A few days later, David surprised her when he said, “I can’t stop thinking about our trip, and want to find out more about job opportunities in Baltimore. If you think about it, either place would be a perfect fit. I’d still be surrounded by music, but I’d also be able to pass on my knowledge to the next generation, or help people who are ill.”
“What a wonderful idea. But—won’t you miss being onstage?”
He replied, “I admit it’s a strange thought, since I’ve been doing it for so many years. But I’m also ready to try something different and new.”
Stella inspected the table and made small adjustments here and there. She wanted everything to be perfect.
She went to the kitchen and made herself a cup of coffee. Then she sat down in front of the tree. Lighting up the tree at the twilight hour, when the daylight waned and nighttime tiptoed in, was one of her favorite things to do.
Nobody was at home. The house was quiet. She listened to Pentatonix Christmas songs and was happy. There was so much to be grateful for.
Frank leaned back in his chair. “Delicious. Thank you for inviting me, guys.”
“Stella is turning into a sweet little housewife. But I agree, the beef filet was yummy. I might have to ask you for the recipe,” Naomi said.
“I’d be happy to give it to you, but since when do you cook?”
“I don’t, silly, but my mom does,” Naomi said and reached for the plates to start the clean-up. When Frank offered his help, she gave him a quick peck on his cheek and said, “You stay right where you are and hang out with the guys. You can do plenty of cleaning up when we’re in Colorado for New Year’s.”
Jo said, “You know, Nam, you might want to start thinking about cooking. One day, when you have your own family, they’ll probably want to eat every now and then. And not just frozen microwave dinners.”
“I don’t eat microwave food. Mom cooks every day.”
“Did you hear what you just said?” Jo grinned.
“Is anybody in the mood for a nice glass of whiskey?” Rev called as he headed to the bar.
While he poured the drinks, he asked, “Jo, what did you say about Nugget having a family? Did I miss something?”
“Not to my knowledge. But some of us are hearing the tick-tock louder than others.”
Revan cupped his hand around his ear, “Nope, I don’t hear anything.”
“Well, it doesn’t concern you anyway, Shutterbug, so drop it,” Naomi called from the kitchen. “But who’s ready to open gifts? I love, love, love gifts!”
Stella chuckled. “Really? Nobody knew!”
Naomi rubbed her hands and almost danced over to the tree, eyeing the spread-out presents. “Do we all open our gifts at the same time, or do we go around and open them one at a time? Who votes for at the same time?” Only her own hand went up. “You guys are mean. Okay, but can I go first?”
“Yes, please,” six voices called out, and they all sat down between the fireplace and the Christmas tree.
They had long ago agreed to only buy small but meaningful gifts for each other, nothing expensive or extravagant, and it took a while for everyone to exchange and open them all.
“You know, Nugget, had I known about your budding domestic ambitions, I would’ve gotten you a cookbook. Something like How to Cook a Rainbow for Hungry Little Mouths,” Revan said later, and raised his eyebrows.
“How very considerate of you, but you won’t find me in the kitchen anytime soon. I’m very lucky because Frank likes to cook and doesn’t mind the cleaning up, either,” she smiled at Frank and snuggled closer to him. “You’re the perfect man for me.”
“We’ll pick up right there later, baby doll,” Frank said, and kissed her.
Stella was surprised to see Revan giving Frank a look resembling the dark clouds from this afternoon. But Frank seemed oblivious to the storm brewing over his head. She couldn’t quite put her finger on it, but if she didn’t know better, she’d say Revan was jealous. Which didn’t make any sense.
David cleared his throat and said, “There’s one more thing I want to do.”
All three women exchanged looks and said a well-choreographed, “Ooh.”
Revan mumbled, “Are we in a Hallmark movie?” Which earned him a slap over his head from Naomi and a snarky, “Stop being such a Grinch. Where’s your holiday cheer?”
“Sorry, my love, but you’re kind of sitting on it,” David reached behind Stella and pulled something out from behind the sofa cushions.
“Neat hiding spot, man,” Luca said.
“Well, here goes…” David held up two envelopes. “Two envelopes, but you only get one. Which one do you choose? Left hand or right hand?”
“Hmm… what’s in the envelopes?” She eyed them, but both were plain as far as she could see.
“Pick one and find out. Only one, though.”
She glared at Naomi. “Did you have something to do with this?”
“I didn’t do a thing!”
Stella looked at everybody else now. It didn’t seem as if any of the others knew what this was about. “Okay, the envelope in your left hand.”
David handed it to her. She lifted the flap and peeked inside.
“Two tickets for a performance of Don Giovanni? Nice!”
“Yes. But look at the date.”
“March 29, 2019.”
“I was hoping you’d be there when I take my final bow, when the curtain closes in front of me for the very last time.” David swallowed a few times. “Flights are included, of course. Naomi has my credit card details for two plane tickets.”
“You said you had nothing to do with this. Liar!” Stella leaned over and gave her a friendly shove.
“Well,” Naomi held up two crossed fingers. “I didn’t know about the theater tickets. David only came to the office today about the flights. He said he’d explain the rest later.”
David pulled Stella close and said, “And it means we’ll get to spend a few days in Paris again. You were curious about
