Christmas surprise, p.1
Christmas Surprise, page 1
Christmas Surprise
Remi Carrington
Copyright ©2020 Pamela Humphrey
All Rights Reserved
Phrey Press
www.phreypress.com
www.remicarrington.com
First Edition
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.
All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
Created with Vellum
Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Epilogue
A Note to Readers
Also by Remi Carrington
About the Author
Chapter 1
Josefina
This was one of those nights where the voices in my head didn’t agree. One side was excited to be getting out of the house. The other side scolded me for wanting to feel young. My friend Joji wasn’t that much younger than I was, but she had twice my youth. Maybe a little was rubbing off on me.
“Ay, ay, ay!” Or maybe not. If I was too old to use a smart phone, maybe I was too old to go dancing.
“What?” My new friend Joji laughed. “If you’re nervous, don’t be. We’ll have fun.”
“I was trying to let my daughter know where we were going tonight, but I accidentally texted someone I haven’t spoken to in ten years.” My cheeks burned as I tapped out another message. Oops. Wrong person. Sorry.
“What did you tell him? And two more questions. Is he good looking and single? How do you have a number from ten years ago?”
“When I get a new phone, my boys move everything over just like Jeffrey used to do. I think I still have their little league coach’s number in this thing.” I sent off a text to my daughter, triple checking that I was sending it to the right person. “I told him where we were going dancing.” I hadn’t quite worded it that way, but I wasn’t going to admit to the actual text I sent. “And yes, he’s good looking, but last time I talked to him, he was happily married.”
“How long ago was that?”
“Ten years ago. He was at my brother’s retirement party. They were partners on the force for years.” I glanced out the window as the Lyft driver stopped in front of the building with a bright neon sign. “I hope I don’t regret letting you talk me into this.”
“It’s one night. We’ll have a drink, dance a little, then go home. It’ll be great.” Joji ran her fingers through her curls. “I’m going to find a cowboy who will twirl me around the dance floor.”
“I’m going to watch others dance.” I had no plans to get out on the dance floor.
“Find a table with my name on it. I reserved one. I’ll grab drinks.” Joji nudged me forward. “I won’t be long.”
I strolled by tables, reading the names on the reserved signs. Not far from the bar, I found Joji’s table. After shrugging off my coat, I hopped onto the barstool. The tall tables made it easier to see with all the people standing around.
“Your margarita, my dear.” Joji sat a glass in front of me then spun around, her dress twirling around her. “I wore my dancing dress tonight.”
“I wore my sitting jeans.” I hadn’t worn these tight-fitted jeans in years. Shockingly, they still fit. “How did I let you talk me into this?”
“When was the last time you’ve been out for the evening? And with your kids doesn’t count.”
“Not since before Jeffrey died. More than three years ago. I stay home and cook or crochet. Isn’t that what grandmas are supposed to do?” I enjoyed giving my new friend a hard time.
“It’s a good thing you met me.” Joji sipped her margarita. “Now let’s watch the floor. I want to see who can dance.”
She didn’t get much of a chance to watch.
A tall cowboy who looked like he’d been a bull rider in earlier years sauntered up to the table. “Evening ladies.”
When he tipped his hat, Joji sighed.
That only spurred him on. “Can I interest you in a spin around the dance floor?”
“You betcha.” Joji hopped off her bar stool, hooked her arm around his, and flashed me a grin as they walked away.
I leaned on the table, sipping my drink. It was nice to be around people.
Chapter 2
Mateo
Retirement was supposed to be the reward after many years of work, but no one warned me how lonely it would be. Six months after my last day on the job, my wife died unexpectedly. Without anyone to spend my best years with, I often spent weeknights in front of the television.
I’d just finished off the last of my frozen pizza when my phone buzzed. Why was Eddie’s sister texting me?
Two single ladies heading to The Thirsty Horse. Tonight should be fun.
Another text quickly followed. Oops Wrong person. Sorry.
I stared at the phone, trying to decide how to respond. Nothing clever came to mind, so I hopped off the couch, changed into jeans and a button down, and yanked on my boots. If Josefina was single and out dancing, there was no reason for me to stay home alone.
The Thirsty Horse was one of my haunts most weekends, and I knew several regulars who frequented on Thursdays also. I stepped up to the bar and waited as the bartender settled a tab. When Sally looked up, she smiled. “Evening, Mateo. The usual?”
“Please.” I laid money on the counter and stuffed a tip into the jar. “It’s busy tonight.”
“For a Thursday, it is.” She leaned over the bar and motioned toward the many people gathered in clusters. “Lots of available dance partners if you’re wanting to dance.”
I lifted my beer. “Thanks.”
