Rekindled Love

by Max Hudson

  Harvey smirked. “You mean someone who is handsome and charming?”

  “I meant someone who is a criminal.”

  Harvey cackled, wrinkles forming at the corners of his eyes as his face scrunched up to accommodate for his laugh. Leo followed shortly and then rounded the divider, dragging his chair with him.

  “That's better,” Leo said. “You needed to laugh.”

  “Thanks, Leo.”

  “Any time. So, how about it? I could volunteer with you. I make an excellent elf considering my freckles.”

  Harvey raised his eyebrows. “You'll volunteer with me?”

  “Sure. I think it would be good for us both. Hell, I could meet someone.”

  “I thought you already met someone.”

  “She's old news. She didn't like how much time I spent playing video games.”

  Harvey snorted. “See, that isn't reasonable at all.”

  “I mean, I do miss her calls a lot.”

  “Well, maybe you'll meet someone who likes to play video games.”

  Leo's face lit up like a tree full of Christmas lights. “You think so? I bet that would solve my issue. Maybe I should date a guy this time.”

  “Hey, leave some for the rest of us.”

  “You know I wouldn't steal anyone from under you, buddy.”

  Harvey chuckled. “I know. I'm just teasing you.”

  “Guys are sometimes better about me being bisexual than girls. It can be a lot to deal with, you know?”

  “I mean, I wouldn't know, but I believe you. I'm sorry you have to deal with that. It sounds rough.”

  Leo shrugged. “I'm used to it. People think I'm confused or that I'm trying to hog the dating field when, really, I'm just trying to be happy.”

  “Well, I hope the next one that comes along is more accepting than anyone in the past.”

  “I knew you weren't a huge grouch. Thanks, Harvey.”

  Harvey chuckled. “You're welcome. Let me finish up this task and then we can fill out that volunteer form together.”

  “Sure thing!”

  Leo scooted back to his cubicle, huffing as he struggled to drag his chair. The wheels seemed to be particularly resistant to working, reminding Harvey that much of the equipment in the office where they worked—a healthcare company that based their success on compassion—was outdated and desperately needed replacing.

  As Harvey slid toward his desk, he sighed. His shoulders sagged forward and his forehead nearly touched the screen of his computer monitor, causing him to blink rapidly at the pixels now visible on the screen. He shrugged away his defeated mood and sat up straight, opening his emails once more to sort through them.

  And when he was finished, he would take on the task of calling his lawyer, hoping that the age-old feelings from the past wouldn't surface.

  Chapter Three

  Evan

  The walls of the cabin stood strong and sure, smelling much like the pine trees they used to be. Evan admired the natural patterns decorating the wood and smiled as he began assembling the shelves, carefully leveling them against the walls to be measured. As he marked where the shelves would be erected, he heard the sound of feet shuffling on the gravel just outside the doorway.

  He turned to witness June approaching, her velvet green dress billowing slightly in the breeze. Her brown boots impressed the gravel as she held her round stomach with both hands, her smile nearly hidden by her fluffy red scarf. Her short blond hair tickled the edge of the scarf and flew up around her ears when the wind suddenly blasted her from the right.

  She squinted and held up her hand to block her face.

  “Phew!” she sighed as she stepped over the threshold and tugged down her scarf. “That breeze would have knocked me over if I wasn't so heavy.”

  “It's good to see you, June. How's the baby doing?”

  She shrugged while observing her protruding stomach. “Well, she seems pretty stubborn about coming out, but hopefully she's out by Christmas.”

  “A Christmas baby—what a gift to have.”

  “I know, right? She'll have Christmas presents and birthday presents. It's like God wanted me to be covered for the next eighteen years.”

  Evan laughed jovially, his cheeks flushed from working most of the afternoon. While he set the wooden shelves aside, he swallowed the lump in his throat, the one that seemed to take residence there whenever June was present. It wasn't that she was a particularly bad friend or that her moods swung rapidly from the hormones running through her system, but rather the fact that she could harbor life at all.

