by Sarah Cole
VERITY:
“All black again, Ver?” Tally eyes me up and down, handing me my morning coffee as she meets me out front of our office building. Over the past few weeks, this is the only color that suits my mood and effort level. It always matches, and it goes flawlessly with my resting bitch face. Definitely helps me to avoid unwanted advances and conversations in the long holiday lines.
“Yes ma’am. I’m mourning the death of my motivation.” I respond drily.
“It suits you. It’s quite chic, actually.” She smirks, pushing her new bangs from her eyes.
“I wish it was based more off of conscious fashion choices, and less on my ‘I don’t give a shit’ attitude, but I’ll take any compliment I can get.”
“What’s got your knickers in a bunch, grumpy gills? It’s the holiday season, you scrooge.” she has a concerned look on her face as she hits the button for our floor in the elevator.
“Nothing.”
“Liar, liar, pants on fire.” She teases, trying to cheer me up, and it does but only marginally.
“For starters, I ran out of tampons so I’m wearing a maxi pad the size of Texas until I can run to the drugstore over lunch. Two, I’m stressing about this feature article for the February issue. I’ve only got a basic outline, plus all the other deadlines I have, and it’s due in less than two weeks. Hunter has been working extra shifts since the stomach flu has been going around the precinct, so I haven’t hardly spent any time with him. You’re on a Tinder binge so I don’t even have you to commiserate in loneliness with. And to top all of that off, my parents are gone and tomorrow is Christmas Eve, so I have to spend Christmas alone.”
“Wow. No wonder you’re channeling your inner Chris Motionless.”
“Who?”
“Never mind. It doesn’t matter, but I thought Hunter invited you to spend Christmas with his family upstate?” she asks as we step out of the elevator and towards the glass doors to Trend.
“He did.” I sigh, as my heels click on the polished floor as I unwillingly trudge to my desk.
“So… what are you bitching about?” she responds, and I have to love her brutal honesty. She’s my best friend because she keeps my aloofness in check.
“I don’t think I’m going. I mean I want to, but I feel like it might be a little soon right? To go away together for a few days and meet his whole family?”
“Didn’t he meet your whole family last month, including your Grandma Liz?”
“That’s different.” I fire back.
“How so?” she asks as we sit and fire up our computers.
“That was necessary due to a thinly veiled threat presented by my mother, and a healthy helping of guilt thrown in on the side.”
“Right, but I thought you said it went well.”
“Oh, it did.” I admit, “But if I go through with this… it will all feel so final. You know, it’s like the final step to becoming more. I know he’s ready, and I am too, but if its official and it doesn’t work out…”
“You’re going to have to tell yourself, ‘I told you so,’ because he doesn’t check off every single littler perfect box in the Verity Peterson life plan. Am I right?”
“So right, it’s almost like you’re clairvoyant.”
“I’ve known you for a long time, and I’m your best friend. It’s kind of my job.” She shrugs.
“What should I do?” I ask, and I continue to chew the hole through my bottom lip as I worry it between my teeth.
Tally sighs and looks up at me in exasperation. “No.”
“No?” I ask in equal parts panic and horror because I know shit is going to hit the fan – for me at least. I’m about to get a heavy dose of Tally’s tough love, and I don’t like it. I am emotionally immature right now, and I can’t be held responsible for what happens if I’m left without guidance.
“No. You need to figure this out. You know what you need to do. So, you can put on your big girl britches, suck it up and get on with it.”
“Brutal much?”
“Completely. But seriously, Verity. Hunter is absolutely smitten with you. Even if he falls short of perfection in a few areas, he is nothing like the men you’ve gone out with before. No one is perfect, and you don’t want them to be. That’d just be boring.”
“Fine. I’ll go, but I’ll need to get gifts. You will help me with that today.” I point at her.
“That I can do. Glad to see you were able to get off the hot mess express today before it got worse.”