“And if you’re free on my break, I’ll dance with you.” She winked.
“I’ll never say no to that.” I slipped my koozie on the bottle. That was an easy way to distinguish mine from the others that would inevitably end up sitting near my bottle.
Leaning on the end of the bar, I scanned the room.
“Looking for someone?” Spanky—he had a name, but we all called him Spanky—slapped me on the back.
“Aren’t we all?”
“Not me. I’m just looking for a dance partner.”
I clinked my bottle against his, then returned to my hunt.
Seated just a few feet away, Josefina sat on a bar stool, laughing as the redhead sitting at the same table waved her arms as she told a story.
After a swig, I snaked my way through the crowd. “Evening.”
Josefina’s hand shot to her mouth, and she giggled. The sheer delight in the sound had me smiling.
“Would you like to dance?” I set my beer on the table.
After a quick glance at my ring finger, she nodded.
“Do you really think I would’ve shown up here and asked you to dance if I was married?” I crossed my arms and gave her what I hoped was a mildly scolding look.
Her cheeks colored, or maybe that was a reflection from the neon. She sipped her drink before sliding off the barstool. “I haven’t done this in years.”
I tucked an arm around her waist as we stepped onto the dance floor. “Try not to step on my toes.”
She cut off the circulation in my hand during the first few steps, but as we continued to dance, she relaxed.
When I danced us in a circle, she moved in closer, so I danced us in another circle. Her dark eyes reflected the neon lights, and she treated me to another giggle.
I’d never heard her giggle before, and I found it very entertaining.
So far, the evening was exceeding my expectations.
The song ended, and the deejay put on something slow. Josefina kept hold of my hand and smiled up at me. “I’m surprised to see you.”
“Why? You told me you were here.”
“You look good.”
“I was about to say the same thing.”
She bumped my boot then rested her head against my chest as she laughed. “I’m so sorry. One margarita is enough for me.”
“Eddie hadn’t mentioned you were single again.” I didn’t want to make presumptions about why she was single.
“Jeffrey died three years ago. Eddie also didn’t mention that you were single.”
“Maria died five years ago.” I hadn’t anticipated having this conversation on the dance floor. After twirling Josefina, I pulled her close again. “I’m sorry to hear about your husband. Eddie said he was a great guy.”
She pinched her lips together and nodded. “Much better than my first.”
“But we won’t talk about him.” I didn’t like seeing her tense. I preferred her smile.
“Did you come because of the text?” Quiet, but always straightforward, Josefina’s question didn’t surprise me.
“I did. When I couldn’t figure out what to send as a response, I decided to send myself.”
She laughed and patted my chest. “You’ve always been funny. That hasn’t changed.”
Through three more songs, we stayed on the da
“I should go check on my friend.”
“If you mean the redhead who was at your table, she’s right behind you, dancing with Marvin. He’s here almost every weekend.”
Josefina glanced back over her shoulder. “Then I guess we stay out here a little longer.”
Those words were music to my ears.
After several more songs, Josefina tugged me off the dance floor. “I need to sit down.”
“Can I get you a fresh drink?”
“Oh no! No more alcohol for me.” She hopped up on the bar stool.
I dragged over another stool, one that had been abandoned near the wall. “I can get you a Coke or water.”
She rested a hand on my arm. “Water would be great.”
“Coming right up.”
As I walked up to the bar, Sally laughed. “I looked for you, but someone else got to you first.”
I knew she wasn’t flirting, and that being a regular was the reason for the banter. “Bumped into an old friend.”
“Lucky lady. What can I get you to drink?”
I glanced back, and Josefina flashed a smile. “Two waters. And I think I’m the lucky one.”
I’d come on a whim. Dancing had been fun. But this was different than other nights I’d spent dancing.
I carried the cups back to the table. “I’m glad for the oops text.”
“Me too. This has been fun, and it’s so good to see you.”
“Are you free Saturday? We could have dinner then dance the night away.” I drew lines in the condensation on the table. Asking out someone who I’d known forever felt like walking out on the ice in spring, not that I knew how that felt. Lakes around San Antonio never froze.
“Mateo Garza, are you asking me out?”
I looked up. “I am. This was fun.”
She squeezed my hand, and I prepared for a soft let down.
“This was fun. And if I can walk come Saturday, I’d love to go out with you.”
I trailed my thumb across her fingers. “If you can walk?”
“After tonight, my thighs are going to scream at me. Gardening did not prepare me for this.” Humor glinted in her eyes.
There was a benefit to knowing someone for years. My joking wouldn’t be misunderstood. “I can come over and massage them for you . . . if that will help.”
She swatted my arm. “Mateo!”
Her friend walked back to the table, and Josefina pulled her hand away. “Mateo, this is my friend Joji.”
