Holiday Home

**It's hard to remember the last time I was joyous for the holidays.  I think the rebel in me is anti anything that is forced upon me like 'good cheer' and 'goodwill towards man'.  Instead of wallowing in my grumpiness, I've decided to write a holiday story to work through the coldness in my heart.  I realized this whilst watching a Disney Christmas movie featuring Ludacris.  I was like a vampire stepping into the sun...hissing, and hiding my face at all the cute shit. Perhaps writing a cute (enough)story will lure me out of my darkness and into a little less darkness.  Here's my attempt at good cheer and goodwill towards man...Holiday Home.**

1- His Tree Is Huge

    Josephine adjusts her weekend duffle bag on her shoulder as she finds the key to the front door. She uses a foot to hold it as she grabs a Trader Joes shopping bag off the ground beside her.  Closing the door gently behind her she enjoys the warmth of being back in her mother's home.  The scent of 'fabuloso' (the cleaning product her mom used) and the woodsy Diptique candle Josephine had gotten her for her birthday lingered in the air.  Though her mom had been away for a few days already, the house still smelled 'fresh' like she just left yesterday.  Ever since her dad passed away suddenly two Christmases ago, she and mom don't make a big deal about the holiday.  This doesn't stop Josephine from feeling so lonely and sad she can barely see straight.

While sitting in her Sunset Park apartment listening to neighbors fight over who made the best mashed potatoes, Josephine decided to drive to her moms empty New Jersey home for some peace, quiet and a comfortable place to be sad. With her mom being on a girls trip in Turks & Caicos until the day after Christmas, she had time to muster up some spirit and maybe stop wondering why Max hadn't asked her out on a second date.  

Picture it: New York City about seven days ago.  We see Josephine, her curls which are usually held up with a scrunchy, are down and bouncing off her shoulders as she laughs with a handsome ethnically ambiguous fellow named Max Jones.  Max wasn't that funny but ever since he walked into her favorite cafe with a Pogues t-shirt on...she was obsessed.  After a few cafè run ins he asked her out.  Which led to the scene seven days ago.  Josephine feeling like this was the beginning of a NYC love story...two strangers who met in a cafè, and then share a meal at a cozy Italian bistro...and then a kiss by Prospect Park...and then not a call, text, carrier pigeon or smoke signal since. She was two minutes from just spending all her free time at the Sterling Cafè waiting for Max to come in.  She realized that would be crazy and decided to head to her moms house instead. She also blames her intense feelings around the holidays for that extra sprinkle of crazy.

Deep in thought and focused on bringing her snacks from Trader Joes into the kitchen, something made her stop and walk backwards to the living room.  The fireplace was lit and there was a large decorated Christmas tree.  She almost got the 'fuck' part out of the statement 'What the fuck?' when a large tattooed man entered the living room from her moms study.  Large was an understatement.  This man was huge.  He had to be about six foot three or four.  His arms are about the size of Josephine's thighs- for some reason she didn't feel her 'fight or flight' come on.  Maybe it was his handsome face- he was scowling, but in a very handsome and scruffy faced way.  His dark eyes go from stormy to recognition.  Full lips form a smirk...

"Josephine...right?"  His voice was warm, deep but approachable.

"Who are you?"  Her voice actually squeaked.  Her cheeks get rosy with embarrassment.

"Stone.  Stone Jacobs.  I'm a friend of your moms."  His smile turns to horror when he sees Josephines face go from suspicion to...horror. "No, just a friend...we met at the Home Depot I manage.  She is letting me stay here in an Air B'n'B sorta way..."

Josephine closes her eyes briefly and shakes her head, "She never told me she let's people stay at our home."

"Her...home." He adds with that smirk again.  Stone couldn't help himself as Josephine looked better in person than photos Mrs. Garrett (her mom) showed him.  Especially when her cheeks were flushed and her eyes sparkled with questions. 

"So you're staying here...for how long and with whom?"  She was getting irritated at the thought of returning to Brooklyn. A thought popped into her head to text mom.

He nods towards her phone and says, "You can ask your mom and find out."  He then went back into the study because he hears his cell ringing.  

Josephine watches him as she types to her mom; she then hears the low rumble of his voice in the study.  He felt right at home didn't he...

