Tristan had just left the building after locking up when his phone went off. Given the cold, Tristan waited until he was in the truck with the heat blasting to pull his phone from his coat pocket. He felt a rush of relief when he saw the text from Shayna to let him know they’d arrived in Portage safe and sound.
After sending her a text thanking her and wishing them Merry Christmas, Tristan headed for his apartment. He wanted to open his gift before heading to his folks’ place for the family’s Christmas Eve get-together.
The parking lot at the apartment was empty when he arrived, but Tristan wasn’t surprised since Danica and Sierra had said they’d be going over early to help his mom. It was only the three of them living in the apartment building at the moment, though there was talk about looking for other people who were in need of a place to stay.
He still hoped that he’d made the right decision in not asking his dad about offering the largest apartment to Shayna and Timothy. Now that it looked like she had a roommate to replace Lisa, Tristan hoped that some of the pressure and stress had eased for Shayna. He knew that Eva wouldn’t fill all the roles Lisa had played in their lives, but he hoped her presence would be enough in other areas.
After he walked into the apartment, Tristan took off his boots and left his coat on the coat tree by the door then made a beeline for the bag sitting under the Christmas tree. The lights he’d put on a timer had come on earlier and twinkled brightly in the darkness of the living room. He grabbed the bag and sat down on the couch, leaning over to snap on the lamp sitting on the end table.
The bag wasn’t very big or heavy, so Tristan had no idea what it could be as he pulled out the red tissue paper that was sticking out of the top of it. He put it on the couch and reached back in, his fingers brushing against some fabric.
Pulling it out, he immediately saw that it was a T-shirt. It was gray with the words That’s too much bacon! in large white letters and said no one ever in smaller yellow ones. Tristan grinned at it and could imagine Timothy picking it out.
He found a second T-shirt in the bag. This one was black with white lettering. He laughed out loud as he read the front of it.
I may be but only periodically.
Nerdy had been spelled out using the periodic table symbols for Nitrogen, Erbium, and Dysprosium. Once again, Tristan knew that Timothy had had a hand in choosing that T-shirt.
With a grin, Tristan unbuttoned the shirt he was wearing and dropped it onto the couch beside him. He tugged the gray T-shirt on first and then took a selfie before doing the same with the black one. Deciding to leave the black one on, he went to his bedroom to change into a pair of jeans and a gray plaid flannel shirt that he left open over the T-shirt.
He’d taken his gifts over to his folks’ on the previous Sunday, so all he had to do was get his coat and boots back on and head out. Even though Shayna and Timothy weren’t with him in the flesh, he felt their presence as he wore the shirt. He didn’t think too many would get the meaning of it, so he’d probably have to explain it over and over. Still, as annoying as that might be, he wasn’t going to change.
Shayna breathed a sigh of relief when they reached the townhouse. She’d decided on the drive home that she preferred to sleep in her own bed, no matter how nice the other bed had been. Two nights away was two nights too many.
Timothy wasn’t happy that they’d stayed away through Boxing Day even though he knew that had been the plan all along. The ride back to the city had been quiet since she hadn’t managed to get them back in time to go see Tristan. But Lisa had needed some help with moving a few things around at her mother’s, and it had taken a bit longer than they had thought it would.
“Do you think I could just stay by myself tomorrow?”
“What?” Busy trying to back the SUV into the garage, Shayna stepped on the brakes and looked in the rear-view mirror. Not that that helped much since she was halfway into the darkened garage and could hardly see Timothy in the dim light. “No. No, you can’t stay by yourself. It’s against the law. And even if it weren’t, I wouldn’t let you.”
“It should be against the law to act the way those kids there act,” Timothy said, pouting clear in his voice. “I’ll almost be glad to go back to school.”
Shayna frowned at that pronouncement. For Timothy to actually want to go back to school told her how bad it must be at the babysitter’s. She wished that she had another option. For now, it seemed that Timothy would have to endure it for a couple more weeks.
