Until I Met You

by Kimberly Rose Johnson

  What do I do now, Lord?

  Be still.

  What’s that supposed to mean? He turned, grabbed his winter coat that he’d tossed onto a chair, pulled open the slider door to his covered balcony, and walked out into the crisp night air. He leaned against the railing and breathed in the scent of fir. One of his neighbors must already be decorating for Christmas and had left cuttings on their balcony.

  Crickets chirped, and the sound of cars in the distance filled the air. He eased into the cushioned patio chair he kept outside year around and closed his heavy eyes. His body relaxed, lulled by the evening sounds.

  He awoke with a start to silence. A shiver ran through his body. How had he fallen asleep out here? He stood and went inside. His fingers felt like ice. Good thing he had a gas fireplace. He flicked the switch to turn it on then stood with his hands outstretched. What time was it anyway? He checked his phone and frowned. He’d slept outside for two hours—a first. It had been quite a week, and it had caught up to him for sure. He tossed pillows onto the floor and sat propped against the back of the couch. Someday, he’d share a moment like this with Brandi. He had to believe she’d forgive him, and they’d move past his lack of full disclosure. He had no idea when that day would be or how they would get from where they were now, but he had faith it would happen.

  Chapter Six

  Brandi pulled Katie from their apartment. “We need to hurry, or we’ll be late. You know how my mom hates it when people don’t show up on time.”

  “Oh, I know all right. But we won’t be late. Traffic is light today, and we have thirty minutes to get there. What’s up with you today?” Katie shot her a questioning look.

  “I don’t know. I’m nervous I guess.” She closed and locked the door behind them then raced toward her car as rain pelted the hood of her water-resistant jacket.

  “Why?” Katie asked as she raced past her.

  Brandi picked up her pace and clicked the key fob to unlock the door. She scooted behind the wheel and cranked up the heat. “I have no idea why I’m nervous.” Maybe it was more anxiety than nerves. Her parents were bound to grill her about her job status. After all, that was how they rolled. She pulled out of her parking spot and headed toward I-90.

  “How is work?” Katie asked. “Is everything going okay? You’ve been tight-lipped the past couple of weeks.”

  “Have I?” She glanced toward her friend. “It’s funny you should ask. I was just thinking about how my parents would want to know about my job.” She signaled and merged onto I-90 northbound. “After my conversation with Miranda a couple of weeks ago, I thought things would take off, and they did for about a week, then nothing.”

  “What do you mean, nothing?”

  “I haven’t been brought in on any more projects. I don’t know what happened.”

  “Did you ask her?”

  “I couldn’t.” She’d come close several times. Then Miranda would send her on an errand.

  “Why?”

  “My timing stinks, apparently. I know I need to be my own advocate, but that’s not easy.”

  “I get that. I’m not judging, either. Look at me. I’m a college dropout who works in a coffee shop and doesn’t even like the stuff.”

  “You might if you gave it half a chance.” Brandi grinned. “Someday make yourself a peppermint mocha.”

  “I’d prefer a peppermint hot chocolate.”

  Brandi rolled her eyes. “Suit yourself. Speaking of college and the coffee shop, what are you going to do?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Are you going to keep working at a job you don’t really like?”

  “What else am I supposed to do? I have no skills and no education.”

  “You like theater and art. Why not try to find a job in those fields?” Brandi glanced at her friend who had spent much of her childhood in foster care and had been supporting herself since she graduated high school at eighteen. She’d received a scholarship for her first year at the University of Washington, had gotten involved with the theater program there, and had taken several art classes. Too bad the scholarship had only been for one year.

  “You need a degree, that’s why.”

  “Then you should go back to school.”

  “It takes money to go to college. Money I don’t have.”

  “What about a student loan?”

  “No way. I don’t want to saddle myself with that kind of debt. Plus, I really didn’t care for school.”

  “I know academics aren’t your thing, but you enjoyed the acting and drawing.”

