“Good morning, ladies,” Chad said. “Merissa, didn’t see you at the gym earlier?”
“Guess I skipped it. Amy and I promised each other we’d hang out and make some memories today.”
“And I argue, why can’t that include us,” Skip said.
“Mind your own business and let the girls do what they want. You already have the entire month of weekends planned to spend with your new love interest,” said Chad.
Merissa sensed a jealousy tone in his response.
“That’s cause I know how to plan, unlike you,” said Skip.
Chad peered in Merissa’s direction, while continuing to address his friend’s remark. “Plans are my biggest challenge in life – as you well know, Skip. My apartment is a drop-off place. I’m already booked to leave Tuesday for China.”
Merissa wondered if his sudden stepping back from her could be as simple as that. He did not have time for a long-term romance. She’d have to watch for an opportunity to clarify that announcement regarding any future they might have.
“Please, sit, both of you,” Merissa said. “And Skip, you are more than welcome to hang out with us today.” She glanced at Chad. “A foursome, is okay, too.” Chad scowled, and a chill ran through her. What was going through his mind?
“Have you signed up for the parade?” asked Amy. “We are angels – sent to proclaim the birth of Christ.”
“Perfect choice,” said Skip. “And yes, we’ve signed up. We will walk the halls as magi bearing gifts.”
“That’s what the twelfth day of Christmas signifies. The giving of gifts and the end of the celebration,” said Chad as if he needed to explain his choice. What bothered Merissa most was the way he emphasized the end of the celebration.
“I wish this vacation could go on forever,” said Amy. “I for one do not want to face work Monday morning.”
Merissa sipped on her coffee and directed her question to Chad. “You were so skilled at the crafts event making decorations for the tree. Will you join Skip and make a banner to carry in the parade?”
“My hands will be full of gold to give to the King.” Chad’s answer was curt.
“What would our banner say?” asked Skip.
“Perhaps, Christmas is a time for giving or I give because he first gave to me,” said Merissa.
Amy chuckled and jabbed her friend. “Merissa thinks of everything in terms of an advertising slogan.”
Merissa leveled her gaze on Chad. “I just thought since you were so artistic, banners would be a nice challenge. But, suit yourself.”
Chad straightened in his seat. “And you’re right. I love to create, so, yes, I will be present at the banner making event.” He popped a chunk of sausage into his mouth. When their waiter looked at him with an upraised brow, Chad continued. “You’re right, Sache. I eat in formal settings most of the time, so this being the last day aboard, I shall cut loose – if that’s all right with you.”
“No problem, sir. Our only aim is that you have a good time.”
Chad picked up his long-stemmed glass of orange juice. “And a good time we have had in this room under your care. Thank you both.”
They all lifted their glasses and joined in the toast. “Cheers.”
The four of them crowded into the banner event. Both adults and children had caught the sprit of Christmas this week and showed up in droves to create a banner worthy to proclaim the Good News. Merissa, Amy, Chad, and Skip found a vacant table with a box of supplies standing ready to use. They each took markers, glitters, and some cheater tracing shapes, then eagerly bent over their banners – which consisted of heavy rolled paper with dowels on each side for handles to make carrying easy during the parade.
Merissa’s marketing brain kicked into gear and soon her idea took shape. She was to be an angel so she needed to carry a Halleluiah message – tidings of great joy would be overused. Finally, it came to her. A personal message of great joy would give thanks and proclaim the truth at the same time. She had a lot of good news to pick from this week. Joy and gladness are here to stay – Christ is born on Christmas day. Perfect! Merissa’s writing held an elegant flair she was comfortable using in her promotions. The sky was clear that special night Mary gave birth, so she speckled the top midnight-blue of the poster with glitters of gold stars and hung the bottom of a huge full moon full across the top, filtering beams of light through it over the entire banner of words. She stood back and smiled. For a quick job, she felt satisfied.
Chad was having a hard time concentrating. He shouldn’t have come to this event. It was this whole creative bit that caused his heart such havoc? Sketching all those pictures of Merissa had burst open wide the dreams he’d locked shut years ago. There was no future in the arts, he’d proven that, and for the first time in a long time, he hated thoughts of returning to work on Tuesday. Merissa moved in beside him.
“What, no picture yet?” she asked.
“No, nothing.”
Merissa caught the anger in his voice. “You don’t have to do a banner. Carrying a gold box is fine.”
“Yes, I think it is.” Chad dropped his marker. “Excuse me.”
It surprised Merissa to see him walk out the door and head straight for the elevator. A photographer arrived and gathered the group of three together for a shot. Merissa held her banner out front and smiled for the camera.
When he moved on, Merissa said, “I’m finished you two. Do you mind if I run and check on Chad? He left in a huff.”
“He’s been huffing all morning,” said Skip. “Talk about a messed up
