“She is?” I sound like aneejit, repeating words or surprised by them.
“I’d like to see you again, too.” His voice softens. “I’m on duty this weekend, though.”
“I don’t keep weekend hours. I have to work myself. Busy season and all.” I brush off the disappointment of not seeing him. There are other days in a week besides Saturdays, but I don’t mention what days I do have off.
“I’m really sorry I didn’t call.” His apology sounds sincere as well as regretful, as in, maybe he missed me. That first week after the football game he texted me every day and told me he missed me after one week. Did he miss me again? Why hadn’t he even texted me then?
“Zebb, you can talk to me, you know? Call me when you’re worried or scared about Tam. I’m a good listener.”
We didn’t talk much about deep stuff as teens. With hands roaming bodies and lips meeting often, our relationship was more sexual, playful, and fun. Not that we didn’t have issues to discuss, but that wasn’t our focus.
We’re adults now. We can do better.
“I should have called. Just hearing your voice makes me feel better.”
I smile but don’t return the sentiment. I do feel better as well but I don’t want to let on how much I missed him or how hurt I’ve been that he hadn’t called. Even if I now know his excuse.
Relationships need to be about communication.
It’s one reason I’m not connecting with my mother even though she’s returned. Our communication feels all one sided, which reminds me Amelia is waiting.
“I hate to cut this short, but I need to get back inside.” The snow might be pretty but it’s also cold outside.
“Hot date?” He brushes off the question with a chuckle, but the sound is edgy and strained.
“Just a friend.” Again, I don’t know why I’m not explaining myself.
So much for communication on my end.
When I return to Amelia, I explain Zebb’s excuse and how Tam and Marnie will meet me for tea.
“See. Christmas miracle happening here.” She waves a finger toward my face like a magic wand. “You’re going to get laid.”
“Oh my God, how do you get that I’m getting laid out of tea with his daughter.”
“Because even if he kept her a secret at first, he trusts you enough to let her attend this tea with you now. He’s shown you sexy man. Now he’s opening up to give you his daddy side. If you can accept both, I predict all your future holidays will be filled.”
I laugh. “Now you’re psychic?”
She winks as she lifts her second peppermint martini in toast to me. “Call me the Predictor of Christmas Future.”
7
While Doll and Me has their own store down on Michigan Avenue, Ashford’s has a specialty collection in our toy department. With that contract, comes a twice-a-year occasion tea in our main restaurant on the sixth floor. At Christmas, of course, the tea is holiday-themed.
I have to work on the thirteenth but put in that I’ll be off for two hours for the tea and add those two hours to the end of my shift.
When Marnie arrives with Tam, I’m a nervous wreck. She’s only a child, I tell myself, but she’s an important one. She’s Zebb’s daughter.
“Hey. Sorry if we’re late. Last period is my planning period and I left as soon as classes ended. Traffic is crazy, though.” Marnie is breathless like they’ve been running but Tam is calm as can be and hugging her Zuzu.
“Not late at all. We have assigned seating and the doors just opened.”
The Tea Room is a highlight of Ashford’s. Great-Great-Grandma Ashford’s pot roast is still served on the menu during our dinner hours. The center of the room hosts a two-story Christmas tree with an electric train running around a track. The tree is always decorated in conjunction with a theme. Sometimes fairy tales. Sometimes holiday stories. Sometimes just an object like a Christmas bear. The idea is to always offer something whimsical.
This year’s theme isA Christmas Carolwhich seems kind of harsh for children.
However, during this tea, the focus is all on girls, or boys, who love Doll and Me. Each place setting offers a little Christmas gift for both girl and her doll, plus limitless lemonade, finger sandwiches, and holiday treats.