  And more so the fact that it reminded him of all the ways his previous marriage had failed.

  He fixed a smile on his lips as he turned on his boot heel, opening his arms to gently embrace his friend.

  “Only eighteen years of gifts, eh?” he teased. “I'm sure it'll be worth it.”

  “More than worth it. She'll be set with the way Robert saves money.”

  Evan nodded, keeping his grin. “That's excellent, June. I'm very glad to hear it.”

  “This place is looking fancy,” she said as her eyes darted around the cabin. She sniffed the air. “And so pleasant. I hope it still smells like this when we open.”

  “I'm sure it will. If not, we can always get that fancy pine spray.”

  “I do love that pine spray.”

  He chuckled lightly. “We'll be setting the shelves all over the walls and each one will harbor a dozen or so snow globes.”

  She patted her belly with a sheepish grin. “I feel like I would fit in just fine with the snow globes.”

  “If it helps, I think you're glowing just fine as a globe.”

  “Well, thanks, Evan. I appreciate that.”

  Another set of footsteps erupted from beyond the door frame. It mimicked the shuffling of June's boots, but had its own distinct sound that made Evan twitch with the familiarity of it. He frowned as he glanced over June's shoulder.

  “Did anyone come with you?”

  “Oh,” she said while turning. “I meant to tell you about the new elf. He should be working closely with you.”

  “A new elf! Finally! Well, no one could possibly replace you, June. You've been one of the best of Santa's elves.”

  “You're only saying that because you want me to come back.”

  He laughed and batted his eyelashes. “Is that so wrong?”

  “Hey, Harvey! We're in here. Come check out what will be the snow globe cabin.”

  “Harvey?” he repeated bitterly. “What…?”

  His eyes widened as the sound of shoes crunching gravel ceased at the door. Of all the time for the world to spin, his brain chose this exact moment. As his eyes sharply focused, his lips set into a thin line, his jaw clenching as his arms went stiff at his sides. He lifted his chin an inch as though by raising his eyes to the frame above the doorway, he could banish the figure standing there now.

  He cleared his throat loudly. “Harvey.”

  “Evan.”

  June raised her trim eyebrows between the two men, the excitement once glimmering in her eyes now a distant hum. She pointed to Harvey.

  “Have you two met?”

  Evan shrugged. “We have.”

  “Oh, that's great! I was worried that you would have to—”

  “Harvey, would you care to explain to June how exactly we've met?”

  Harvey looked sharper than he ever had. His chocolate brown hair was short and combed over his forehead, giving him a boyish alternative appearance. His wide-set eyes were typically honey-speckled in the light, but now appeared to be two dark and ominous pools. His facial structure was the same as Evan always recalled, roundish with stubble decorating his cheeks and a wide nose splitting his features evenly. His slim frame was draped with khaki pants, dress shoes, and a winter coat that almost seemed too big for him.

  As Harvey flicked his hair away from his eyes, he offered June a cool smile and said, “We used to be married.”

  “Married?”

&n
bsp; “I suppose Evan never told you.”

  She glanced at Evan, eyes full of confusion. “I had no idea you were married. Why didn't you tell me?”

  Evan tried to smile. His best effort was thwarted by a grimace that appeared instead.

  “Well,” he huffed. “It wasn't important information.”

  “Of course, it wasn't,” Harvey agreed. “I was never quite as important as having children, was I?”

  “Don't start, Harvey.”

  Harvey raised his hands in the air. “I haven't started a thing.”

  “Should I... Should we find someone else?”

  “No,” Harvey and Evan replied simultaneously.

  She raised her eyebrows again and forced a grin. The poor woman seemed so deeply uncomfortable that she began inching her way to the door.

  Evan, noticing how her round eyes sought to determine what exactly to do in this situation, nodded to her and said, “Could you give us a moment, June?”