“Mmmhmm. Just remember you’re on my shit list. You’re getting a gift card to Donut Heaven in your stocking this year.” I don’t look up from my computer screen as I start to sort through the million and five emails that have accumulated since yesterday. She just groans in response. She had to work for four months to shed the pounds that Donut Heaven helped her pack on. I will admit, that place is a sugar coma waiting to happen.
***
I think probably went a bit overboard on the Christmas presents considering I’ve never even met these people, but I wanted to make an impression. Whether that will be sweet and loveable or psycho bitch, I guess we’ll see. Hunter lays his hand on my thigh and gives it a gentle squeeze. I turn my head to lay it on his shoulder as the train rumbles down the tracks. “Don’t worry, sweetheart. They’re going to love you. I promise.”
“Are you sure it isn’t too soon?”
“No baby. It’s not too soon.” He reassures me, but it does little to calm my nerves.
The train ride doesn’t take too long, and we pass the time by sharing our music playlists and chatting about nonsense.
Before I realize it, we are pulling into the train station. Hunter stands, pulling down our bags from the overhead rack.
“Jeeze, babe. You sure you packed enough?” he teases.
“I had no idea what to bring.” I shrug and glance at my oversized rolling suitcase that is better suited for a two-week European trip rather than an overnight trip to upstate New York.
Hunter holds out his hand for me like a gentleman to help me down the steps. My heels hit the uneven platform and I wobble a bit, but he keeps me steady like usual.
“Hey, Kiddo!” a gruff voice booms nearby, and has us both turning around.
“Dad!” Hunter’s face lights up as he jogs towards a fifty something man that bares only a slight resemblance. He’s got graying hair and short trimmed beard. Although, Hunter shares his eyes for sure. I remember Hunter saying his parents owned a hardware store, and I can really see it now. The flannel, the beard… not that I’m stereotyping, but he has this whole Bob Vila vibe working in his favor.
After they finish greeting each other, his dad catches my eye. I smile and wave like an idiot. I think I get that waving thing from my mom.
“Who do we have here?” he asks Hunter.
Hunter smiles and holds out his hand for me to join him. “This is my girlfriend, Verity. Verity, this is my dad, Steve.”
His dad looks at me for a second before a worried look overtakes his features. “Girlfriend? Your mom and I didn’t know you were bringing anyone home. I just don’t think we have enough room, with your brother’s and their wives and the kids.” Immediately my stomach drops, and I feel so stupid.
I look up to Hunter, and try to figure out why he doesn’t look at all concerned while I’m standing here with an outstretched hand and an overnight bag and another bag full of Christmas gifts for people I’ve never met before. Since Hunter is just standing next to me, looking completely aloof, I decide to speak up.
“Mr. Williams, I apologize. I thought you were aware that Hunter was bringing me along. I can just catch the next train back. I’m so sorry.” I apologize, trying to smooth it over. Hunter just laughs, and I want to punch him in his peanuts. Before I know it, his dad has joined in, and I’m so confused.
“Shit, sweetheart. I was just screwin’ with ya. Get on in here.” Steve says holding out his arms, and I’m relieved but still slightly terrified. Nevertheless, I let go of Hunter’s hand to ste
p into his father’s outstretched arms, and he pulls me in close squeezing the air out of me.
Pulling back, I look up at him, realizing where Hunter gets his size. “To be honest, you scared the absolute crap out of me.”
He lets out a hearty chuckle, instantly putting me at ease. “Sorry, kiddo.” He shrugs. “If you haven’t already guessed, we’re a family of goons. There’s no way I couldn’t know you were coming. Between this boy and Trish fussing about everything from the Christmas lights to how fluffy the bath towels are.”
“I hope she didn’t bother too much.” I say.
“It’s my mom. She doesn’t know any other way.” Hunter says, shooting me a wink and his dad nods along in agreement.
“Come on. We better get moving before your mother sends out the entire town of Hudson Falls to look for us.” Steve says, picking up my bags.
“You ready babe?” Hunter throws his arm over my shoulder and pulls me close as we walk to his dad’s truck.
