Slinging bullets, p.25
Slinging Bullets, page 25
“You are a funny guy. Tell your family I wish them a merry Christmas. Did you pack the gifts I got for them?”
“They are already in my Bronco, the new one.” He smiles widely. I know he loves his old Bronco but he has been raving more and more about the perks of having something built in this century. “Tell your family the same.”
After a final kiss, Ava goes to her room and I handle the fireplace, tree lights and a few other odds and ends. I haven’t even left yet but am already looking forward to being back on Christmas night.
Chapter 50
Ava
Christmas with my family was wonderful but I missed having Luke by my side. Carmen kept telling me that I looked pouty but I think she was probably just making that up. I certainly wasn’t that lovesick. Miguel surprised my parents by arriving unannounced at 1:00 on Christmas Eve day. My parents had planned a FaceTime Christmas with him because he had just visited but the rest of us were in on the secret. Mamá cried for five minutes before Miguel convinced her that he didn’t come all that way to watch her cry. We had a lot of fun and too much scrumptious food. It was a shame that Emilio and I had to say goodbye so soon on Christmas day but the trip was otherwise perfect.
Emilio drops me off at Luke’s house a little after 3:30. Luke won’t be home for a while yet but I get busy getting the food ready for tonight. We are doing a dinner of appetizers which is always fun. I made several varieties earlier and put them in the freezer so I get them out to thaw. I prepare a batch of nacho cheese and meat dip and put it in a crock pot to keep warm. Finally, I chop up veggies for a tray to go with some dip. Two red bell peppers are sliced up because Tracy can never seem to eat enough of those. My stuff is pretty much ready to go other than warming some apps in the oven when the time is right. Bennie is bringing some shrimp to grill and a batch of sweet and spicy meatballs. Those were my request because his sauce could make millions if he bottled it.
With the food prep done for now, I hurry back to my room and unpack. I am just putting away my final items when I hear Luke arrive. He yells, “Ava, I am home. Why are you not in my arms yet?”
I dutifully scurry over and solve that problem. “Merry Christmas,” I say and welcome him with a kiss. The lack of mistletoe is not slowing me down any.
We head to the kitchen to fix a holiday drink but I first ask Luke to get his grill started for Bennett to use. When he returns I hand him his drink and then we discuss our family get togethers. “Ryan brought Kara over for a while and then they both went to her parents’ house for part of the evening. Grandma and Grandpa Bradford were there as always. I love having time to visit with them but now they are pestering me about when they will have a chance to meet you. My other grandparents live farther away but are on a holiday trip to Nashville anyway. Usually my aunt and uncle join us with my two teenage cousins but my aunt had the flu so they stayed home.”
“That is a shame. It is no fun to be sick at any time but especially for Christmas. By the way, Miguel and Emilio were both very happy with the grilling thermometers so you earned an A+ grade for that idea. Your gift of second round playoff tickets for the family was much too generous but they are very excited about coming back for another game.”
“We have earned a first round bye so the second round is guaranteed. I hope we will still be playing after that but you never know until each round is won. Did Miguel mind the consolation prize of tickets to the first round game in Tampa Bay? I assumed he wouldn’t want to fly back up here for a third time in a short span to attend my game.”
“That was a smart call. He hasn’t been in Florida long enough to be a diehard Bucs fan but it is hard to avoid it when living in the Tampa area. He does root for the Bucs, except for when they play Detroit, of course.”
Luke sneaks some party food out of the fridge. I scold him but just jokingly. We have enough hors d'oeuvres to feed a dozen people even though there will just be four of us. I always enjoy the leftovers though because they make for fun lunches. Between nibbles Luke says, “Tess adored the Detroit Wheels necklace you gave her. She said that most sports jewelry is just tacky stuff but that your gift is exquisite.”
“I found it in a jewelry store instead of a gift shop. It was a little pricey but when I saw it I just knew how much Tess would enjoy it. The restaurant gift certificates for your parents and for Ryan were more of a cop out gift. I did research to find somewhere special in their area but otherwise I was having a hard time figuring out what to get them. Next year I will find something more personal.”