She finished parking the SUV then together they unloaded the gifts. More gifts than she had anticipated having from their Christmas. She had been shocked at the gifts Tristan had gotten for them, and yet so very thankful. It was embarrassing too, though, that he had noticed that their winter things were looking worn. Especially Timothy’s since he was more active and grew out of his things so quickly.
She didn’t know if Tristan had had help picking out the items of clothing, but the lovely coat he’d given her fit perfectly. The snowsuit for Timothy was a tad big which meant it should hopefully last him two winters, at least. The boots too. She was deeply appreciative of the thought he’d put into what he’d bought them.
Once they had finished putting away their gifts, Shayna began to make them something for supper. It was barely five o’clock, and already it had been dark for nearly half an hour.
Timothy came to the island counter with the tablet in his hands. After climbing up on one of the stools, he laid the tablet down and said, “Can I spend some time on YouTube, Maman?”
“Sure, Bug,” Shayna said as she went to the fridge and pulled out the jug of milk. She poured the milk into a glass and set it in front of Timothy. “I’m making grilled cheese sandwiches. How many do you want?”
“Just one,” Timothy said, his head bent over the tablet as his finger swiped across the screen. “Are we having tomato soup too?”
“If you’d like.” Shayna turned and opened a cupboard, glad to see that there were still a couple of cans of the soup.
It didn’t take long to begin to warm it up. She found she was looking forward to the comfort food that made up their meal. Thankfully, it was a relatively cheap meal for the two of them, and it was perfect for the cold winter day.
Once the food was ready, she carried it to the table. “Time to eat, Bug.”
Timothy paused the video and slid off his stool. After picking up his glass, he came to the table and sat at his usual seat. Without her prompting, he prayed for their food, then picked up one of the fingers she’d cut his sandwich into. He dipped it in his soup and blew on it before taking a bite.
“I’m glad Tristan liked his shirts,” Timothy said after he’d taken a couple of bites. “I knew he would.”
Shayna thought of the pictures Tristan had sent on Christmas Eve of himself wearing the shirts and smiled. She wasn’t sure which of them had been more excited at finding the T-shirts on sale. Timothy had chosen the ones he thought Tristan would like, and she’d found what she’d hoped would be the correct sizes. From the look of the pictures, they’d both been right.
“When will we see Tristan again?” Timothy asked as he finished his sandwich.
“I’m not sure, sweetie.” Shayna stirred her soup before lifting a spoonful to her lips. “Probably at church on Sunday.”
“But there’s no Sunday School. Tristan told us last week.”
Shayna frowned. “Well, then I guess it might not be until Sunday School has started up again.”
“Didn’t he invite us for a party on New Year’s Eve?” Timothy peered at her over his glass of milk.
He had, but Shayna hadn’t accepted. Given what she’d heard about his family, she wasn’t sure that it would be a place that either of them would feel all that comfortable.
“Will it just be us two here, if we don’t go?” Timothy asked. “Or will Lisa come to spend the night with us like she used to? We could play Life or Monopoly like we did last year. That was fun.”
“Lisa won’t be able to make it,” Shayna said, hating to disappoint him. “She has to be with her mother.”
Timothy’s expression fell as he swirled his spoon in the soup. “Monopoly isn’t very much fun with just the two of us.”
“I’m sorry, sweetie.” Shayna sighed. “We can find another game—a new one—at the store. One that would be good for just the two of us.”
Timothy nodded, but somehow, he didn’t look any more excited at the prospect of a new game than he had at it just being the two of them playing Monopoly as the New Year arrived. “Will we go shopping this week?”
“Yep. You can tell me what foods you want to have, and we’ll get them.” Shayna would buy him whatever he wanted if it meant he would look forward to that evening with just the two of them.
He brightened a little at the news, but not enough for her liking. It seemed like she was disappointing him on several fronts. The only reason he hadn’t realized how badly she’d failed him at Christmas was because of the generosity of Tristan and Lisa. Their presents had bulked up the few she’d managed to scrounge together. It would have been pretty slim pickings, otherwise.
