Page 27 of A Curvy Carol

Whit replied right away.

Whit: Wait. Both of us?

Carolynn: Yep :D

Whit: Okay, I don’t have a problem with that. Just as long as it’s with you ;)

That made me blush. He was very good at that.

Carolynn: You wouldn’t rather play video games or something?

Whit: Nah, I’d rather hang out with you. It’ll be fun.

I blushed again, thankful he couldn’t see my face or how giddy I was at a simple text. Although, nothing seemed simple with Whit—it was all special. Not sure what to say in response but wanting the conversation to continue, I changed the subject.

Carolynn: So. What’s your favorite Christmas tradition?

I saw those three little dots going for a couple minutes.

I began closing my eyes, letting them hydrate. I was physically tired but beyond happy we were talking and not just crossing items off a list.

Then my phone buzzed, letting me know he’d responded.

My eyebrows rose as I realized it was a voice message. Something about it seemed more special than a text. Maybe just because I loved the sound of his voice.

I pushed play and closed my eyes again as I listened.

Whit’s voice rang clear as if he was right beside me. “My favorite Christmas tradition,” he started. “Let’s see. Christmas has always been different for us than other families since my parents have always had really demanding jobs. Ever since I can remember anyway.

“So there’s never a lot of time to stay at home and do all the Christmassy things people in Garland do. But, on Christmas Eve, we always spend time together as a family. We have a tradition of baking cookies. When I was little, they were for Santa. Now that I’m older, they’re still for Santa, I guess, but we eat them all before he gets here. It’s my favorite thing to do, just the three of us. Things finally quiet down for an hour or two, before the craziness of Christmas Day.”

He went quiet for a second before speaking again. “Yeah, that’s my favorite tradition. Although this thing you and I’ve got going… I have a feeling it could have the makings of another great tradition. Don’t you think?” I could almost hear the smile in his voice.

I definitely could see enjoying this time with him next year, I thought to myself.

It felt scary for some reason to text him back and say that.

So I told him the truth I was comfortable with sharing.

Carolynn: I’ve had more fun this year than I ever expected… Good night, Whit.

Whit: Good night, Christmas Carol.

My eyes closed, and I smiled as I pulled the covers up around me.

Whit had quickly become a good friend, maybe more. But I had a hard time looking to the future. So instead, I focused on right now. And for now, he made me happy.

16

WHIT

We had two items left on our Christmas list.

Just two.

I could hardly believe it. These past few days with Carolynn had flown by, when all I wanted was more time with her.

The next morning, we met at the nail salon called Vixen’s in Garland.