  “I don’t want to talk about it today.” Katie pointed. “That’s your exit.”

  Brandi signaled and exited the freeway. “Thanks. I wasn’t paying attention.”

  “Or maybe you were hoping to pass it.”

  “Ha. Nope. I want my parents to be in a good mood today. Which is why we can’t be late.” Brandi shook her head. They’d be ten minutes early—right on time according to Mother.

  Five minutes later, she pulled along the curb in front of her childhood home. “You ready for this?”

  Katie nodded. “Oh, yeah. You know I love your parents, and your mom is a great cook. Don’t stress the job thing. I’ll back you up if needed.”

  Brandi turned to face her friend and smiled. “Thanks. You’re the best.” She took a bracing breath and let it out. “Let’s do this.” She darted up the walkway through pouring rain with Katie right behind her.

  The door swung open. Her dad stood there wearing a wide grin. “Welcome home, princess.”

  “Hi, Daddy.” She hugged him, planted a kiss on his cheek, then moved inside.

  “Hi, Mr. Prescott,” Katie said.

  “Happy Thanksgiving, squirt.”

  Brandi winced. Katie hated that nickname. She didn’t like being small and short, and the name felt like a slap to her, but she was too polite to correct him. Brandi had tried to explain how Katie felt, but her dad laughed off her concern as if she was making it up and teasing him.

  “Happy Thanksgiving to you, too.” Katie stepped passed him and stood beside Brandi. “You know, I’m not a kid anymore, right?”

  He nodded.

  “Then why do you still call me squirt?”

  “For the same reason I still call Brandi princess.” He closed the door and walked toward the living room where sports blared on the television. “Your mother’s in the kitchen. I think she wants help.”

  “Thanks, Daddy.” Brandi looped her arm through Katie’s and lowered her voice. “Don’t mind him. You know how he is.”

  “I do. I just thought maybe if I said something…”

  Brandi shook her head. “My dad will never change. I’ll be princess, and you’ll be squirt until the day he dies, and then I imagine we’ll miss the nicknames.” Her throat clogged at the thought. Her parents were in their forties, much too young to be thinking like this. She cleared her throat and plastered on a smile as they walked into the large kitchen in the back of the house. “Happy Thanksgiving!”

  Mom turned from the sink, wearing blue rubber gloves with suds halfway up her arm. She blew hair out of her eyes. “I’m so glad you’re here. I should have had this catered.”

  “You say that every year, Mom.”

  “I know. It’s just so much work. All the side dishes and two turkeys.”

  “Two?” Her mom usually went overboard but never like this.

  “Yes. Your dad wanted it brined, and I wanted it the same as always, so now we have two.”

  And her parents always got what they wanted. “I see.” She dropped her arms to her side. “What can Katie and I do to help?”

  “Will you make a green salad, please? Everything is washed and sitting in a bowl in the fridge. Katie, you can dry dishes. How have you girls been?”

  “Pretty good,” Katie said. “Remember when we told you we wanted to find a charity to volunteer at during the holidays? Well, we found one that’s amazing. We’re wrapping gifts for needy children. Then we get t
o go to their Christmas party and watch the kids open them. We were also asked to help at another fundraising event that supports needy kids and families. We get to check in art donations then display them for a silent auction.”

  “That sounds perfect, considering you’re both artists.” Mom looked over her shoulder toward the island. “Speaking of art, how’s work? Are you still that woman’s assistant?”

  Brandi stifled a sigh as she sliced celery at the island. “I am but—”

  “Mrs. Prescott, you wouldn’t believe what happened to Brandi. The owner of the ad agency saw a mock up that Brandi drew and loved it so much, she’s been brought in to help on a couple of projects. Not only that, she went solo on one.”

  Brandi held her breath. Katie said she’d have her back, but she hadn’t expected her to take over the conversation. This change was so unlike her. Then again, once Katie warmed up to people, she could be a talker.

