Chapter 20
The holidays are here, and Christmas is right around the corner. I’d been thinking about asking my parents if we could invite Lola and her dad over on Christmas Day — open gifts together, have brunch, and make it something special. It’s December 21st, and I’m off on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Plus, winter break from college has officially started, which is a relief.
I walk into the living room where my parents are talking, ready to bring up the idea. But before I can say anything, my mom looks at me and asks:
“Hi hon, how would you feel about inviting Lola and her dad to join us on Christmas Day?”
I blink, surprised. “Funny enough, I was going to ask you that. You beat me to it.”
She laughs. “Ah, well at least we were thinking the same thing.”
“I’d love to invite them over,” I say. “I’ll let her know and tell you what she says.”
“Sounds good. And I know Mya will be excited to hear that.”
“I’m glad Mya likes Lola,” I say. “I hoped she would.”
We wrap up the conversation, and I head off to text Lola.
Me: Hey babe, hope all is well… my mom wants to know if you and your dad would like to come over to my house for Christmas?
Lola: Oh, that’d be fun! I’ll ask my dad. I’m sure he won’t mind.
Me: Let me know what he says.
Then I add:
Me: Hey, I was thinking — if Angela and Jacob aren’t busy today, maybe we can do a double date with them.
Lola: Let me ask them right now.
A few minutes later:
Lola: They’d like to meet up later today around 5 at IHOP if that works for us.
Me: That should be fine. Let them know it works.
Lola: Okay, Dokey, give me a moment.
Another minute passes.
Lola: They said okay great — see them there.
Me: Perfect. I’ll pick you up.
Lola: See you soon, love.
Me: See you soon.
It’s 3 p.m., so I head upstairs to freshen up.
A few hours later, the four of us are at IHOP, eating and talking. I look at Jacob.
“Hey man, how has everything been with you — both of you?”
Jacob shrugs with a tired smile. “Things have been going smoothly but chaotic with school and work. I’m sure you can relate.”
We both laugh. “I know the feeling. What about you, Angela?”
Angela smiles. “Everything’s been going good between me and him. And for me… college has been kicking my butt, but I’m hanging in there.”
“What are you majoring in?” I ask.
“Nursing.”
Lola and I looked at each other, surprised.
“Oh, that’s great!” Lola says. “How’s the nursing program so far?”
“The teacher running the program has been amazing,” Angela says. “She’s really supportive and helpful.”
“That’s good to hear,” Lola says.
They keep talking while Jacob and I continue our own conversation.
The double date goes great. It’s nice to catch up with them. I notice Jacob seems more relaxed, less shy than usual. It’s good to see — he’s an outgoing guy once he warms up, even if he’s quiet at first.
On the drive back to Lola’s house, I ask, “Did you have a good time? Must’ve been nice to see Angela again after a while.”
“I did,” she says. “And yeah, it was nice seeing her — and both of them. I haven’t seen her since our summer trip.”
“It’s been a minute for sure.”
I pull up to her house and parked.
“Goodnight, darling,” I say. “I’ll see you on Christmas Day.”
“Oh! I forgot to mention — my dad said he’d like to go over to your house on Christmas Day.”
I grin. “Oh great! I’ll let my parents know. They were waiting for an answer.”
“Don’t worry,” she says with a smile. “Me and my dad are coming.”
She leans in, kisses me, and whispers, “Goodnight, my Prince Charming. See you on Christmas.”
She steps out of the car, waves, and heads inside. I wave back before driving off into the night.