Free All I Want for Christmas by Lynn Emery Page B

Thanksgiving. We had
treats and sang songs. Then he’d let us turn on the lights.” Nedra
blinked at the happy memory of a warm, loving man. “Those were good
times.”
    Carlos pulled her closer to
him. “Sounds like a great guy, your daddy.”
    “He was,” Nedra replied and cleared her
throat. She pushed against the heartache that came from knowing she
wouldn’t see him again.
    “So when do we put up your tree?” Carlos
asked.
    “I don’t usually bother, not since...
Besides, it’s just me. What’s the point?” Nedra shrugged.
    “Hey, I’m sorry for bringing up a sad
subject.” Carlos squeezed her hand again.
    “No, no,” she replied. She
swiped at her eyes quickly and smiled at him. “I should be
apologizing for ruining our fun night.”
    “It’s nowhere near ruined.
Let’s get some hot chocolate and then we can shake our booties to
some swamp rock Christmas tunes.” Carlos tugged her arm towards one
of several food vendors.
    Nedra burst out laughing.
“Did you just say we’d shake our booties? Seriously,
Carlos?”
    “I’m sure your father would
approve. He was a party, ‘let the good times roll’ kinda guy. Am I
right?” asked Carlos, grinning as he walked backwards in front of
Nedra.
    She grinned back at him.
“You’re right. Daddy loved to ‘shake his groove thang’, as he used
to say. He loved all those old-school R&B Christmas tunes, and
he and mama were both pretty good dancers.”
    “Then we have to continue
the family tradition.” Carlos did a few dance steps and then spun
in a complete circle as the band played a version of Frosty the Snowman .
    “I doubt the guy who wrote
that song would recognize it,” Nedra said with a laugh. “Now let’s
warm up with some hot chocolate.”
    “Okay, but don’t think
you’re not going to shake it before this night is over,” he tossed
back and pointed a finger at her.
    Nedra looped her arm
through his. “Maybe.”
    They continued walking
towards the food stand, and got into a light-hearted debate over
whether Nedra would loosen up and dance with him, along with the
crowd. She was once again wrapped in the pleasure of being with
Carlos, and the cheerful mood of everyone at the lighting ceremony.
They finally got two cups of hot chocolate with marshmallows
floating on top.
    Carlos took the lead, and
guided Nedra on a stroll around the lighted square and down Third
Street. Restaurants were decorated and shops were crowded with
people buying gifts. Children giggled and raced from one window
display to the next, with adults in tow. Nedra sighed at the swell
of warmth inside of her, which didn’t come from the creamy, warm
liquid she was drinking.
    “This is the way the holidays should feel,”
Carlos said, as though he could read her thoughts.
    “I know.” Nedra watched young children
enjoying the sights and sounds. “My parents did everything they
could to make Christmas magical for us as kids. That’s what I miss
most about not being part of a family; the holidays.”
    “My memories aren’t all
warm and fuzzy,” Carlos said, but his laughter sounded forced.
“Let’s find a table away from the crowd.”
    “Oh, okay,” replied Nedra,
worried that he might think she was dropping hints about where
their relationship should go.
    As they walked, Carlos
talked about everything but the holiday season. They had to go
around the corner near the Shaw Arts Center, past a fountain
sparkling with multicolored lights and down another half block.
Carlos managed to snag a small table outside, just as a couple got
up to go.
    “So how is work?” Nedra asked.
    “Exhausting, but I’m not
complaining. At least we’ve got customers. A lot of folks are
driving into town to spend time with family, which means their cars
get dirty,” replied Carlos. He appeared to relax with the change of
subject and grinned at her. “ CJ’s
Detailing to the rescue.”
    “That’s great. Where is your shop?” Nedra
watched his expression tighten