, oval mirror. “I hope this will do, and there’s a door that leads to my bathroom, feel free to share it. The others up here haven’t been used in quite some time, so I took down all the shower curtains.”

  “This place is amazing,” I said.

  “Thank you. My grandfather tried to keep it up the best he could. There are a few problems here and there, but nothing I couldn’t handle so far.” She shut the door and led me back downstairs.

  “There is the kitchen, which I’m sure you saw. Feel free to eat or drink whatever. Make yourself at home.” She walked over to the coffee pot and picked up a pink mug. “This one is mine. You can have any of the others.” She gave me a look, and I nodded.

  “Yes, no pink mug for me. Got it.”

  The guy, Hunter, walked in the house. I’d have to try and remember his name. “The flatbed is on the way. Want to come out with me, and we’ll get it loaded? You can get anything else you need out of the car.”

  “Sure. Sounds good.” I turned to see that Mattie was walking back toward the stairs. “Are we done?”

  “Yes, go ahead. I’m going to put on some fresh sheets for you, and I’ll be right back down.” She took the stairs quickly, like they were familiar to her feet, and once she disappeared, I went out to join Hunter.

  He stood watching the truck as it pulled in and backed up near my car. “Did she get you settled?”

  “I found a room.”

  “The one next to hers?” He turned and gave me a warning look.

  “Yeah, she said it was the guestroom.”

  “She doesn’t have many guests and never men, so you mind your manners, and we’ll continue to get along okay.” The message came in loud and clear, especially since he was about to take my car away.

  “You’ve got no worries from me, man. But do you mind if I ask, what’s her story?”

  “She’s had one long-term boyfriend who fucked around and treated her badly. Ever since, I’ve been pretty protective. Other than that, nothing. She’s got too much on her plate for games, so if you take an interest, make sure you’re not just trying to get in her pants.”

  “Hey, I just met her. I just want to know what’s up with the tree. Why were you angry?”

  “I wasn’t angry,” Hunter said. “I just hate to see her have to sell it off like that. But she’s got to do what she’s got to do to save the place, or we’re both out of a home. Me? I’ll be all right. With any luck, her best friend Clara is going to marry me within the year, but Mattie, if she loses this place, it’s going to kill her. She doesn’t have anywhere else to go. Her mom is in an institution; has been for years. For drugs, so it’s nothing hereditary, although you don’t want to cross her, trust me.”

  “Got you,” I said with a chuckle. “Damn. So, she could lose this place?”

  “Yeah, her grandfather put a lien on the house to send her to college. He paid most of it back, but not all of it, and now, the bank is coming to collect, and they have their sights set on selling this place; but look, let her tell you her woes, so you didn’t hear that from me.”

  “Why doesn’t she sell the place and buy something new?” I asked.

  “Because she promised her grandfather she wouldn’t. She’s hoping for a miracle, but it’s not going to happen. I tried to talk her into letting it go before, but I damned near wrecked our friendship over it. She’s the only thing I’ve got of a family, so I let it go. That was right after Willie died, though. I keep hoping she’ll come to her senses. Better to sell it than to have the bank take it away.”

  I looked over to the house and hated to think of her losing it. “It’s got potential, this place.”

  “Yeah, be careful how you tell her that. It’s a touchy subject.”

  “Thanks for the head’s up,” I said. “And thanks for taking care of my car.” I let loose a sigh of relief as it was pulled onto the flatbed and driven away.

  “I’m going to get a jump start on it, and I’ll call you with a diagnosis.” He shook my hand, and my phone rang as he walked away to his own truck. My sister had finally taken time to read her messages.

  I answered hesitantly.

  “Are you kidding me?” she asked when I picked up.

  “Hello to you too, Bex.” I turned and looked up at the house and wondered if Mattie could see me.

  “Don’t act like I’m not supposed to be angry. I knew if you found a reason, you’d get sidetracked.”

  “It’s not like that. I’m here at this Christmas tree farm, and my car wouldn’t start. I’ve had it towed, and I’m staying here for the night.” Or however long it would take. Part of me hoped it wouldn’t take long, and another part of me wanted it to be long enough to get to know her. I could tell the moment I saw her; she was my kind of girl. I wanted someone who wasn’t afraid to get dirty, and I loved that she had passion and respect for her home.

  “Sure, what’s her name?” I should have known Bex would get the wrong idea.

  “It’s not like I chose to be here. I came for a tree.”