Josephine:

Um, mom...why is Stone in your home?! How long will he be here?

Mom:

Baby! Oh Stone is great.  You're at the house? You should've told me you were coming....

Josephine:

I thought I could sneak up here while you're away and then just stay until you were back. Ugh, now I have to leave!

Mom:

I doubt Stone is making you leave.  He is a lovely young man ;) He will be there for a week. Let me know what you decide- it's my turn to shuffleboard.

Josephine sighs and carries her Trader Joes bag back towards the front door.  She decided to treat herself to a Lyft back to the city.  Stone clearing his throat shook her from her thoughts.

"You've made your decision?" He leans against a wall because his heart was beating so fast. He was trying to work himself up to doing the weirdest thing he's ever done.  A part of him wanted her to go because he liked her for some reason and he didn't want to like anyone like that.  On the other hand she could say no...and his feelings would be hurt because he did like her for some reason.  Maybe it was the stories her mom told him about her, she seemed quirky, funny and light.  Compared to the heavy, emotional almost marriage he just got out of- she intrigued him.

"I am ordering a car and going back to the city.  Enjoy your stay."  She didn't look at him, but he could tell she was perturbed. At least she was being fair.  Bratty, but fair.

"Just wait a minute...can I ask you something? This is going to be insane, but I need a favor...." He crosses his arms over his broad chest.  He seemed nervous which endeared him a little to Josephine.  She raises her eyebrows to let him know she is awaiting his request. He lets out a resounding sigh.  "I asked your mom to let me stay here because my family is flying in from Seattle and London and my apartment is not large enough to host."

Josephine begins tapping her foot, the longer this story was the later she got home. 

Stone rolls his eye, " I recently had a bad breakup and my parents have been hounding me to give my ex a second chance because they think I'll become even more anti-social...but if I show that I have moved on..." Josephine's laugh causes Stone to stop speaking.

"So you want me to pretend to be your new lady friend?" His intense stare causes her to straighten up. "You're serious..."

"We would be in a serious relationship...staying here in...your home." His smirk returns when Josephine blushes.

"So the only benefit is I get to stay?" Josephine can't help but smile when she sees Stone's chiseled cheeks turn pink. She had to admit she was pretty fascinated by this man.  He was...a hunk.  A brooding hunk who is into his family so much so he wants to pretend they are a couple so they think he is okay.  Josephine knew her cuteness would work for her someday, and she did feel comfortable using her high school acting skills pretending to be his woman because there wasn't a chance in anyones reality that he would be into her. Perhaps this would be therapeutic for her too, a fake relationship to get over...the real...ghosting that was happening to her.  Maybe keep away the sad holiday thoughts.  She sighs.

"I cook and clean.  I can also give you a gift card to use at any Home Depot." He winks.  "I know this is asking a lot, but I would be eternally grateful."  

"My moms seems to think you're good people and if you continue to look out for her-"

"I would do that regardless. Your mother is a great woman." He holds out a hand for them to shake on.  When Josephine places her small soft hand in his, they both let go quickly when they feel a small current of electricity pass between them.

"So how did we meet?"  Josephine asks.

2- Her Gifts Are Bountiful

    The next morning, Josephine was awakened by the amazing smell of food...ah, Stone appears to be a man of his word.  The couch her mother read books on had a pillow and blankets on it from where Stone slept.  She remembers watching him sleep after she finished her nighttime skin care routine.  His handsome face was peaceful, his breathing was slow and deep.  She was mesmerized by the rise and fall of his chest, as he began to stir, she tip toed over to the bed and mentally chastised herself for being creepy.

After showering and acting like she didn't go through four outfits before choosing an 'effortless' jeans and a sweatshirt, she goes downstairs to follow the wonderful smells of coffee and bacon.

"Smells good in here..." Josephine almost stumbles when Stone looks up from slicing bread, intense brown eyes lock with hers. How can he make just slicing bread seem like foreplay?

"The lady awakens..." He goes back to slicing bread.  This causes both his arm and pecs to do things that stir things below her belly.  

"Your parents should be here soon...I have time to get into character."  Josephine begins making an iced coffee.  Something to cool herself down with.

"Iced coffee? It is twenty-seven degrees out." He shakes his head and begins buttering the bread he sliced.  Josephine wished she was butter.