  “Of course,” she replied while patting her stomach gently. She offered a gentle smile as she scooted past Harvey. “I'll be in the office.”

  After her footfalls faded, Evan cleared his throat. He stood awkwardly close to the opposite wall in an effort to put as much distance between his ex-husband and himself. He reached out to caress the smooth wood, the cool surface of it comforting his palm as he applied weight to his hand. The wood creaked slightly.

  “What are you doing here, Harvey?”

  Harvey took a few tentative steps into the cabin. His hands were tucked deep into the pockets of his parka and his eyes rolled around the cabin, observing everything in sight.

  “This is nice. Did you do this?”

  “Mostly.”

  Harvey hummed. “You always were talented with this sort of thing.”

  “You didn't answer my question.”

  “I need community service hours. This seemed like a good opportunity for that.”

  Evan huffed. “I can't imagine you didn't have other options.”

  “Are you mad that I'm here?”

  “Honestly, I am, Harvey. Of all the places, you chose this one. You hate children, too.”

  Harvey shook his head. “I don't hate children. I just don't want them around me.”

  “That sounds like hatred to me.”

  “There's a huge difference.”

  Evan chuckled nervously. “That's not what I remember from our marriage.”

  “It's been three years, Evan. Why don't you let it go?”

  “Don't you think I've tried?”

  Harvey stared at Evan for what seemed like a long time. The only sound in the cabin was the wind whipping around the structure, carrying with it twigs, leaves, and soot that patted against the outer walls. A car horn blared in the distance and muted footfalls echoed from the other side followed by the sound of idle chatter.

  Evan cleared his throat. “I just don't understand why you're here.”

  “I made a mistake, got a ticket, and now I'm trying to remedy it without paying a ton in court fees.”

  “I guess that makes sense.”

  “There might have been a time where you found that rather resourceful.”

  Evan shrugged lightly. “I guess I'm having a hard time seeing you as responsible at all.”

  “I'll take that as a jab.”

  “It was meant as one.”

  Harvey broke into a smile. Though he seemed entertained, the right corner of his mouth twitched, a signal to Evan of the annoyance that lay in wait just beyond those delicate lips.

  Harvey frowned suddenly.

  I used to love kissing him. Now, I can't stand the sight of him, he reflected as a cold sadness crept into his chest. I almost miss it.

  He shook his head.

  “If we're going to work closely, we should set some ground rules.”

  Harvey shrugged. “That's fine by me.”

  “And if you don't like it, you can—Wait, what?”

  “I said, that's fine by me.”

  Evan blinked. “No snide comments about kids. All you have to do is stand to my right when the kids approach to sit on my lap. You can be in the pictures or not. That's entirely up to you.”

  “That's fair.”

  “And no drinking on the job.”

  Harvey twisted his lips as his jaw clenched. “I've got that under control.”

  “I don't know that for sure, so I guess we'll find out.”

  “What else? Anything else?”

  Evan glanced up at the ceiling, searching it for additional thoughts. He ultimately shrugged and dropped his gaze back to Harvey.

  “Smile. As much as you can.”

  Harvey nodded. “I'll do my best.”

  “I'm heading to the office. I'll see you later.”

  Without another word, Evan swept from the cabin and out into the chilly afternoon. He marched with determination to the front office with tunnel vision, attempting to escape the dreadful presence of his previous lover. When he was safely inside the office, he collapsed into the chair near the desk where June was sitting with a novel in her hands.

  “So-o-o-o,” she drawled out without glancing up from her book. “How did that go?”

  “Disastrous.”

  She closed her book and rested it on the desk, focusing on Evan as she leaned against her elbows. “I'm so sorry, Evan.”

  “It's not your fault. You didn't know.”

  “See, that's the thing. We've been close for a few years now. Why didn't you tell me about your ex-husband?”

  A snide remark crouched behind his teeth, waiting to snap out until he noticed how confused and pained June appeared. He let the comment fade away as quickly as sand sifting through his fingers. As he cleared his throat, he offered a light shrug.

