Free A Curvy Christmas by Harmony Raines Page A

and see the sacrifices she makes, and I don’t know if I could ever handle myself that well. The responsibility of just been in a long term relationship has always scared me too much to take a chance.”
    “Then I am doubly honoured that you have shared your past with me and are also willing to share your future.”
    “But am I long-term material?”
    “Look at your relationship with Max. That’s been long term, you've lived together, helped each other and supported each other. I bet there are times when you two were like an old married couple.”
    She laughed. “Yes. Without the sex.”
    “There you are. You’re just scared Robin, and there’s nothing wrong with that. It makes you just like the rest of us.”
    “You mean I’m not so unique after all?”
    “I’m afraid not.”
    “Wow. What a downer.” She managed a short laugh.
    “That’s better. Now let’s drink wine and eat until we feel sick, and then go to bed. Tomorrow is Christmas.”
    She looked up at him, not caring how blotchy and red her face looked. “And I can’t think of anyone I’d rather share it with.”
    “Even Carl?”
    “Even Carl.” She smiled, and he bent his head and kissed her. Threading her arms around his neck she pulled him close, wanting to feel his strength. Emotionally drained she leaned on him, until he bent down and picked her up, carrying her to the bedroom.
    He placed her on the bed, and then pulled a blanket over her. “Why don’t you have a rest? You look worn out.”
    “If you stay with me.”
    “Of course I will.” He went back to the kitchen and fetched their wine, and some food, and then came and lay next to her.
    “Shall we watch TV? If you don’t mind. It might help me get back into the Christmas spirit.”
    “What ever you want.”
    She patted his arm. “Fun Christmas huh. I bet you wish you were with Carl instead of me.”
    “That I will not admit to. I told you life will never be boring for us, Robin. Good with the bad.”
    “Mmm,” she murmured and drifted off to sleep.
    ***
     
    When she woke up it was dark, and Greg was gone. A moment of panic hit her, he had left after all, her secret too much for him to take. She slumped back down, tears in her eyes, but then she made out his silhouette against the light from the streets which poured in through the window.
    “What are you looking at?”
    “You’re awake,” he said, a tinge of excitement in his voice. “Come look. It’s snowing.”
    Shivering after being in the warm bed, she went to him, pressing herself against his body for warmth.
    “It is. I have never seen a white Christmas.”
    “How do you feel?”
    “Better.”
    “Good. Then lets wrap up and go out in it.”
    “OK, I thought I was the insane one.”
    He got up. “Come on. Lots of layers. There’s something I want to show you, and this seems like the perfect time.”
    “Really?”
    “Where’s your sense of adventure?”
    “Is that a challenge?”
    “If that will make you come outside with me, then I guess it is.”
    She shuffled off, switched the light on, which momentarily blinded her, and then started to drag on a sweater, hat and gloves, followed by a thick fleecy coat. Then she added a rain coat, just to make sure.
    “I think I’m ready.” She stood, hardly able to get her arms to straighten due to the bulk of her clothes. He laughed, and she said, “I also think you’re mad. It’s lovely and warm in here, and you want to go out in the snow. It will still be there in the morning.”
    “You, Robin, need to rediscover your sense of adventure.”
    She paused at his words, he was right, these last couple of months, her ability to want to try everything and anything had slowly eroded. The fear of losing Max, and reverting to the sad creature she had been before she met her best friend, had been hanging over her like the heavy snow clouds hanging over the city.
    Pulling her scarf down, away from her mouth, she said, “Let’s go. I think I need to chuck a snowball