  Her mom stopped washing dishes and turned to face Brandi. “Congratulations. It’s about time too. I will never understand why you settled to be an assistant when you should have one of your own.”

  “Oh, Mom. I know you don’t understand, but this is how I wanted to do it.”

  “At least your plan worked.” Her mom turned back to the dishes. “I assume you received a raise.”

  “Not exactly. Technically, I’m still Miranda’s assistant, but now that they recognize my skill, they’re bringing me in on the creative stuff.” At least they did for a little while. Things had slowed down, presumably due to the holidays. She hadn’t expected that, but since it was her first year there, she had no way of knowing if it was normal, and she wasn’t about to ask.

  “That’s actually how we got involved with these charities.” Katie went on to tell her mom all about Ian and Ray.

  “I’m happy you girls are getting involved with something that makes a difference.” Strain edged her mom’s voice. “That’s all for now, Katie. Thanks for your help. When you’re finished there, feel free to go watch the game. I think the Seahawks are playing today, but you know I don’t follow football.”

  “Sure thing. If you need me for anything else let me know.” She draped the towel over the dish strainer and left the room but not before she shot Brandi an “I’m-sorry-I-did-my-best” look.

  Brandi finished up the salad then popped it back into the fridge. “Who all will be here today?”

  “Your grandparents and my brother and his girlfriend.”

  “Uncle Tim’s in town? And he brought a woman? How come I didn’t know this?”

  “I don’t know, but they’ve been dating for close to two years now. Your dad and I expect him to announce their engagement.”

  “That would explain why he’s here and why he’s bringing her. I didn’t think he’d ever marry.”

  “I agree. But some people find their special someone late in life.” She grinned. “I’m happy for him. I only hope this woman is good enough.”

  “Yeah.” Her uncle was a good guy. She never could understand why he was single.

  “It’s been so long since Tim has been here for Thanksgiving I want everything to be extra special. Now let’s finish those side dishes before everyone arrives.”

  “Uncle Tim’s only coming to eat? Why isn’t he staying here?”

  “He’s staying with Grandma and Grandpa.”

  Of course. That made sense. Mom pulled the turkeys out of the ovens and set them on the counter. Then they spent the next twenty minutes quietly assembling a green bean casserole, wild rice, a fruit platter, and yams. Mom stuck the yams and the green beans in the rarely used second oven and placed the fruit on the island. “Help yourself, but don’t eat too much. We’ll be eating very soon.” The doorbell rang. “That’s probably them.” She tossed off her apron, smoothed down her top, raised her head, and squared her shoulders.

  If Brandi didn’t know any better, she’d say her pillar of a mother was nervous. Go figure. Sure, she complained now and then about her mom, but the truth was, she admired just about everything about her. From her way with people to her success in the business world. Maybe her mom was right, and she should have looked for the job she wanted straight out of school rather than work her way up.

  Voices filtered in from the living room. She headed that direction and joined everyone, including Katie, as they stood around her uncle and his girlfriend, who happened to be wearing a ring on her left hand. It looked like her mom’s guess was correct. She was going to have a new aunt.

  She couldn’t wait until she found her Mister Right. Hopefully, she wouldn’t have to wait until she was middle-aged like her uncle.

  Chapter Seven

  Ian swept through the doors of the community center and headed toward the room the center used for birthday parties. The day of the wrapping party had finally arrived. He’d not seen or spoken to Brandi since the night he confessed that the movie club was brand new. Hopefully, she’d moved past that and forgiven him.

  He strolled into the room where Ray stood along with one other guy and a woman at long tables in the center of the room. His gaze shifted to a pile of toys that filled one corner of the room. “Wow. I hope we have a lot of help coming.”

  Ray nodded. “Yep. Every gift is marked with a tag. Remove the tag before wrapping it then reattach it to the wrapped gift. Get busy. We only have two hours until the party.”

  “You think we’ll make it?” He wasn’t so sure.