She hoped that, somehow, she could get him excited about the evening. The last thing she wanted was for them to ring in the New Year in such down spirits. Ever since Lorne’s death, each New Year’s Eve had been challenging, but still marginally better than the one before. If she couldn’t manage to change things up, this one wouldn’t follow the trend.
Maybe she should consider Tristan’s invitation.
“We’ll figure something out, Bug. I promise. We’ll have fun welcoming the New Year together.”
Timothy’s smile appeared and disappeared in rapid succession as he looked up at her. He let out a long sigh, as he finished the last of his soup and then carried his dishes to the sink. “Can I finish the video I was watching?”
“Of course. You can watch until bedtime.” Shayna knew she was trying to placate him, but it seemed he deserved a little bit more time to do the things he enjoyed. Between having to go to the babysitter’s and not having much of a New Year’s Eve celebration to look forward to, letting him have a little extra time for the videos he enjoyed seemed a small price to pay.
“I’m going to sit on the couch,” Timothy said.
Shayna watched him leave then turned back to cleaning up the kitchen. Rather than use the dishwasher, she filled the sink with warm soapy water and began to wash the dishes. Usually, she would have Timothy help her, but right then, being alone with her thoughts wasn’t a bad thing.
As she washed the dishes and set them in the strainer, her thoughts skirted around Tristan’s invitation for New Year’s Eve to his invitation for dinner. She still hadn’t given him an answer to that either. Considering she’d already been thinking about the possibility of dating again, she didn’t know why she was hesitating. As a man, Tristan was as good as any that she’d met of late. Not that she’d met all that many men lately.
What harm would it do to say yes? It had been forever since she’d been out for an adults’ only type of evening. Not that she resented the time she spent with Timothy at all, but sometimes being something besides just a mother was a good thing.
But saying yes to Tristan would direct them down a new path. One that she didn’t quite know if she was prepared to take. She knew for certain that she’d never experience a love like she’d shared with Lorne, but that wasn’t a bad thing. She wasn’t certain her heart could handle loving—and, possibly, losing—someone she loved that intensely again.
But a gentler sort of affection, that she could handle. That was something she could offer Tristan if that was what he wanted. Maybe she’d call him in a couple of days to give him her answer. She’d texted with him briefly on Christmas night to thank him for the gifts. Maybe she’d text him again later when Timothy had fallen asleep.
Maybe.
Tristan winced as he settled onto his bed. The hockey game he’d participated in that afternoon had been a physical one. He wondered how old Kenton and Gabe had to be before the aggressive play would stop. Even Benjie was starting to pick up the more aggressive gameplay. Not quite as bad as Gabe, but definitely more than he’d displayed the previous year.
After Gabe’s accident, Tristan had thought perhaps he’d slow down, but over the past few years, he’d worked hard to rebuild the strength in his leg. So while he’d been slower for a few years, it appeared he was back to near full-strength.
Maybe next year, he’d just sit the game out and stay by the fire with the ladies. It wouldn’t be the first time he’d been relegated to hang with the women. Only next year it would be his choice.
Tristan had just managed to get comfortable when his phone chirped to alert an incoming text. Rolling his eyes, he prepared himself for some sort of gloating text from Gabe. They’d been on opposite teams, and Gabe’s team had won. They would no doubt spend the next few days reading texts from the guy about what a great game he’d played.
They all tolerated it because it was just how Gabe had always been. After a couple of days without any of them responding, he’d stop. Usually by New Year’s Eve, they were all back to normal. Well, as normal as they could be.
Glancing down at the screen, he saw that it wasn’t a text from Gabe but from Shayna.
Shayna: Thank you again for the gifts. Timothy was especially thrilled with the science set.
Smiling, Tristan tapped out his response. I figured I had to do something more than just clothes for him. I want him to still like me, after all.
