Pete’s parents surprised me with gifts—an attractive navy blue sweater plus a book about modern art. It left me embarrassed I’d only brought them a tin of assorted homemade goodies. Janie gave me a scented bath and lotion kit, and my present to her included coloring books and a giant box of Crayons.
Pete took me outside to a private corner of the deck for our gift exchange. I gave him a bottle of the popular Jovan Musk cologne, a green athletic-type shirt that would complement his eyes and a framed photo of us.
I leaned close and whispered, “And as discussed, I’m also here for your sexual amusement.”
“My dirty mind is filled with plenty of thoughts about that since you showed up in that sexy red dress, believe me.” He smiled mischievously and pulled a small box from his shirt pocket. “Merry Christmas, Anna.”
I unwrapped the gift, finding a small blue velvet case. My eyes widened. I gazed at Pete, but he gave nothing away. I took a breath and released it slowly. I flipped up the top of the case. Inside was a 24-karat gold necklace with two interlocking hearts containing a small diamond. I’d only been kidding about diamonds for Christmas, but I wasn’t sorry he’d taken it to heart. I threw my arms around him, touched by his romantic gift.
Pete circled my neck with the delicate chain and closed the clasp. I loved the weight of it against my skin. I turned to face him and under the moonlight, we shared a meaningful kiss.
I spent Christmas Day at home with my family. My mom’s parents drove up from San Diego. I was especially fond of them, especially my grandmother with her old-fashioned expressions and sardonic wit, and grateful they joined us for the holiday.
The Trapanis threw a spectacular Christmas, and this year was no exception. I raked in a bonanza of gifts, including a new pair of skis and a Kodak Pocket Instamatic camera, both of which I really wanted. Hands down, my favorite present was still my hearts and diamond necklace. I planned to never take it off.
A bounty of food flowed throughout the day from our holiday breakfast to the midday appetizers and snacks to our traditional dinner of standing rib roast, mashed potatoes and gravy plus an assortment of vegetables simmered in their own sauces. My mother outdid herself by creating a Buche de Noel, a scrumptious chocolate cake rolled into a log shape with real meringue mushrooms. The red wine flowed, too, even into my glass.
I enjoyed the day, especially my brother. Now that we didn’t see each other often, we actually liked hanging out.
§§
Mary threw a party on New Year’s Eve after her parents took a trip north to deal with a family crisis. I arranged to spend the night, which meant I could stay up late and do whatever I wanted. That turned out to be drinking booze as if it were Dr. Pepper.
Buzzed from several Screwdrivers, I faltered on my way out of the bathroom, catching myself against the wall. I made it back to the kitchen, where a rowdy game of quarters was in progress. In a heated battle between the sexes, both teams cheered and shouted as players attempted to bounce their coins into the center glass. The girl’s team scored on its turn, making the boy’s team chug their drinks. The boys answered quickly. Between the taunting and guzzling contests, they more than entertained us spectators.
Pete tugged my hand and led me, stumbling, downstairs into a guest bedroom. He wanted sex, but I wasn’t in the mood, more interested in going back upstairs where the laughter filtered through the ceiling. He begged, doing the full puppy eyes routine. I didn’t relent. He turned pushy, almost angry.
I gave in, letting him get his rocks off. I merely went through the motions. He finished, and I told him I’d meet him upstairs, excusing myself to use the bathroom.
I locked the door and a well of emotion hit me. The isolation I’d lugged around since my experience with Alec flooded over me like a tidal wave. Why did I have sex when I didn’t want to? Why did I let boys use me? Was Pete using me? What was happening to me? “Who are you?” I asked my mirrored reflection. I let the tears gush with big heaving sobs.
The weeping ebbed until the last few hiccupping whimpers escaped my throat. I took a deep breath, straightened up and pushed my sadness back into the recesses from which it came. I rejoined the party, putting on a fake happy face.
When the last person left at two in the morning, Mary and I cleaned up the littered beer bottles and overflowing ashtrays, filling four jumbo-sized trash bags. Our friends were such slobs. We changed into our sleepwear, put our feet up and each lit a cigarette, something I did rarely and only when Pete wasn’t around.
A knock at the front door startled us. Mary opened it to find Reese and Jake. Her elation at seeing Jake return was obvious.
What are you guys doing here?” I asked.
Reese held up two six-packs. “We’re here to party!”
Uneasiness twinged in my gut. “It’s hella late.”
“Come on. Don’t be a lightweight!” Reese set one six-pack on the table and handed Jake the other. Mary shot me a grateful glance as she and Jake headed downstairs to her bedroom, which only increased my unease.
“Where’s Jaime?” I crossed my arms in front of my chest, painfully aware I wore only my nightclothes in front of a known playboy while my boyfriend slept in his own bed half an hour away.