“Ready as I’ll ever be. Bring on the family holidays!” If there’s one thing I know for sure, it’s that holidays bring out the worst in families, and I love it. Show me your worst Williams’s!
HUNTER:
She’s nervous. Hell, I’m nervous, and I don’t even know why. Scratch that… yes, I know why. My family is nuts. They mean well, I know, but I can’t help but worry. They are the exact opposite of Verity’s family. Well, besides the crazy part, because her family is definitely crazy in their own unique way.
Her family is well educated and well off. She grew up in the city, and I grew up in a small town with two parents that didn’t finish college. It’s not like that’s a big deal, but the discussions around the dinner table will be quite different, I’m sure. I know in the grand scheme of life, it shouldn’t really matter as long as you like each other, but I just hope that it doesn’t matter to her specifically. My family is loud, nosy, and have no idea what personal space is. The holidays and Dad’s eggnog only serve as kindling to the fire of those character flaws.
The train station is a town over so dad passes the time catching me up on the happenings around town even though my mom already gives me the weekly rundown.
“And did you know that Frank Henderson got arrested for breaking and entering and destruction of property? Can you believe that? He broke into Bill Green’s barn and busted his tractor mower because supposedly Bill and Frank’s wife Genie have been shacking up. Can’t believe he got arrested for that.” my dad relays the entire turn of events. Sometimes I swear he’s more of a gossip than my mother.
“Well Dad, what he did was illegal. He broke into his neighbor’s barn and destroyed his property. That’s exactly the type of thing you get arrested for.” I emphasize the crimes he committed for good measure.
“Well, I suppose you’re right, Hunter. But still… if I suspected someone was seducing your mother behind my back, I’d sure do a hell of a lot more than break a mower. That’s all I’m saying.”
“Probably best you don’t say anymore, Dad. I don’t want to think about anyone seducing Mom, and I surely don’t want to know about the premeditated crimes you intend on committing.” I say, and I peek over my shoulder into the backseat and Verity has her hand over her mouth trying to stifle her laughter. As long as she embraces the crazy, that’s all I could ever ask for.
“Oh, I think the law enforcement around here has something against Frank after that whole nudity incident anyways. Wouldn’t be surprised if it was all a conspiracy theory.” Dad continues.
“Pretty sure it’s not. Dad, he streaked through the church’s ice cream social during the children’s choir performance.” I remind him.
“That was only because he drank all that Southern Comfort.” He defends.
“Exactly. I know you guys have known each other since high school, but I’m pretty sure the guy has a drinking problem.” I scrub my hands down my face in exasperation.
“Yeah, you’re probably right, kiddo. You’re probably right.”
“Oh, I know I’m right.” I laugh.
“Now, what is it that you do Verity?” He asks, looking at her through the rearview mirror.
“I am a beauty editor at a fashion magazine called, Trend.” She says hesitantly.
“That sounds interesting. Tell me, what does a beauty editor do?”
“Well, a lot of things actually. I source new beauty products, create makeup looks, put together layouts, choose photos, write articles, proof and direct the junior editors’ work. There’s quite a bit of work involved. I also write on other columns as well.” She responds, and I’m so proud of her. I know that women in her profession get a bad rap, but Verity is intelligent and well spoken. Well, besides when she’s hungry. Then she tends to get a little angry and her expansive vocabulary goes down the drain.
“What else do you write about?” My dad asks, and I cringe because I have no idea how she’s going to manage this answer without opening up a whole other can of worms and awkward conversation. Luckily, I look up in time to see dad pulling onto our street.
“This is the street I grew up on.” I interject, triggering a relieved sigh from Verity.
“It’s so New England. I love it!” she gushes, plastering her face to the back window taking in the site of my neighborhood. I love it too, I think as I see all the sites that made up my childhood. The white picket fences, the red brick paved, tree lined streets, and historic colonial homes. We pull into the driveway of my parents’ modest white two story with black shutters. Just like always my dad has it trimmed out with traditional colored antique style Christmas lights and my mom has Santa’s sleigh in the front yard. To me it’s all just a scaled down version of the Griswold’s.