  “Yeah, so there’s some girl in town you’ve already got an eye on then because I don’t trust you. What hotel will you be at?”

  “I said I’m staying here. At this tree farm. Until my car is fixed.”

  “Uh huh. Just make sure the farmer’s daughter is eighteen. We don’t need any bad publicity.”

  Just what kind of person did she think I was? I’d never messed around with young girls, and she knew it. Anything to be dramatic.

  “Bex, you’re being ridiculous. Ther
e is no farmer’s daughter. This place is owned by a nice lady, and she’s agreed to let me stay.”

  “Right. Look, I need you here. I’m sending the boys out to pick up the tree tomorrow, and we’re already getting the banisters redone. They’re almost finished with those.”

  I’d known all along she wasn’t going to be happy. But it wasn’t my fault. Not this time. “Right, but I don’t know how long it will take to fix my car.”

  “Tyler?” I turned and saw Mattie walking out from the house. “Your room is ready.”

  “That doesn’t sound like an old woman, brother.” I could hear her nails tapping on the desk, and knowing her, I could imagine her accusing eyes.

  I let out a sound of frustration. “That’s because it’s not. I never said she was.”

  “You are so dead if you don’t get your ass back here to help me. I knew better than to send you.”

  “Relax, Sis. As soon as the car is fixed, I’m out of here. I’m not leaving without my baby.” My sister knew how much my car meant to me, and I couldn’t believe she was pissed at me for something I couldn’t control. It wasn’t liked I’d picked the farm because of its owner. That was sheer, dumb luck.

  Chapter 6

  Mattie

  As soon as I closed up shop and went inside for the evening, Clara called and insisted that she was bringing dinner over for the four of us.

  “Well, at least my best friend spared you from my cooking,” I said as I walked into the living room and found Tyler typing on his phone.

  “Yeah? Hunter just told me how much it was going to cost me, so I thought I better move some money over. He said Clara ordered the part, but I have some bad news.”

  “Yeah? What’s that?” I hated to hear his car was worse than he thought.

  He looked like he’d lost his best friend. “It could take a few days. Several days, actually.”

  My body warmed in all the right places, but I pushed the thoughts away. He was a customer; one that wasn’t interested in me, so I knew I should stop letting my hunger for attention get the best of me. “Oh, I see. Well, you’re welcome to stay as long as you need to.” I knew that it must be a terrible inconvenience for him, and he probably was wishing he’d broken down someplace else.

  “I can get a hotel if you need me to, and I totally understand,” he said.

  “Only if you want to.” I tried to act nonchalant, and he let out a sigh.

  “I’m imposing, aren’t I? I should have just gotten the hotel to begin with.” He closed his eyes and raked his hand through his hair. Then he looked up at me. “I’m so sorry.”

  “It’s no imposition, but I just figure you might be used to something a little fancier.” The tree I’d sold was going inside a building that he owned. A very extravagant building that they called a palace.

  “Are you kidding? This place is amazing. I’d choose your house over any hotel, any day of the week. I just figure you’re not used to strangers staying the night.”

  I walked around the sofa and took a seat. “It’s been a long time since anyone stayed here with me, but the company is quite nice. I don’t mind, really.”

  “Good, because I like it here, Mattie. And I don’t mind the company either.” He smiled and looked over at the window as Clara and Hunter pulled up the long drive.

  “Dinner’s here,” I said.

  Clara had cooked enough chicken Alfredo to last for days. She was used to cooking for a large family with her mother. She’d also brought so much bread that I’d be trying to figure out a way to use it all before it went bad.

  We went to the kitchen to clean up while Hunter entertained our guest.

  “He’s very handsome, don’t you think?” Clara gave me a nudge as I ran some water in the sink and rolled up my sleeves.

  “Who, Tyler?” I let out a long breath, but there was no denying I agreed. My smile was the dead giveaway. “He is. I’m sure he gets his fair share of attention back home, though, so I’ve decided not to go there.”

  “He was looking at you all through dinner,” Clara said. “A blind man could see it. He hung on your every word.”

  “That’s only because I didn’t have a whole lot to say, and before you get carried away with matchmaker syndrome, let me just say that there’s absolutely no way the guy would ever be interested. We’re from two different worlds.” I grabbed the sponge and dipped it before washing the first dish.

  “Not from what I hear. He’s a lot more down-to-earth than you give him credit for. And besides, you’re due a little happiness. I know you’re always led by your heart, but why not approach this differently? Let go a little, cut loose, and have some fun.” She had always been the more adventurous between us, and I knew she was probably right, but her advice had always been much more fun to think about than to pursue.