"Did you make pancakes?  I am in the mood for pancakes."  She stirs in creamer and begins looking on the stove. She would distract herself with food...stuffing herself since he couldn't...

"I made tomato and cheddar mini frittatas, bacon and toast.  No pancakes." He closes the oven door as if to add an exclamation to that sentence.

"I would be a better girlfriend with pancakes."  She sips her coffee.  Stone gives her an 'over it' look.

"Do your best with today's menu and tomorrow I'll make pancakes."  He crosses his arms and leans back on the counter.  "Do we need to go over anymore details..."

"It's best not to seem too rehearsed- I remember that from my high school drama teacher.  We should....ummm...well...we should seem like we've seen each other naked."  Though she was doing a great job imagining him naked.

"Don't be crude." He rolls his eyes.  The thought had run through his head when they were going over the details of their 'relationship'- what the first time would be like.  Would she take down her curls and climb him...

"Yes, use that feeling towards me but make it like you're into me."  She feels her hands shake as Stone puts his arms down at his sides and moves towards her.  His eyes on her pouty full mouth. Once she is at eye level with his well sculpted chest, he takes a long finger and lifts her chin so she can look into his eyes. Her lips part and her breathe quickens.

"I really want my parents know that I am okay and have moved on so that they won't worry about me."  He takes his nose and glides it against her cheek and cheekbone, and then whispers in her ear. "Do I seem into you?"  She nods slowly. "Good." He steps away from her and his grumpy 'mask' returns to his face.  He goes to take his toast out of the oven.

Josephine gulps her coffee when the doorbell rings.  They look at each other briefly before she heads to the front door.  She feels him behind her.  A smiling trio greets them...Stone's mom and dad...and a woman who appears to be about Stone's age with the same deep brown eyes.

Suddenly, Stone's tall mum (she insists Josephine calls her mum) pulls her in for a hug. His taller pop (again, he insists) joins in the hug, while Stone's sister Sila rolls her eyes and punches Stone on the shoulder.  Stone and his pop gather their luggage and they make their way in the house.

"This house is lovely." Stone's mum says as she takes Josephine by the arm and leads her towards the living room.

"It's my family home, it's pretty special."  His mum lets out a gasp when she sees the Christmas tree. "Oh Stone it's beautiful!"

"I chopped it down myself."  He smiles and places an arm around Josephine's shoulders just as his mum lets her arm go to move closer to the tree.  Josephine seemed to fit right perfectly next his body.  She tried not to look shocked as each family member turns from the tree to look at them.  Sila is the only one not smiling at them.

"You two are a smashing looking couple."  Stone's mum clasped her hands together.

Stone brushes his lips against Josephine's forehead and says, "Let's get you guys settled and eat."

As Stone takes his family up to their rooms, he feels his phone vibrate in his pocket.

Josephine:

You didn't mention your sister.

Stone:

I wasn't sure she was coming.

Josephine:

She hates me. You are all giants.

Stone:

She doesn't. You are short.

Later, Sila goes to sit in the living room to check her phone while the rest of the family and Josephine clean up the kitchen.

"Stone, you seem to have gotten better in the kitchen." His pop says.

"It's one of the many reasons I am with him."  Josephine winks at Stone who smirks.

"It's great that he took all those cooking classes with Raquel."  Sila says as she suddenly appeared in the kitchen doorway.  Stone's parents clear their throats, she smiles.

Mum and pop both give Josephine a 'pity' look. Stone blushes and if looks could kill...Sila would be no more.

Josephine walks over to Stone, stands on her tippy toes and gives him a peck on the cheek, "Well thank goodness for those cooking classes."  He looks down at her and smiles.  Josephine feels her heart thud and thinks 'oh noooooooooo this can't be happening. I cannot like him'.

    The next morning, while they ate pancakes, Stone's mum suggests going ice skating.  Josephine hated ice skating but was intrigued to see this family of giants on the ice.  She chooses a cozy yet sexy outfit, sexy because her sweater had a heart cut-out to reveal her décolletage...her cleavage. While upstairs putting on her snow boots, she feels her phone vibrate.

Stone:

Whatever you do, please don't change the sweater 😉

Josephine:

It will be covered in layers...🤷🏽‍♀️

Stone:

So I won't be able to see your heart?