“Welcome home, kids!” my dad bellows, and I turn to see Verity’s face lit up with the biggest smile.
After my dad gets out to get the bags out of the back, I ask, “What’s got you so smiley.”
“Everything!” she giggles. “Your dad. Although, I thought I might barf if I had to explain the Between the Sheets column, but everything. This town this neighborhood, this house. It’s just like Christmas in a movie. All we need is snow! I’ve never really had a traditional Christmas. We had Christmas trees and decorations, but we always lived in an apartment, so we never got the lights, and the yard decorations. I’m just excited.” She smiles sheepishly.
“Well, I’m excited you’re here.” I wink at her before I hop out to open her door for her. Only Verity would wear five inch heeled boots while she travels.
We barely get halfway up the sidewalk with our bags when my mother comes barreling out the front door, apron on, hair twisted up in a clip, and splatters of red and green frosting on her face from icing sugar cookies.
“My baby boy!” I roll my eyes as she jogs down the wooden porch steps with her arms outstretched wide as if I’m coming home from battle.
“Hey, Mom!” I give her a big hug. I haven’t been home to see my parents since Thanksgiving so she holds me tight, before it’s like an oven timer went off in her head and she realizes I’m still half attached to Verity, who I haven’t let go of yet.
“My goodness! Look at you! Hi, Verity, sweetheart! I’m Trish, Hunter’s mom. Welcome to our home!” she looks from me to Verity expectantly, like she isn’t quite sure what to do next. You see, Trish Williams is a hugger. She’s saved from having to fight her instincts when Verity greets her with a smile and a hug.
“It’s very nice to meet you. Thank you for having me. Would you prefer I call you Mrs. Williams or Trish?”
My mom winks at me over Verity’s shoulder as they embrace, then replies, “Please, call me Trish or mom. Come on, let’s get you guys inside before you freeze to death out here. The temperature is dropping quickly, and I just finished up lunch.”
“Forecast says it’s going to snow later on.” my dad grunts, coming up behind us with an armful of firewood from the garage.
I can’t help to catch Verity’s infectious smile.
“Come on.
Let me show you where I come from.”
chapter 16
LESSON #16: I’m going to have to come up with a different story to tell our children someday.
VERITY:
“Tell me. How did you guys meet?” Sydney, Hunter’s sister in law asks. Despite the fact that a few weeks ago I thought she was Holly Homewrecker, I became insta-friends with her and her ginormous pregnant belly that is due to pop any day now.
I look around the dining room at Hunter’s family sitting there, waiting expectantly for an answer that frankly, I’m too embarrassed to give. His two older brothers, their wives, nephews, parents, and grandparents. I don’t even know where to begin with this one. I look to Hunter for a little bit of help, but he just hides his shit eating grin behind his hand as he leans his muscular forearms on the worn wooden table. Knowing I won’t get any help from the handsome asshole sitting next to me, I try to formulate a less incriminating story on the fly. No dice.
“Ummm…. Well, I was at this work thing, and Hunter was working crowd control.” I feel him shaking with silent laughter beside me, and I reach down under the table to give the tender skin on the inside of his thigh a hard pinch. He jumps in surprise, letting out a slight yelp, but he just grabs my fingers with his large hand and intertwines our fingers, still smiling his ass off – completely unfazed.
“Anyways, there was this fight that broke out, and then a huge misunderstanding….”
“Now, sweetheart. Let’s tell this the way it actually happened….” I feel my cheeks redden under the ten sets of eyeballs I have on me as Hunter gears up to tell his version of the story. “I was called in to work a women’s rights rally for security and crowd control with my partner, Tanner.” He says.
“Oh, I just love Tanner. Such a sweet boy.” Trish interjects, and I let out a loud groan and roll my eyes. She looks confused at my response to her proclamation of love for my best frenemy.
“In a strange turn of events, I found out that Tanner and Verity are actually next door neighbors. But I’ll get to that later.” Hunter explains.