“I like when you refer to us being together next year. Anyway, you did well because my parents immediately agreed to use it on their anniversary next month. They know the place by reputation but have never been there so they are excited to try it. Ryan thought it would be great for a date with Kara so he was also very appreciative.”
“The highlight of the Castillo Christmas was Maria, of course. There is nothing like a little one to make everything so much more fun. She had a riot playing with the wrapping paper and boxes. Eventually she will discover that there were fun toys in them too.” I envision a future Christmas with Luke and I bringing our own little boy or girl to the tree on Christmas morning. I wonder if that is what is running through Luke’s mind too.
Our guests will arrive soon so I put some appetizers in one oven while I preheat the broiler in the other. Dual ovens should be mandatory in every kitchen design. My own kitchen now seems woefully inadequate by comparison. As predicted, Bennett and Tracy arrive just as I am about to place a pan of bacon wrapped water chestnuts under the broiler.
“Look out, here she comes!” calls Bennett. I have just enough time to get the pan in and the oven door closed when a set of Tracy arms wrap tightly around my waist.
“Hey there, Tracy! How is my girl? Did Santa reward you well for being such a good girl this year?”
Tracy backs up a few feet and is practically bouncing as she shares her news. “Santa was awesome but Daddy and my grandparents gave me great gifts too. I got a brand new bike from Santa! Can you believe it? How does he get that to fit on his sleigh? It is pink and has a bell and a basket. It is too snowy to ride it right away but Daddy said that as soon as we get a day when the pavement is dry I can bundle up and take it for a spin. I also got a hamster! I can’t believe I didn’t mention that first. I am so excited. Her name is Glinda like the good witch from Wicked. I promised to take really good care of Glinda and keep her water and food filled. I also have to do the messy part and clean up her poop but that’s okay. My cousins were very jealous of my hamster but I let them play with her also. They have a dog at their house so I don’t feel too bad for them. Dogs are cool too but they drool and leave hair all over so I don’t want one of those. I also got new knitting yarn in really pretty colors. Grandpa gave me a Wheels hat and socks to go with the shirt that Daddy got me earlier. I can’t wait until Sunday so I can wear them all. Then I also got some games and some new dance shoes. Oh, my Grandma Myers bought me a new bookshelf for my room and a bunch of books to ‘get it started’ as she said. I do have quite a few books already but she picked out some fun ones to add to my collection.”
Bennie rested his hand gently on Tracy’s shoulder. “Tracy dear, how about you go put our gifts for Luke and Ava under the tree?”
“That is a great idea. I noticed the tree when we came in. It is sooooo beautiful!” And off she goes.
Bennett is already fixing himself a spiked eggnog. “Sorry about that, Luke. Sometimes we have to stop her before she deprives herself of too much oxygen and faints.” We all laugh at that idea but he isn’t far from the truth.
Once Bennie finishes grilling the shrimp and the other food is all in place, we begin our feast. Christmas music plays as we eat and visit more about our family celebrations. Luke has a football game on the little television in the kitchen but it is muted and nobody is watching it too closely. The game does have playoff implications but none that affect the Wheels as these teams are from the other conference.
Once we all determine that our bellies are quite full, we put away most of the food but leave a few things out that don’t need to be refrigerated for snacking on later. Both my mom and Lois sent containers of cookies and other treats for us to share so those will be munched on later as well. Now it is time for gifts as Tracy has reminded us repeatedly. As I would expect, Tracy is much more excited to give us her gifts than she is about receiving the things under the tree with her name on them. That is the sweet kind of girl that she is. Bennett does such a good job with her.
“So, who should open a gift first?” Luke asks Tracy.
Tracy darts over to the tree and selects a present wrapped in Taylor Swift Christmas wrapping paper. I give Bennett an odd look. He gives me one back indicating that he absolutely played no part in selecting that paper. I smirk about our silent conversation. Tracy carries the gift over so carefully you would think she is carrying an active hand grenade and places it on my lap. “This is for you. I hope you like it.”