Josephine:

Hilarious...

    Josephine sips her hot cocoa as she watches Stone and his family glide across the ice like figure skaters.  Giant, elegant, figure skaters.  She was so deep in thought she didn't notice that Stone was skating over to her.

"You've been a spectator long enough, time to participate."  He takes the hot cocoa from her gloved hands.  Josephine put on her ice skates and figured that would be enough.

"I don't want to." She reaches for the cocoa.  He holds it out of her reach and then gulps it down.  He then holds out his free hand. "Come on then.  You skate for a bit and I'll get you another cocoa."

Josephine takes his hand.  The cocoa is good.

"It's like skating without wheels...just one foot at a time."  Stone puts a large hand on Josephine's back. She tries to control her breathing, she had no reason to be nervous about falling but just him touching her and whispering reassuring things in her ear even though she sucks at ice skating. After a while though, she stayed upright mostly and was having fun with the family.

After skating for most of the day, they all have a cozy lunch at a nearby diner. The conversation flowed easily as did the laughter. Stone's mum loved telling embarrassing stories about him and made a comment about finally being able to do that.  Which got Josephine to assessing her fake girlfriend capabilities- she was excellent at it.  The family seemed to love her...except Sila.

As Josephine stepped out of the ladies room she almost bumps into Sila who was coming in. She places a hand on Josephine's shoulder.

"Hey...just wanted to say thanks, you seem to be a great rebound for my brother."  Her smile is snide and her eyes glisten with dislike.

"Thankfully I am dating your brother who thinks of me more than just a rebound."Josephine shrugs her shoulder out of Sila's hand and heads back towards the table where there is a hushed conversation taking place. Realizing she was reaching her limits with the faking it. "Hey, I'm going to head back to the house, you guys have a great rest of the day."

"Oh no sweetheart, we are going to walk through the Christmas Village..." Stone held up a hand to stop his mom, and stands next to Josephine.

"It's okay-let me drive you back." He says, Josephine thought the disappointment was a nice touch.

"I ordered a Lyft- I'll see you all back at the house."  She smiles, but notices the disappointment has reached Stone's eyes.

"I'll walk you out then..."

Once outside, "Is everything okay?"  Stone asks, his eyes searching Josephine's face.

"Just need some me time."  She avoids eye contact afraid he'd see she was lying because she was feeling herself falling for her fake boyfriend and she is jealous of his ex fiancee. "Looks like Hector will be here in two minutes."

Stone does that finger chin lift thing again and Josephine steps back. He drops his hand, "Thank you...my parents are so happy for us." He understood that this was a lot.

"Good." She smiles knowing there was only a few moments left before she   let a frustration tear fall from her eye, down her cheek and into the abyss causing Stone to ask too many questions.

"Text me when you're back at the house."  Stone didn't want her to leave-which was wild because she is practically a stranger.  He wasn't exactly a people person either and the way his ex curb stomped on his heart he wasn't a big fan of women.  Okay, Josephine wasn't a complete stranger...and he just liked being around her. He looked forward to laying on the couch in the bedroom staring at the ceiling while he listened to her hum as she did her nighttime skin cleansing routine. She then comes out and tries not to look at him on the couch. Then she gets into the bed and they just start talking about their random 'top 5's'.  He honestly has never slept better.

He crosses his arms as he watches her Lyft drive away.  He sighs.

3- Let's Make Merry Merry

    "What?!" Josephine's mom exclaims.  She takes the phone into the bedroom bathroom to ensure that no one can hear.

"This week, Stone and I are in a loving relationship."

"Juicy.  Jucier when you two actually are in a loving relationship."  Her mom is practically squealing.

"Jokes on you-never gonna happen."  Two knocks on the door. Josephine opens the door revealing Stone in a Santa hat.  That, with his usual resting bitch face, made Josephine laugh out loud.

"You are needed downstairs." He says.

"I thought you guys were opening gifts-"

"Hi Stone!" Josephine's mom yells into the phone causing her to hold it away from her ear.

"Hi, momma Garrett...ho, ho, ho."  Stone smiles.

"Okay, I am hanging up..." She hangs up because her moms squealing was going to give her a headache.  

