A Woman Lost Box Series: Books 6-8 by T.B. Markinson

Author:T.B. Markinson [Markinson, T.B.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Goodreads: 58035015
Publisher: Independently published
Published: 2021-05-17T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Fifteen

“Lizzie!” Casey ran to me, stopping before she took out the tree.

“What’s up, dude?”

Ethan scrunched his face. “Dude?”

“Just roll with it.” I turned back to Casey. “Do you want some lime sherbet?”

“You’re giving me wine. Ian, come here!”

He did.

“You’re fast.” I chuckled. “But I’m afraid it was all for nothing. I’m not giving anyone wine sherbet. Lime.” I spelled it out and then laughed again.

Both agreed to the sherbet sans the wine, and I ruffled the top of Ian’s head. “Did anyone post that to Facebook?” I glanced around, but only Ethan was paying any attention to me.

“You seem really relaxed. What’s wrong?” Ethan asked.

“I’m enjoying the day. It’s a holiday. We’re having a party.” I waved my arms in the air. “Listen up, partygoers. This is a party. Wipe off your worried expressions. Eat the yummy food. Fill up on eggnog. Gorge on frosted sugar cookies. And let’s sing Christmas carols. Troy, my man, I’m counting on you to lead us.” I pointed at Rose’s husband.

Everyone stared at me.

“If you don’t start enjoying the day, I’m taking your gifts away!” I said in a tone that I hoped was teasing.

“Did you get hit in the head?” Helen asked.

“In a way, yes. I’ve just come to the decision that I’m not going to let outside forces determine whether or not I can be happy. I’m almost forty. Who gives a f-fig if the world thinks my children worship Satan? Or that I pay women for sex? Or that I helped Peter murder Tie, because I know some think that? The likes of Keri and her ilk don’t have power over me.” I whirled around to Troy. “Seriously, man, let’s start singing.”

He looked to Rose, who gave him an encouraging nod and said, “I’m in agreement with Lizzie. Let’s enjoy the day, right kiddos?”

The kids, Casey and Ian included, clapped their hands, both with light-green foam on their upper lips.

Troy started singing “Santa Claus is Coming to Town.”

Sarah rested her head on my shoulder. “Eggnog seems to agree with you.”

“For the moment. I’m thinking tomorrow will be an entirely different matter.” I laughed.

“We can’t wreck Christmas morning. For the kids’ sake.” She handed me her cup. “Try the kiddie punch. It’s not bad.”

“I love you. And, I would love you boatloads more if you get me some grappa. I promise to drink two Nalgene bottles before bed.”

Sarah’s sigh conveyed she wasn’t thrilled to contribute to my drinking, but wasn’t willing to argue. She kissed my cheek before heading to the library.

JJ approached. “Bravo, Lizzie.”

“For getting drunk? I would have thought you’d be against that. Since you’re an alcoholic.”

“I wasn’t applauding your drinking. I’m pleased you didn’t feed the troll.”

“She is a devil.” I smiled at Ollie.

JJ shook her head, chuckling. “Sometimes, I really can’t tell if you’re being serious or not.”

I rubbed my left eye with the heel of my hand. “Me neither these days. I’m just making it up as I go now. Maybe that’s the key to happiness. Believing in what Disney movies teach us.

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