Hot Holidays

CHAPTER 42: Ellie

CHAPTER 42: Ellie

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Ellie was not turning around. She was done with Adrian and his jokes. She raised her hand over her shoulder and waved. “Thanks again. Bye.” She walked faster, hurrying up the stairs and praying he’d take the hint and leave. She reached for the door, but it opened before she could grab the handle.

“Ellie. You finally made it.” Her brother Robbie stood in the doorway a bag of trash in his hand.

“Merry Christmas to you too.” She gave him a half-hug, avoiding the garbage. He’d filled out so much since the last time she’d seen him. He looked like a man now, no longer a gangly boy. “You look great.”

“Thanks. Been working out and...” He glanced over her shoulder, his face bunching up. “Who’s that?”

“No one. A friend.” She started to push past him.

“I think he wants to talk to you.”

“Too bad. We’ve talked enough for the day.”

“He’s heading this way.”

“He wouldn’t.” She spun around. He would. He was. She was going to kill him.

“Robbie why are you standing in the doorway. Take out the trash,” yelled her mother from inside the house.

She turned toward her brother, pulling him onto the porch and shutting the door behind him. “Do not say anything to her about this.” She started down the stairs to stop Adrian before he could get any closer. She needed to get him out of there before her mother saw him.

“Mom,” yelled Robbie, holding the door partially open. “Ellie’s here and she brought her new boyfriend.”

Adrian stopped in the middle of the sidewalk, his eyes widening with surprise.

Robbie walked past her, giving her a superior look before turning to Adrian. “Sorry, dude. Couldn’t let the opportunity pass.”

“I have six sisters. I completely understand.” He slid something into his back pocket and the two shook hands, grinning like long lost pals.

“Sisters aren’t the problem. Try having a brother,” muttered Ellie.

“Brothers are a girl’s blessing,” said Adrian.

Robbie barked a laugh, but it died at the serious expression on Adrian’s face.

“Pl...eese. All men are a girl’s worst nightmare, especially brothers,” she said.

“Hey,” said Robbie. “I’m standing right here.”

“And you betrayed me.”

“Ellie?” Mom said from the doorway.

Ellie flinched. There was no escaping now. She turned around and hurried back toward the house. “Mom. Merry Christmas.”

Her mother met her halfway, pulling her into a warm hug. Ellie sighed, clinging to her mother. Mom gave the best hugs. They were warm and strong and filled with love.

“Ellie.” Mom kissed her cheek. “I’m sorry to hear about you and Marc but we can talk about that later.” She let go and smiled, warm and welcoming. “First, introduce me to your new friend.”