  He sighed. “I was embarrassed.”

  “About Harvey or the divorce?”

  “A little bit of both, admittedly.”

  She nodded slowly. “Well, I can't pretend to understand, but I can offer as much support as I can. Would you like me to find someone else? He came in with a friend. Maybe his friend can be your elf.”

  “No, I think it's time for me to get over it.”

  “Evan, you can take as much time as you need. I know it can be difficult after a break.”

  He forced a smile. “It'll be fine. I think this is what I need to get over it. He seemed receptive to my ground rules.”

  “Well, that's good. Can I ask why you two got a divorce?”

  “Difference of opinion.”

  She arched her right eyebrow and smirked curiously. “On?”

  “Having children.”

  “Ah, that makes sense.”

  He nodded. “I want a family. He doesn't.”

  “That can break up a relationship real fast. I speak from experience.”

  “I'm sorry, June. No one should ever have to go through that nonsense.”

  She shrugged and smiled warmly. “It led me to Robert, so I don't see it as a bad thing. Maybe you two can be friends after this. I'm sure it'll take time, but he seems like a decent guy.”

  “Yeah,” he huffed as he folded his hands and dropped his gaze. “Maybe we could be friends...”

  Chapter Four

  Harvey

  After the unpleasantness that met Harvey on Wednesday, he returned to the Christmas village on Friday with every intention to gain the hours necessary to reduce his ticket. He wandered along the gravel path with his hands tucked into his pockets, studying the holiday decor that seemed to have sprung up overnight.

  He reached the snow globe cabin and stood just outside, marveling at the electric candles flickering in each window that was framed by garlands. Bells decorated the garlands, nestled neatly among glimmering white lights. He smiled slightly as he stepped toward the doorway and inhaled the warm scent of vanilla.

  A memory flickered over his vision temporarily that he did his best to blink away while crossing the threshold into the cabin. He regarded Evan painting the counter at the far end of
the room, flanked by two gargantuan trees in desperate need of decorating.

  “Where should I start?” he asked. “What do you need?”

  Evan perked up from his task, surprised to hear Harvey speak. He stared blankly at Harvey for a moment before nodding to the tree on his left.

  “Decorations.”

  Though it was a simple command, Harvey chewed through it as if he had been tasked to chew through tinsel. He actively loosened the muscles in his jaw as he crossed the room and grabbed a nearby box. He popped it open, withdrew a set of lights, and began stringing them loosely through the branches of the plastic pine tree.

  “I half-expected these to be real,” he commented as he worked. “I mean, considering the village.”

  “Budget is low, so we reuse these trees every year.”

  “Makes sense.”

  Evan grunted. The sound prompted Harvey to look in Evan's direction, to study the way Evan concentrated. That look was far too familiar. The strands of Evan's reddish-orange beard were strewn with fine brown hairs, giving his beard a thick dimension. His close-set eyes squinted while he expertly guided the paintbrush over the wood, a pink tongue poking from between his thin lips.

  The Christmas lights flickered over his features, illuminating his hazel-blue eyes, causing them to shimmer like fine stones. His build was thick and his barrel chest took up much of his t-shirt, sweat stains decorating each of his pits. The reddish-orange hair decorating his muscular arms curled in various places, nearly as thick and lustrous as his beard.

  Although the same could have been said for the hair on his head, it was the only hair on his body that was dark. It was styled in a fade with the top combed back, though a lock of hair hung rebelliously over his left brow. When he smoothed it back, it returned to its place, resistant to staying out of his vision.

  “Do you need help?” Harvey inquired, turning his eyes back to the tree. “Seems like you might need a headband.”

  “I'm fine.”

  “I've got one back in the car. I can get it.”

  Evan snorted. “I'm having a hard time believing your offer is genuine.”

  “Why wouldn't it be?”

  “Maybe because we're divorced, Harvey.”