  “I’m not going to stop being myself, no matter how much fun it would be,” I said. “You know me. I don’t even drink because I want to remain in control of things. If I let him sweep me off my feet, there’s no telling what could happen. And then when he goes back to New York City, I’ll be devastated. No, trust me. I know I’m doing the right thing.” I made busy with the rest of the dishes as she slowly rinsed and dried them.

  “I think you’re making a big mistake, but suit yourself.”

  Once the dishes were all done, we joined the men in the other room and made small talk until it was time for them to leave. Hunter and Clara had often slipped away to his barn apartment for a little alone time, and I couldn’t blame them. I was their faithful third wheel.

  “We should stoke up that fire.” Tyler pointed to the hearth, but it was his sexy smile that warmed me.

  “I’ll have to go get more wood.” I got up and stretched, and he joined me.

  He let out a big yawn and scrubbed his stubbly chin. “I’ll help. If it’s okay? I could stand to stretch my legs, too.”

  I led him out to the woodpile, and he noticed the light on upstairs at Hunter’s place. “That must be nice to have someone so close if you need anything.”

  “Yeah, he takes care of me. That’s all bound to change once they get married.”

  He gave me a narrowed stare as if to disagree. “I have a feeling they won’t be ditching you anytime soon. I can tell that they really care about you as much as you do them, and after talking to Hunter, this place means as much to him as it does you.”

  My heart raced as I considered the two of them talking about me. My situation was private. “You discussed my house with Hunter?” I handed Tyler a few logs, got a couple of my own, and headed back inside as he defended himself.

  “Not exactly. I’m just saying, the guy cares. I can’t believe you haven’t considered selling the place? It has great bones, and I’m sure someone with money could do a lot to improve the place.” He looked around, and I snapped.

  I stormed across the room and dropped the logs onto the floor in front of the hearth. “I’m sure someone with money would do a whole lot of things.” I could only dream. I’d had to struggle my entire life, and my biggest struggle was now that I was all alone. I sat on the couch as he built a fire.

  “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to offend.” He held out his hand defensively and then stacked a couple of logs on the fire.

  “And I don’t mean to be so bitchy. You’re a nice guy.” I tried to calm myself and not be so defensive. “I really can’t believe you prefer to rough it. I used to love to go camping out in the trees. Gramps would let me and Clara do it. It used to make Hunter mad that he couldn’t stay out there with us.”

  “That sounds like a good time. I’d do it full-time if I could get away with it. I’m more alive than ever when I’m out in the woods. The city dampens my soul. It’s too busy, and no one takes the time to appreciate anything anymore.”

  Once the fire was going, he came over and sat beside me.

  “I’ve never been to New York City,” I said. “I’ve never been anywhere really. Other than college. I only went to that because my grandfather wa
s so eager.”

  He shifted in his seat to face me. “Yeah? Did you finish?”

  “I did. I have my business degree. And before you say anything, I’m aware I should be able to do more for this place. I just don’t have the funds. Hell, I can barely keep the place. I’ve got people breathing down my neck about it already.”

  “So, you know that selling would be your best course, but you’re waiting for a miracle?” He shook his head and gave a little chuckle.

  “Excuse me?” He made it sound like miracles were impossible. But I believed.

  “It’s just that you’ve got nothing to keep you here,” Tyler said. “Why not go on and do some amazing things with your life. Your grandfather would have wanted that, wouldn’t he?”

  “It’s not the same. You can’t understand.” After a few moments of awkward silence and him glancing back to his phone, I got to my feet again.

  “I’m not trying to upset you,” Tyler said. “I just think that when it comes to this house, you should think outside the box a little. Get creative.” He gave me a cocky grin, and I wanted to slap the look right off his face. I’d thought long and hard about how to get the money together, and short of prostitution, I’d tried it all.

  “With all due respect, Tyler, it’s easy to be creative when you have the funds to see your visions become a reality. I’m running out of time to spin my wheels with cute ideas that will cost me more than they’re worth.” With that, I turned around and headed to the stairs. It took everything I had in me to not turn around and give him one final look.

  I wasn’t sure who he thought he was, but he didn’t know me, and he damned sure didn’t know my mind.

  Chapter 7

  Tyler

  I wasn’t about to stay up alone, and so I followed Mattie up a minute later. I waited in my room until I heard the water of the shower shut off before I knocked softly on the door. “Mattie?”