A Holiday Short Story
I sat at my desk counting down the last hour until quitting time. The stack of work my manager gave me that morning disappeared 20 minutes ago. If I asked for more work now, I would be late going home. So, I pretended to look busy instead.
Then she walked by, Casey Rodgers. She was beautiful, kind, and way out of my league. I looked away trying not to stare. Still, I looked over the top of my monitor as she made copies across from my cubicle. She was short, maybe 5’1” and curvy. Her long brown hair was always in a retro 50’s style. Casey’s makeup matched the period, and I wanted to kiss those red lips. She wore a cute black skirt and black and white striped shirt today although her heels were bright red. She passed my desk again, and I ducked low.
“Hello, Aaron,” Casey said as she walked by. I felt my face heat.
As soon as the clock ticked over to five, I was out the door. I still couldn’t believe Casey caught me staring, again. My life would be so much easier if I would just talk to her. I couldn’t though, I was hopeless when it came to women. I shook my head as I stepped out onto the street. I didn’t need the humiliation speaking to another woman would bring. After Saleena embarrassed me in public, I was through.
****
I saw him watching me again today. Aaron Sullivan was the nicest man I’d ever met. I couldn’t count how many times he helped someone at work with a bill, ran an errand, or carried something. Whatever they needed he did. Aaron never expected anything. He never accepted anything either. Half of the time he wouldn’t let people pay him back the money they borrowed.
I tried to talk to him several times, but he always got embarrassed like today. Aaron rushed out at 5 ignoring anyone who tried to talk to him. Casey enjoyed the view of his behind as she slipped on her coat. He was a decent looking guy. Aaron was near six foot tall which meant he towered over her. He had dark brown hair and blue eyes. He liked to keep a scruffy little beard, but I liked it better when he shaved it off. Aaron was on the heavier side, and I liked that in a man.
I stepped onto the street breathing in the crisp, clean smell of approaching snow. Christmas wreaths hung from the street lights, and twinkle lights decorated the shops on Main Street. I passed a Santa ringing a bell on the street reminding me there were only ten working days until Christmas. I passed a shop window and saw something that reminded me of Aaron. It gave me an idea. I went in.
I left Aaron’s present on his desk the next morning before he got to work. Then I went back to mine and waited. Aaron came in ten minutes later. He was dressed in brown slacks and a blue button up today. His hair was a little disheveled, and I wanted to run my fingers through it. Aaron took off his coat and sat at his desk. He looked around the office when he saw the present. I took my papers and went to the copy machine. “Good morning Aaron,” I said as I passed.
****
I walked into the office 5 minutes past 8 like I always did. I took off my coat and sat down. There was a small package wrapped in Christmas paper sitting on my desk. I stared at in disbelief for a moment I hadn’t received a Christmas present since my mom died three years ago. I picked it up. The tag said from H.S. No one in the office had those initials. I looked around as I tore into the paper. Casey walked by, and I stopped. For some reason I was self-conscious. She said good morning as she went to the copier. As usual, I couldn’t respond. She had a soft white sweater and full red skirt on today. I looked away focusing on my present. It was a book by my favorite author. Who knew that about me?
A new gift appeared on my desk every morning for the next 9 work days. I still had no clue who H.S. was. Whoever this mysterious person was they certainly knew what I liked. I was beginning to think I had a stalker.
On the tenth day, there was a red envelope waiting instead. I opened it and was surprised to see a letter on Christmas stationery. It read:
Aaron,
If you would like to find out who H.S. is meet me at the corner of 5th and Main at 3 pm on
Christmas Eve.
That was tomorrow, and I was dying to know who it was. I would be there. Casey walked by and said good morning. I was sure my face was red.
I made it to 5th and Main five minutes early. It was cold out and beginning to snow. I forgot my gloves and had to blow on my hands to keep them warm. Finally, I shoved them under my armpits. I looked down each street wondering who would show up. It was prime shopping season though making it hard to see anyone.
The crowd parted, and I saw her. Casey walked towards me in a red coat, hat, skirt, and heels, She smiled making the cold, snowy day feel like summer. She held out a pair of thick gloves. “Merry Christmas Aaron,”
I swallowed, “I don’t have anything for you,” I said stupidly.
“Sure you do,” Casey grabbed the lapel of my coat and kissed me. I was stunned.
She let me go, and all I could say was “Wow,” she laughed slightly. “Do you have plans for tomorrow?”
“I’m making you dinner after I see my family,” She took the gloves and put them on for me. Then she took my hand, and we walked down Main street looking at the shops.
I proposed on the same spot exactly one year later, and we’ve been married for 45 years now.
“Tell it again grandpa!” Sarah squealed. “I love hearing how you and grandma fell in love.” My oldest granddaughter begged.
“Please grandma?” Jenny the younger begged Casey.
“It’s time for bed. Santa won’t come if you don’t go to sleep.” Casey took them to bed.
“Dad what did H.S. stand for?” James, my oldest son, asked as set out milk and cookies.
I laughed a little, “Don’t tell your mother, she said it was for Hot Santa. But she tells everyone Happy Santa.” James shook his head. I got up to help Casey put the girls to sleep. Tomorrow was our anniversary, and I didn’t want to miss one minute of her company.
R. Tran Books 