I open it very carefully, giving the gift the full respect that it deserves. Inside I find a framed painting of a woman who looks impressively similar to me with the name Ava underneath in case I need any clarification. Next to me is a painted version of Tracy, also labeled, holding my hand as we walk on a path in a park. “Tracy, I am absolutely stunned. Your painting is so amazing. I love that you made one of us together. I will treasure this forever. Thank you so much.” I pull Tracy in for a hug and kiss on the cheek.
Tracy says, “It was my idea to paint us but my teacher suggested the park. I told her you like to take me there on days you watch me. Now it is Luke’s turn.”
Tracy makes another slow and careful journey from the tree and delivers a similarly shaped gift onto Luke’s lap. He says, “I think I sense a theme here.” He takes his time opening the present delicately. This time a frame is filled with a football scene of Luke throwing a pass. There is even a purposely blurred out crowd in the stands behind him. “Oh my goodness, Tracy. I loved the painting you made for Ava but this one is even more perfect. How can you paint so well already? This is an amazing gift.”
Tracy beams. I sensed her nervousness each time she handed over one of the gifts. “I have been taking painting classes for a long time. My teacher helped me with some ideas about how to do the fans in the crowd in your painting and the park background in Ava’s. She is such a good teacher.”
Luke hugs Tracy and says, “Well you are an unbelievable artist. Thank you.”
Bennett grins like the proud parent that he is. “Tracy gave me my gift this morning so I took a photo of it because you just have to see this one too. It won’t look as good as it does in person but it is the best present I have ever received.” Bennett opens the photo on his phone and hands it to Luke and me to see.
“Oh, Bennie,” I gasp as tears immediately fill my eyes. In the painting are Bennett, Lora and Tracy all lined up and cuddled together on a toboggan waiting to ride down a hill. I remember being there that day; it was such a joyous one. In fact, I took that photo which currently sits on Bennett’s fireplace mantle. Lora’s accident was just a week and a half after we took Tracy out for her first experience sledding. Bennett told me it was the last photograph taken of Lora. Tracy’s other paintings were great; I wasn’t gushing just to make her feel good. Those lessons have really been successful, yet I can tell that so much more time and effort went into making this one absolutely perfect. I note one particular difference between the painting and the photo. Tracy painted her current self instead of the three year-old version in the photo.
Luke talks to Tracy as tears now trickle down my cheeks, “I never met your mother of course, but the way you captured her in that painting tells me what a great woman she must have been. Her smile conveys all the love that she has for you. Your painting shows how much you love her too.” That just makes even more tears fall.
Tracy hops up. “I will get you a tissue, Ava.”
Bennett might need one too as his eyes are now rather soggy. “Don’t worry, Ava. I cried like a baby after receiving this too. I am still astounded that she pulled this off without telling me. She said she worked on mine for months but that yours were quicker. Luke’s was more of a rush job but you would never know it. I didn’t know about your paintings either because she has been working on them with her teacher and keeping it all hush-hush. Tracy just kept telling me that she had gifts and her Grandma Myers was holding them until Christmas.”
Tracy returned with the tissue box from the bathroom and I made good use of it. Wow, I didn’t expect an emotional outpouring tonight. “Tracy, I don’t know how we could ever top these gifts. They are so meaningful to all of us. You are an incredible girl. If you can find a gift with your name on it you could take a turn opening one.”
Tracy noses around under the tree. “This one says it is to me from Luke.” She sits down next to me on the couch. There are two presents tied together by ribbon. She unwraps the first one carefully. Inside are two journals and an assortment of colorful pens. Tracy inspects it all with great admiration. She says, “Luke, I love these but why are there two?”
“The first journal is for you to keep track of your thoughts, memories, doodles or whatever you want to put in it. The second one is for me.”
“You gave me a gift for you?”
“Well, I noticed that the notebook you used when taking notes during the games was falling apart. Now you can use this journal. Each time you take notes for me, I can borrow it to read. Then I will always give it back before the next game. I suppose that means it is for both of us, but really you are doing me a big favor so it is mostly for me. You will notice that the one for us is in the team colors.”
Tracy smiles brightly. “That is exactly what we need. What a good idea, Luke. Thank you. Can I open the second part now?”