"Why was she screaming like that?" Stone asks, a smile on his full lips.

Josephine nudges him out of her way to exit the bathroom. "Let's get downstairs...only few more days of being in this relationship."

"And then it's back to being a single man-eater?"  He smirks.  Josephine's phone rings and he watches her face go from smiles to shock. His height had its advantages, he sees the name: Max.

"Uh...I'll be right down...I have to take this."  Stone slowly leaves the room but lingers outside where Josephine can't see.  "Hey..."

Stone shakes his head and realizes this is 'loser activity' and goes downstairs.  As he sits next to his pop on the couch, he tries not to think about who Max is and why he felt a little jealous.

    A bit later Josephine makes her way downstairs still deep in thought about her conversation with Max.  He apologized and said something about life happening.  The strangest thing was she wasn't sure she cared anymore...because of her fake boyfriend.  The doorbell rings shaking her from her reverie.  Sila moves almost too quickly to get the door which makes Stone go and stand next to Josephine.  Sila was the only one who was giving him grief about his new 'relationship'.  Any sense of happiness made him weary when it came to her. 

"Raquel!"  Sila squeals.  Who knew she could make a joyful sound? Josephine looks up to check out Stone's reaction. He looks down at her.

"I'm sorry." He almost growls.

Sila takes Raquel by the hand and leads her towards the family.  Raquel is a tall, dark haired, gorgeous woman whose hazel eyes that never leave Stone.

"Stone...mum...pop." Raquel waves enthusiastically at Stone's parents, who much to Josephine's delight, seem less than enthusiastic about seeing her.

Josephine was quite certain the look Stone was giving Sila was slowly choking her.  She coughs as tries to slip by him.  He grabs her by the arm and leads her into the kitchen...leaving Josephine standing alone. A tanned, well manicured hand suddenly appears in Josephine's view.

"Raquel..." She eyes Josephine almost daring her to be rude.

As she takes her hand, "Josephine.  Pleasure."  She smiles and decides to go up to her moms room.  Retreat.  Josephine hated feeling so uncomfortable in her home...she wanted to leave but felt it would be crazy to leave these...strangers.  Strangers that now included her fake boyfriends ex-fiancee who is probably one of the most gorgeous people she has seen.

The door to the bedroom closes.  Stone steps in, "So you're hiding up here..."

"Yeah hiding in my own house- don't say it's my moms.  I'll punch you."  She crosses her arms and goes to sit on Stone's bed/couch. She feels her seat rise as he sits beside her. He holds out a large hand...after a few moments Josephine places her small hand in his.

"This is a nightmare-" He sighs.

"We were having fun..." Her hand tingles where his large thumb rubs.

"Who is Max?" He turns his head to look at her when he feels her hand tense.

"This guy that ghosted me after one date..."  Josephine wasn't going to lie about it, it didn't matter anyway.

"He called once he realized he was a fool." 

"I guess." Josephine is slowly blinking at Stone like a cat...and Stone wants to pet her.  He leans closer to her because he was a man of action and wanted to show her that Max was a mistake.  They hear Raquel's loud laughter. "So...your fiancee`-"

"Ex-fiancee`." Seeing Raquel didn't change these weird feelings he had towards Josephine. "We are all going out to dinner-please join us...I'll try to make it less awkward." One of the things he appreciated about Josephine was that it was always 'written all over her face'.  This also scared him because of the look on her face now.

"I'd rather not."  It was much easier playing the role of Stone's girlfriend when his amazingly gorgeous ex-fiancee` wasn't around.  She was just getting her esteem in check from the Max ghosting when she started feelings things for Stone...and now Max realized he was an idiot and Stone is looking at her like she is his real lady.  He hasn't let go of her hand.  He leans in closer and then his full lips lightly peck hers.  The kiss slowly gets deeper and her arms are wrapped around Stone while his are caressing her as he eases her back on the couch placing his large body over hers.

Two knocks at the door cause them both to pop up and look at each other sheepishly.  They both almost forgot there were others in the house, and that kiss was going to turn into the Christmas gift they never expected.

"Yeah..."Stone says, his eyes never leaving Josephine's.  

"We are ready to head out to dinner..." Stone's mum says.

"Okay, be right there."  He slowly stands and holds a hand out to Josephine.

