The worker is about to walk away, but I stop him. “Hi. Thank you so much. This is for you.” I hand him the wad of cash that I had in my purse from Nic.
He gave me some yesterday in case I needed it to buy anything for tonight’s event or at the event. I didn’t spend a dime on myself, which means this kid just got well over a grand as a tip.
His eyes immediately widen as he takes the cash into his hand. “Oh, please, I can’t accept all of this.”
I put my hand in front of him. “Just take it, and next time some asshole tries to take the keys from your hand without a thank-you, drop them on the ground, tell them to have a good night, and walk away. They are so not worth your time.”
He looks confused. “Isn’t that Nic Claus, and aren’t you Mrs. Claus, meaning that jerk is your husband?”
I look him straight in the eye and say, “I meant what I said. Have a good night.”
With that, I leave the boy, whose name I never got, with a piece of advice I need to take myself. When I slide into the car, Nic’s energy is already negative.
“Did you at least get his number with all that talking?” Nic quips.
I glare at him. “Someone had to be a decent person and tip him.”
Nic drives away, and I can’t help but smile at what I did. “You know they get paid hourly, right? You don’t need to tip everyone in every fucking industry. It’s ridiculous.”
This night has already been long enough without his verbal abuse of the service industry. “I gave him a tip that he will probably remember forever.”
His fists tighten on the wheel. “How much did you give him?”
I shrug my shoulders. “I don’t know. I just gave him the cash you had given me.”
His knuckles are pure white, and his voice is louder than before. “Kat! That was two thousand dollars!”
I slouch in my seat proudly. “Oh, shut up. That is like pennies to you, Nic. It’s Christmas. Be a littlejolly.”
He doesn’t say anything back. And he ends up remaining quiet the entire ride home—a Christmas gift in and of itself.
I notice our neighbor pulling into her driveway when we turn into our cul-de-sac. I wonder what she was up to this late. Maybe out on an adventure of a lifetime. Definitely having a better night than I did.
When we park, I throw the door open, excited to feel the chilly air hit my skin. Nic storms off into the house, and I decide to enjoy a moment out here by myself.
The snow is still falling slowly in fluffy, giant flakes. I look up into the sky, and it’s like I’m transported into a Hallmark movie. I’ve never seen snow this perfect in my life.
Closing my eyes, I take a deep breath and feel a sense of calm that I usually only feel with the stroke of a brush. When I open my eyes, I have an urge to glance once more at my neighbor’s house before I walk inside.
When I turn to look her way, I catch my breath. Because she is already looking at me. She is absolutely beautiful right now. Her long blonde hair is in waves over her shoulders with one side pinned back. I would describe her outfit, but I can’t look away from her mesmerizing stare.
She smiles at me and politely waves. Both of which I return. I’m seconds away from walking over and introducing myself, realizing just now that we have been neighbors for about three months and I’ve never met her, but my front door opens before I get a chance to take the first step.
“Kat, my parents are on the phone. Hurry up.” Nic’s tone seems to be colder than the weather.
I offer another kind smile and walk up the steps and inside our house. I sigh, “Why are they FaceTiming so late?”
“Hello to you too, Kat,” his mom says.
Freezing, I glare at Nic. I mouth the word,Thanks.
He shrugs and turns, walking into our living room. “We are so excited too.”
I halt in the entryway to our living room.
I’m sorry, what exactly are we excited for?
“Nic, if she’s not working, she should be taking care of all of the household duties that a good woman should. Clearly, that is not happening from what I can see behind you. You work so hard, sweetie, for the both of you. That seems to be the least she can do to contribute. Do you want me to chat with her when you guys get here?” his mother says with the most judgmental tone.
