Chance Encounter - Jerry Cole Page 0,27

“Gram might change her mind this year.” We decided to surprise her with a pet for Christmas. She kept talking about her friend that had two cats that always sat on her lap, fighting for space.

We planned to get her an older cat from the local shelter. We’d been a couple of times, and there was a sweet, calm female white cat that the staff promised would be perfect for Gram. She’d come from a similar home when the owner tragically passed away with no local family or friends around to take her.

“I doubt that. She’s dead set on real trees. She’ll just call if it needs to be put back up.” He chuckled as I paused, realizing how right he was.

“Fuck me. You’re right. I’m asking Jackson to move out here again,” I groaned as Hayden smiled.

“The girls talk to Amy a lot. It wouldn’t surprise me if she convinced him to do just that. They could get the fourth apartment in the building.”

“Wouldn’t that be something?” I asked as he pulled me close. The girls talked to Amy more than they did to Vivian these days. Everything that happened soured that relationship, and while a baby was involved and missing out on good people, the responsibility fell on Vivian.

“A family building. Jackson can work here, right?” Hayden asked, and I considered my answer.

“He owns a company there, and I think Amy works at a lawyer’s office as a paralegal. I guess he could see or have someone manage it. He makes a fucking fortune and could live a relaxed life here. Not like that’s his style, though. Jackson would still be involved with the company.” I laughed, and Hayden nodded in agreement. “They’re coming for a week at Christmas. Maybe we can chat with him about it.”

We compromised on the trees, getting three at the two-week mark. I thought they might be good through the new year, or at least I hoped so. We got three all at once, including one for the girls. I spent more time setting up Gram’s tree since she needed the most help. Once hers was finished and covered with years of family ornaments, the girls and Hayden decided on decorating nights for the other two trees.

They both worked nights, so I set the trees up with water for the time being. We planned to make dinner and to decorate in one night they had free if possible, so it gave everyone a chance to buy some ornaments. They didn’t have the past that I did, making me realize that they were all starting a new tradition.

I shopped a lot for Hayden and Gram, but I bought gifts for the girls as well. They were a big part of my life now, and I felt like I had two sisters. I’d been close to girls before, but with Hayden, it felt like a family forming before my eyes.

I complained about the demands, but we all knew they were done out of love.

Gram came to the dinner and decorating festivities, giving us each an ornament to place on our tree. They were all personal to us and celebrated our first holidays together. I hugged her, telling her that I loved her and kissing her cheek. The others did the same, only with tears. She also baked an apple pie for dessert.

We all worked hard to make sure we could enjoy the holiday. I got all of my jobs done, thankful that many podcasts took the holidays off. Hayden chose to perform in the play as well as his normal shift, but he took a small part in it. He wanted to help with the set as well as be a part of the play. The theater was closed for the week between Christmas and New Year’s Eve, as well as Mari’s gallery. She and Becca were planning a lot of fun activities for Amy when they arrived two days before Christmas. Jackson and Amy wanted to see the play on its last night with Gram.

I sat in the audience, realizing that it wasn’t that long ago that I saw Hayden here for the first time. I knew that he was something special the moment our eyes met, making me smile when he came on the stage in a group. He was a backup dancer and singer that also had a few lines of his own. I loved this man more than I ever loved anyone.

We went to the diner to eat when the play