  “If everyone shows, we’ll get it done. Speaking of which.” Ray nodded toward the door where a small group of four had gathered.

  Ian sucked in a breath. Brandi. She had her hair pulled back, which showed off her beautiful face, and she wore an ugly Christmas sweater with a Rudolph on it that had a glowing red nose. His ugly Christmas sweater was boring by comparison.

  “Hi.” Brandi’s green eyes sparkled. She stepped in, allowing room for her friend and the others to enter.

  “Welcome,” Ray said then repeated the same instructions he’d given to Ian.

  Ian couldn’t stop smiling and humming along to “Jingle Bells,” playing in the background. This was going to be the best Christmas ever. He moved over a little, allowing room for Brandi and Katie to slide in beside him at the table where everyone stood wrapping. So far seven people were helping. They needed to triple that, or they might not finish in time. “I’ll treat the first person to wrap fifteen presents to a hot chocolate, coffee, or tea on me, and no fair only choosing tiny items. The biggest, most awkward item will get five bonus points, so the second closest at the time the person finishes could actually win.”

  A hum zipped through the room. He grinned at Ray who nodded his approval. “Ready…set…go!”

  Brandi’s scissors tore through the wrap in a clean slice—she’d clearly done this before. “Come on, Katie. We’ve got this.” She shot him a “bring-it-on” look.

  Ian chuckled. “You have a competitive streak.”

  “You know it.” Brandi whipped the paper into place and in less than thirty seconds had moved onto the next box. “My mom and I like to race each other when we wrap. Then we always go out for dessert afterward to celebrate.”

  “I like the way your mom thinks.”

  She hustled to the corner and grabbed the biggest gift there. He couldn’t help but wonder if she was working so hard to win for the sake of winning, or so they could have coffee together again. He hoped it was the latter.

  Katie worked at a more sedate pace, but she still seemed to only be one gift behind, in spite of the large and awkward shape of Brandi’s package. A woman working across from them looked to be in the spirit of the competition as she tossed a puzzle box onto the table. Come on, Brandi. Don’t let me down. He had no interest in treating anyone else in the room to coffee.

  “Hey, Ian,” Ray said. “What do you say I kick in a gift card for twenty-five dollars—winner’s choice on location.”

  “Sounds like I need to wrap faster.” Ian rushed for another toy—a remote control car he would have
loved when he a kid.

  Someone cranked up the tunes, and everyone wrapped like their lives depended on it. It looked like they’d make their deadline with time to spare at this rate. He tilted his head toward Brandi. “How was your Thanksgiving?”

  “Great. My uncle introduced the family to his fiancée. She seems like a nice lady. How about you?”

  “It was fine.” He’d actually had to work half the day and then went out. His family wasn’t much into the holidays, which is why he so appreciated Ray’s Christmas spirit. It was fun to give to others, and he especially enjoyed the kids and their families.

  “Done!” Brandi raised her arms above her head.

  “Aw, man.” The woman across from them slowed her pace. “Congratulations.”

  Ian almost laughed at the woman’s lack of feeling behind the word. “Since you have the biggest and most awkward gift in the room, you’re the clear winner. There’s no need to do a count.” He couldn’t stop smiling.

  “Congratulations, Brandi.” Ray grinned. “Where do you want the gift card for?”

  “Can I think about it?”

  “Sure. Just let me know before you leave tonight.” He glanced toward the corner. “It looks like we’re about finished. The families should be arriving soon. The manager said to let all of you know you’re welcome and encouraged to stay and mingle. There’s hot dogs and refreshments for everyone in the gym.”

  “What about the floor?” a man asked as though scandalized by the idea of eating in there.

  “It’s covered,” Ray said. “The manager here, along with the two staff members, are serving the food.”

  “Cool,” the guy said.

  Ian glanced at the corner where all the gifts had been. “Looks like we’re done.”

  Everyone clapped and cheered.