That phrase, with that particular inflection, was a warning sign equivalent to a siren and a bucket of cold water. After all, he’d heard it a thousand times from Davey, usually against a backdrop of angry shouting and breaking glass.
Jeff returned to reality.
“Stampede’s over. Mind your manners.” He looked up at Elise, suddenly more bashful. “You, uh, still coming over tomorrow, right? You and your mom?”
“Wouldn’t miss it.”
Davey tugged at her slacks. “You’re gonna be there when we open our presents, right?”
“I dunno,” Elise teased. “I’ve heard you get up at six o’clock in the morning to open your presents…I like to be up by five.”
“I can do that,” Davey said.
Jeff snorted. “Not this year. I’m strapping them both down to their beds tonight after they go to sleep.”
Elise looked down at Davey and Brian. “You actually go to SLEEP? Come on, guys, that’s weak.”
“Don’t give them any ideas,” Jeff sighed, then looked down at his watch. “Sorry, I’ve got to run.”
“I don’t get that. A toy company, and you have to work on Christmas Eve.”
“Well, it’s our – Christmas. You know, biggest time of the year. Got to strategize for market position, gauge the retail returns fallout, determine effectiveness of our marketing campaigns…”
Blank looks from Elise, Davey, and Brian.
“I, uh, I’ll be back by three,” Jeff continued. “Their grandmother’s up in the house – ”
Elise’s face suddenly contorted in horror.
Jeff waved his hands quickly. “No, no, Granny Jobson – my mother’s not getting here until later this evening.”
Elise visibly relaxed, then laughed. “Well…PHEW,” and she wiped imaginary sweat off her brow.
Jeff laughed, too, and stared into her eyes. They were the most beautiful shade of blue…clear and trusting, happy and open to everything in life…captivating…Jeff could look at them for hours and –
“DON’T FORGET WE HAVE TO GO SHOPPING!” Davey screamed.
Jeff jumped. “Uh – right, right.”
“I WANNA GO SHOPPING!”
“Tonight, okay? Tonight. Jeez. Bye, guys.” Jeff turned around and yelled into the house. “Bye, Granny!”
Granny poked her head around the corner of the parlor. “Goodbye, Jeff!”
Jeff turned to Elise, and paused for a minute. He looked into her eyes again, and couldn’t stop…he started thinking about the way she smiled at him, the way she brushed that wisp of hair back from –
“REMEMBER THE SHOPPING!” Davey yelled.
A spasm of shock went through Jeff’s body. “I remember the shopping!”
“YOU DIDN’T LOOK LIKE YOU REMEMBERED!”
“I remember! I REMEMBER!” Jeff looked at Elise and smiled. “See you later.”
“Have a good day!” Elise laughed, as Davey and Brian dragged her into the house.
Jeff stayed an extra minute looking at the closed door, then with a great deal of effort dragged himself away to his car.
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Copyright © 2008 Darren Pillsbury. All rights reserved.
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