She takes it, "We are going to have a different kind of bedtime conversation tonight..."

He winks, "I cannot wait for bed then..."

"No...wait...I meant-"  She is cut off by another kiss and then he leads her downstairs.

   

    Josephine stares into the roaring fireplace at the restaurant, trying to  quickly decompress from dinner so far or 'how many times Raquel can tell story about she and Stone...and his family'.  They all laugh except Stone who massages Josephine's thigh under the table. He does have a wistful expression on his face as he looks at Raquel.  Then suddenly his deep brown eyes are on her.  He smiles reluctantly.  

"...right, Josephine?"  Raquel is asking, which causes Josephine to reenter the conversation.

"I'm sorry..." Josephine takes a sip of her wine.  Stone squeezes her thigh.

"I hear you've reaped the benefits of the cooking classes Stone and I took together..."  Her smile is almost a snarl.

"Raquel, that's enough." Stone says.

"Let me know when we get to the stories about when you cheated on Stone and broke his heart."  Josephine stands as the rest of the table coughs; Stone stands with her and though she wanted to make her dramatic exit alone, he joins her.

"What the hell, Josephine?" He stands in front of her as she is putting on her coat.

"I'm just playing the part- jealous girlfriend."  She wraps her scarf around her neck with flair.  Stone wasn't impressed.

"You know there is more going on here-with us."  He is looking at her in a way where she almost believes him.

"We were caught up in a moment...emotions are high.  You're off the hook-"

"Stop it." There is no amusement in his voice.

"I have enough ego killers in my actual love life, I don't need this." She crosses her arms to keep from throwing them around him. She felt foolish thinking he actually was into her.  The anger that is oozing off him is making him seem believable...maybe he does like her.

"My family and I will stay in a hotel the rest of the week."  Stone realized this was probably for the best.  The fast feelings couldn't be trusted.  He did want to hold her when he saw that sad devastation in her eyes.

"Okay, I'll give you guys an hour before I return to the house."  She leaves the restaurant.  The cold air hits her warm skin and she allows the tears to flow.  Stone stood there a little longer feeling lonely for the first time in days.

    Josephine sits in the living room holding a couch pillow and staring at the Christmas tree.  "This Christmas" by Donny Hathaway plays low in the background as she tries to slowly muster up some holiday spirit for her mother's return tomorrow.  She was also waiting for her pizza delivery.

The house felt different now, damn Stone for making her feel even sadder in her comfort space.  Her phone vibrates.

Max:

Hey beautiful.  What day do you come back? I am planning a date for us.😊

Josephine:

Great. I'll be back in two days.

Max:

Great

Josephine sighs.  Her phone vibrates again.

Stone:

Top Five Reasons I Miss You: 1. Your kisses 2. Your eyes when they stare at my large arms 3. The way you eat my pancakes like a hungry raccoon 4. The drama- your acting skills and the way you exit a 'scene' 5. How content I feel when I am around you

The smile on her face almost hurt;Josephine couldn't think of anything to type back.  She had to stand and pace, she was giddy.

Josephine:

I was just about to type and see if I can bring a date to your wedding- assumed it was back on with you and Raquel🙄

Josephine had always been told she can take a joke too far, she thought it was part of her charm but after ten minutes and no response from Stone, she realized she may have gone too far. He called her a raccoon so she figured it was open season.  The doorbell disrupts her thoughts.  The pizza would help her come up with something to get Stone back to missing her.

She opens to the door to...a smiling Stone who is holding a pizza box.

"I thought you worked at Home Depot?"  She smiles with relief.  He steps in.

"I also have a side gig as a mall Santa...want to sit on my lap?"  Josephine takes the pizza box and places it on the bench by the front door.  She then gets on her tippy toes and wraps her arms around Stone's neck.

He lifts her up and she wraps her legs around his waist.  "Santa did great this year.  You're the best present ever."  She kisses him.

With sparkling eyes he says, "That's my line..." This time he deepens the kiss.  

Josephine entered her comfort place alone and sad not knowing that Stone was there making it feel more like a home.  At the same time Stone loved the way Josephine's family home made him feel, and once he met her he felt at home anywhere they were together.

- The End -

*Will neither confirm or deny if I spit up a little in my mouth.*