Shayna: Well, no fear of that. He likes you an awful lot, and he could hardly fault you for giving him clothes considering what he picked out for you.
And what a great job he did picking those out. I loved them even though I spent all Christmas Eve having to educate my family on the periodic table.
Shayna: I’m embarrassed to say that Timothy had to explain it to me too while we were in the store. I think he was thrilled at the idea of you getting the meaning when lots wouldn’t.
It’s the curse of being smart. We don’t mean to come across as smarter than everyone else, but sometimes we just can’t help it.
Shayna: I’m still not sure where he got his smarts from, but I’m glad he has them. It might make things easier for him in the long run.
Tristan thought back over the years and considered that perhaps Shayna was right. It had been easier to choose a career knowing he wouldn’t struggle with the work required for any of them. It had been easier to get scholarships and grants given his grades and the fact he’d graduated ahead of others his age. Yes, Shayna was likely correct that for all the other struggles Timothy might face in his life, his career would hopefully not be one of them.
My dad couldn’t figure out where I got my smarts either. Neither he nor my mom had above average intelligence. And there’s no doubt my brothers lack smarts. Especially Gabe.
Shayna: Haha I love how you talk about your siblings. You do love them, though, right?
I love my whole family more than anyone else in the world. Even Gabe. I’m just a little bitter at the moment because his team won the hockey game today, and I’m sporting a few more bruises than usual.
Shayna: Do you all play as rough as the NHL players?
Considering one used to play for the NHL, I’d have to say yes. Although, to be honest, Kenton was never the most aggressive of players. Gabe, if he’d been in the NHL, would have been the most aggressive of all. He’s the reason I’m stiff and sore tonight.
Shayna: I hope you start feeling better soon.
No worries. I’m usually back to normal by New Year’s Eve. Speaking of which, will you and Timothy be able to join us?
It took her so long to reply that Tristan was sure it was going to be a refusal, but maybe she’d surprise him again. She’d done it a time or two already.
Shayna: Are you sure it would be appropriate to bring Timothy to a party like that?
It is very much a family-oriented party. My siblings all have their children with them. If you’d like, you could stay overnight as well. A bunch of us do. We have plenty of space.
Again there was a long pause, but Tristan wasn’t as worried this time. She seemed interested, so he patiently waited for her response.
Shayna: Can we bring something?
Shayna: If I decide to come.
Tristan pumped his fist in the air then winced as it pulled the bruise on his side. She may not be saying yes, but she definitely wasn’t saying no. He would take that as a win. Even if she didn’t come this time around, maybe she’d be open to invitations to family events in the future.
There is always lots of food, but you can bring something too. If there’s something special that Timothy would like, you’re welcome to bring that.
Shayna: Okay. I’ll let you know if we can make it.
Sounds good. : )
Tristan wasn’t sure if that was the end of their conversation or not. He was in the midst of tapping out his goodnight message when another message popped up from Shayna. He paused to read it.
Shayna: About your invitation last Sunday…I would like to accept.
Shayna: If the invitation still stands.
Tristan grinned and quickly backspaced over the words he’d typed already.
It definitely still stands! Would Sunday work for you? Sierra and Danica will happily babysit Timothy for the evening.
Shayna: That would be fine. What time should I be ready? And what should I wear?
Tristan blew out a breath as he tried to quickly come up with a plan for the evening. He had sort of figured that she’d say no, so he hadn’t given much thought to a plan for their evening together. Unfortunately, he wanted a bit more time to think things through before he committed to a restaurant.
Can I tell you tomorrow? I want to be sure to pick a great restaurant.
Shayna: Sure.
Shayna: I’d better go. Morning comes early—especially after a couple of days off.
Yes, it does. Thanks for chatting! It was a nice way to end the day.
With the conversation was over, Tristan turned off the lamp on the night table beside his bed. He checked that his alarm was set, then settled in for a few mindless rounds on his favorite puzzle game before calling it a night.