Body:Show him our new boobs!
Brain:Give me three good reasons to open that door.
Uterus:I have two.
Tristan stands on my porch wearing a festive beanie with a pom-pom, his hands shoved in the pockets of a puffy coat that makes him look like a sexy marshmallow. He’s also bouncing slightly on his heels like he’s either nervous or has to pee.
“You’re early. Again.”
“You know what they say. If you’re on time, you’re already late.”
“No one says that.”
He brushes off my reprimand. “Come outside.”
I blink. “Why?”
“I have a surprise. You’ll like it.”
“Tristan, it’s cold—”
He reaches past me to take my coat from the hook. “C’mon. Five minutes, tops.”
I let Tristan drape the coat over my shoulders as I slip my arms in. I wiggle my shoulders into place while looking up at him. His eyes are on my chest for a fraction of a second before he turns around and looks up at the sky. The air is crisp and glittering with frost.
Tristan moves aside, and then I see it.
A black SUV is parked in the spot behind my Honda, the winter sun glinting off its glossy hood. Sitting on top is an enormous blue bow.
“No,” I say, backing up like it might lunge at me. “Nope. No. I told you I’m not taking a new car from you.”
Tristan lifts both hands. “It’s not new!”
“Oh my god, yes it is.” I turn to him and am surprised to find that although his vibe is jovial and his voice is playful, there’s an uncertainty in his expression. A strain registered by him biting into his inside cheek like he’s bracing himself for bad news.
“Tristan, you cannot give me a vehicle for Christmas.” My tone is gentler but no less clear.
“Why not?”
“My car is safe. It does not need to be replaced. If it needs another repair, I promise to go to the dealership to see if I can get a trade-in or something.”
“Think of this as a trade-in right now.”
“Your SUV is too much, Tristan.”
“Are you kidding me? It isn’t too much, Ligaya. Nothing is too much if it means you’re safe and comfortable. Besides, it’s old.”
“Bullshit. When did you buy it?”
“When I moved back to Ohio.”
“That was a few months ago. Itisnew.”
“That’s debatable. The second it’s off the lot, it isn’t new.”
I cross my arms. “This is not a normal Christmas present.”
“You’re right. It’sbetterthan normal. This thing has heated seats, four-wheel drive, backup camera, more than enough room for two car seats. Your Honda is so rusty you could get a tetanus infection.”
