The Christmas Plan - Samantha Chase Page 0,4
out of the car and have something to eat. I didn’t think it was a big deal. But if it means that much to you, we can stop at the deli and grab a couple of sandwiches to go.”
“No. You’re right. It will be good to get out and stretch our legs.”
She gave him a bright smile. “You want to drive the first shift or is it okay if I do it?”
He waved her off. “That’s fine. Just let me know when you’re ready to switch.”
“Deal.”
Climbing into the car, they each got situated and as soon as she started the car, the radio was on and Aspen immediately started talking.
“It’s great how your folks are willing to let me stay with them for the month,” she said. “I know you’ve mentioned how they always have a houseful of relatives over the holidays, so I hope they don’t mind one more.” Grinning at him, she went on. “I hope you told your mom that I promise to help with all the housework and I don’t expect her to wait on me.”
Gabe was looking at the weather app on his phone and shrugged. “You can say that all you want but she’s going to want to do everything for you because you’re a guest in her home. She thrives on taking care of everyone.”
“Well, I adore her and I’ll have to make some extra special treats for her.”
He chuckled and put his phone down. “I noticed you packed some of your kitchen tools.”
“Just for making chocolates. I know your mom bakes as a hobby so any cakes, cookies, or pies I know she’ll have the supplies for, but the candy stuff is more specific. And I’m not going to force any of it on her or take over her kitchen. It’s just there if anyone wants me to use it.”
Laughing again, he reached over and gently patted her leg. “Right. Because people turn down homemade candy so often.”
“You know what I’m saying.”
And he did.
“So what happened with your call last night? I heard you say ‘Hi, Mom’ as I was walking out the door.”
Groaning, she shook her head. “We talked about what’s going to happen when I move back and I’m already regretting my decision.”
“I’m telling you–I still don’t think you need to do it.”
“Too late now. I’ve given my notice with my apartment and I’m not going to be working for the next month, so…” She sighed. “But my sister and brother-in-law are going to be visiting in January and staying with my parents too.”
“That might be a little awkward, but…”
“And he’s bringing some of the outlaws with him.”
It was a name she had given her brother-in-law and his family because they were…well…not Aspen’s favorite kind of people. More than once she had mentioned how the guys were all a little handsy and inappropriate. She was undoubtedly already getting tense about the possibility of being groped.
“The good news is you don’t have to worry about anything like that for the next month. There are no outlaws in my family. No one’s going to want to get you under a blanket or try to grab your butt.”
“That’s all I ask.” Nudging him with her elbow, she laughed. “But I do kind of hate the idea that I’m taking a spot from one of your relatives who usually spend Christmas with you. Maybe I can go to a hotel or something so things won’t get awkward?”
“You don’t have to go to a hotel,” he assured her. “And besides, that kind of defeats the purpose of you getting away and saving some money. Mom said she has a plan to work it all out so we all have our privacy. Personally, I don’t know how that’s all going to happen, but she promised that she had a plan.”
“Didn’t you ask for specifics? I mean, I know you don’t like surprises.”
“How could she possibly surprise me? We’re going to the house I grew up in. I know all the space there so I’m sure she’s making arrangements for some of my cousins to stay at a hotel or the local B&B. It’s not going to be a big deal.”
Her shoulders sagged. “Well now I feel bad!”
“Aspen, you’re one person. It’s not like your existence is displacing a bunch of people. It’s really not a big deal.”
“To me it is,” she countered. “You guys have family traditions and now I’m ruining it! Ugh…your relatives are going to hate me!”
He reached over and took one of her