“I won’t hurt her, sir.” Damian nodded and held out his hand.
“Ok, introductions made. Has your football game started yet?”
“No. It’s still the pregame show.”
“I will never understand why anyone would watch the pregame when all they talk about is what they are guessing the actual game will be like.”
“It’s a guy thing, Bug.”
“Ok, well I’m going to go see if mama needs help. You guys be nice, and don’t scare Damian off.”
“They can try. It won’t work.” Damian quipped taking a seat on the couch.
I sent him a grin and went toward the kitchen. Mama was already pulling the bird out of the oven. “I’m so sorry mom, I should have been here earlier to help.”
“Don’t worry about it hon. Tell me about your boyfriend.”
“He’s great.” I ducked my head shyly and tried to keep myself from getting so flustered that my mom put two and two together. “I like him a lot.”
“I can tell. You look different—happy.”
“I am. He makes me feel alive and whole.” Mom and I worked for a few minutes in silence before I brought up my sister and nephew. “Are Khloe and Max coming today?”
“Yeah. She had to work a double yesterday to have today off, so I’m sure she’s tired.”
“I’m sure she is.” I hated that my relationship with my sister was so strained, but I had no idea how to make it better.
As if on cue the door opened and my six-year-old nephew came flying into the house at the only speed he knew, light speed.
“Aunt Kendall! Aunt Kendall!” I crouched down when he reached me and looked at the robot he was carrying.
“That’s so cool, Max. Did Santa bring that for you?”
“Yeah! I was good this year.”
“I’m sure you were.” I hugged him tight and kissed his hair then stood up to face my older sister.
Khloe was standing there looking at me with narrowed eyes. She took one look in the living room to see Damian sitting there and she sent me a smug smirk.
“It’s about time the goodie two shoes got her halo tarnished.”
“Khloe.” I said calmly trying not to incite anger between us. I didn’t want that. I wanted one year of Christmas without a chasm and sharp words between us.
She laughed humorlessly, “Of all people, Kendall. Him. really?”
“Let’s go outside and talk.” I whispered, but she didn’t seem inclined to give even an inch.
“Khloe, please. Stop.”
But she didn’t, “I’ve lived half my freaking life being measured and compared to the perfect princess that was my little sister. No, I’m going to enjoy this one Kendall.”
I felt Damian’s gaze from across the room. He was livid, and I shook my head. If he was going to be around, he would have to get used to this.
“Khloe. Stop it. You just got here. Stop trying to start things up with your sister, again.”
“Your perfect little princess isn’t so perfect anymore mother. I may have had a baby young, but at least I didn’t bring the owner of a sex club to Christmas dinner with my family.”
The room was silent, the only sound was that of a robot shooting make believe asteroids out of the sky. I wished I was one of those asteroids at that moment.