“Nice to meet you, Joji.”
“Same here. I worried that Josefina would spend all night people-watching from the table, but boy oh boy. I was wrong about that.” She checked the time. “How have we been here so long?”
“It’s almost midnight.” Josefina fanned her face. “We need to call for a ride.”
“Nonsense. I’ll give y’all a ride home.” I stepped closer to her. “If you want.”
Joji didn’t give Josefina a chance to answer. “That would be wonderful. What a gentleman.” She hopped off her stool. “Ready?”
“Yes.” Josefina picked up her coat.
I held it out so she could slip her arms in. “I’m looking forward to Saturday.”
She glanced back over her shoulder. “Me too. My text was a serendipitous mistake.”
Chapter 3
Josefina
Mateo stopped in front of the house. “Well, ladies, I had a great time. Let me get those doors.” He strolled around to the passenger side of the truck.
Joji jumped out and didn’t turn around until she was halfway to the door. Waving, she yawned. “I’m headed in. Goodnight.” Her acting skills were quite convincing.
I leaned back against the truck. “I said this already, but I had fun.”
“Me too. I’ll call you tomorrow to check in and see how those thighs are feeling.” He moved in closer. “I’m glad you still had my number.”
I reminded myself that he was lonely and wanted a friend. The man had always been handsome, and years hadn’t changed that. For several seconds we stood in the dark, gazing at each other. The reminder about him wanting a friend hadn’t reached my heart. It pounded hard and fast.
Resisting the urge to wrap him in a long, tight hug, I patted his chest. “How’s this? I’ll say yes to dinner, and we’ll see how I feel before deciding on dancing.”
“Sounds great.” He stood beside the truck until I was inside. When I peeked around the curtain, he waved.
Joji dropped onto the sofa, already in her jammies. “Go change, then fill me in. Want tea or popcorn or something?”
“Just tea for me. I’ll be out in just a few minutes.” As I changed clothes, I laughed at myself. I was acting just like I did when I was young. And I hadn’t felt young in a long time.
I had Joji to thank for that.
A mug of hot tea was waiting for me in the living room. She jumped right into the interrogation. “When we went out on Tuesday, you didn’t dance once. Tonight? You danced with that man almost the entire time. He’s a looker, for sure, but it surprised me. Are you going out with him again?”
“Yes, on Saturday. Mateo is a retired police detective. He was widowed five years ago.”
“Y’all covered a lot of topics on the dance floor.”
I shook my head. “I’ve known Mateo a long time. He was my brother’s partner for years. A friend of the family.” Hoping the mug would cover the secrets probably etched on my face, I sipped my tea.
Joji squinted one eye. “But he was a good friend?”
“He’s the one I accidentally texted.”
She squealed. “I love it already, but that didn’t answer the question.”
“Mateo and I have never dated.” I cradled my mug, deciding that being open about my past would help me navigate this new relationship. “He was around when I was married to my first husband.”
“The one who hit you?”
“Only once. My brothers—and I’m guessing Mateo, but I don’t know for sure—asked him to leave town and never come back. Shortly after the divorce was final, Mateo showed up one evening and offered to marry me. We’d never gone on a date or had a romantic encounter. Not once.”
“I’m guessing you said no because of Jeffrey, who became your second husband.”
“I didn’t meet Jeffrey for another two years. But I told Mateo no because I couldn’t let him marry me out of some obligation to care for me and my daughter. It was the right thing to do. He met Maria ten months later, and they fell in love.”
“Oh my.” Joji fanned herself. “And now you meet again.”
“I think he enjoyed the companionship. And I understand that. It’ll be nice to have a friend to go dancing with.”
“Careful with the word friend. It’ll bite you.” She laughed. “It’s a good thing I dragged you out dancing!”
I kicked at her foot, shaking my head. “Tell me about your evening.”
“It was fun, but I just went to dance.” She crossed her legs and leaned forward. “But there is something about a man in boots.”
“There is!” I finished off the rest of my tea. “One request.”
“What’s that?”
“Please don’t say anything about my past with Mateo. I want to see where this goes before I bring up some of those things.”
Joji ran a finger along her lips. “Nothing about the past. But I can mention the date, right?”
“Yes, I’m not going to keep that from Nacha. My daughter will understand. I’ll tell the boys in person when they are here for Christmas if I see Mateo again after Saturday.”
“It’s hard to believe that’s only weeks away. I’ll clear out while you have family here. You need your space.”
“I invited you to stay here. You don’t have to leave.”
She waved her hand. “Don’t worry about me.”
That was good because if I were the worrying type, Saturday’s date would stir up enough worry to keep my brain busy all night.