Tracy digs in once approval is granted by a head nod from Luke. Once the paper is off she opens the box inside to find a Bradford #12 jersey in her size. “Look Daddy! This is awesome. Luke even signed it. I can’t wait to show Grandpa! Thank you so much, Luke.” The thank you is accompanied by a big hug. With Tracy there is no such thing as a little hug.
“I am glad you like it. It should go well with another gift that is under the tree. Can you find one for your dad that is from Ava and I?” Tracy wastes no time and is soon back with a colorful envelope for Bennett.
Tracy watches closely to see what is in Bennett’s gift. He opens up the envelope to reveal two tickets to Detroit’s first playoff game. Tracy jumps up and down and Bennett thanks us enthusiastically. He says, “Awesome, these are hard to come by.”
Luke explains, “I lacked creativity by using the same gift idea for Ava’s family too. Players are allowed to acquire a limited number of tickets but I have a few teammates who are new to the area and have no family attending. I may have bribed them to get them to give up their ticket access. I hope it doesn’t seem like I am giving gifts that are all about me. Detroit Wheels fever is a real thing in this state and it would have been even if I was still riding the bench.”
Bennett shakes his head. “I would never think that way. My dad will be so excited when I tell him that I am taking him to the game.” Tracy’s face immediately falls.
“Bennett! That was mean.” I give him a look an angry mother would be proud of. “Tracy, of course your dad is going to take you. He was teasing.”
Tracy rebounds quickly and returns to her state of happiness. “Phew. I should have known that but I kind of believed him for a second. That will be so much fun!” Tracy then makes another trip to the tree. “This one is from Daddy to both of you.”
Tracy hands it to Luke but he passes it to me to open. Inside are two tickets for a “Behind the Bars” guided tour of the Shawshank Redemption prison in Ohio. Bennett explains, “Ava was telling me that you mentioned this so I thought it was a good idea for you guys.”
Luke looks quite pleased. “That is perfect. I am looking forward to this a lot.”
“Me too, Bennie. Now I know that you really are listening to me ramble on about things while we drive around on the job.”
Bennett says, “I had to select a date when I purchased the tickets so I went with a Saturday in late March figuring Luke would not be tied up then. If it’s a problem, the man I talked to said to call back and we can switch to a different date. I am glad you like them. They aren’t as good as playoff tickets but it should be interesting.”
I assure him that the tickets are a great gift for us and Luke agrees. Then Luke asks Tracy to bring over the present wrapped in snowman paper and hand it to me. I am curious to see what Luke selected for me for our first Christmas together. After removing the paper, I open a box to find a very cute yellow, teal green and light blue sundress, a bottle of sunblock and a pair of sunglasses. “These are very nice, Luke. That sundress is exactly what I would pick out for myself. I love the colors and I look forward to wearing these this summer.” All the while I am thinking that they are odd choices for Christmas though.
Luke then explains the gift, “I do hope you can use them in Michigan this summer but the gift is for the other part of your present. Bennett assured me that you have enough vacation time available to spare a week in late February or early March to go to Hawaii with me. Mele Kalikimaka!”
“Hawaii! I accept! That will be so much fun. I can feel the warmth already. I have always wanted to go there but assumed it would never happen. Thank you so much.” I bend over and give Luke a quick kiss to seal the deal. Then I go grab Luke’s large present which is wrapped in Detroit Wheels paper.
“How appropriate,” he says and then begins to strip the Wheels paper off. Then he just says, “Wow,” and takes time to examine the gift carefully. Inside is a shadow box commemorating Luke’s first game as an NFL starter. The back wall is a collage of newspaper articles about the game, most with Luke’s name in the headlines. There is a football mounted on the bottom with verification that it was the first touchdown he threw in that game. Unfortunately, footballs make for bulky shadow boxes but it still worked. There is a photo of Luke throwing that touchdown pass and another of him evading a tackler. His game jersey sits in the other corner mostly folded but also partly tacked up to the back wall in order to see more of it. Finally, there are game tickets from that day. I got those from his parents, Ryan and Tess. Fortunately, they thought the occasion was worth keeping them too. “This is incredible, Ava. How did you get all of this stuff?”
