All I Want for Christmas

“Well, it’s about time,” he said, rising as Diane entered the restaurant. Her breath caught in her throat when she saw him. Every time she caught sight of him, she felt stunned by his handsome face and the way he looked so intensely into her eyes. His black hair was slicked back away from his tanned face. His hazel eyes looked greener when his face was tan, and it made him look exotic. He smiled, and her worries melted away. She looked at the little crease between his eyebrows, loving the character it added to his face. He wore a nice brown suit, with a tan shirt and brown tie.

“You look really nice,” Diane said.

“That’s supposed to be my line,” Harry Denby said, looking regretful.

“You snooze, you lose, babe,” Diane grinned. Harry wrapped his arms around her and kissed her. He moved his left hand to touch her face as they were kissing. Diane loved that he did that. It made her feel cherished. More than anything, she needed to feel cherished right now. She held on to Harry a little longer than usual for a public kiss. Harry pulled out her chair for her, continuing the trend of making her feel special.

“You look a little stressed,” Harry said, reaching out to hold her hand. “Tell Father Harry what it’s all about, my child.”

Diane laughed, in spite of herself.

“Nah. It’s really nothing. I’m just not looking forward to the usual holiday shenanigans that are bound to happen this weekend.”

“I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you,” Harry said. After a moment, he added, “I have a proposition for you. You can say no, but just give me a listen first.”

“I told you, Harry, I don’t want to do anything for the holiday. I’ll be miserable company.”

“Just listen first. I promise. It’s mild. Mellow. Painless. Completely free of tragic drama.”

Diane’s knuckles were white as she gripped the edge of the table. She looked as if she were holding on for dear life in the middle of a storm. Her eyes were fixed on her dinner fork. Harry reached out and peeled her fingers off the table and held her hands in his, using his thumbs to rub the back of her hands until they relaxed. She finally started breathing more slowly, and raised her eyes to meet his. There were tears on her cheeks. Harry freed his right hand and reached over to wipe the tears from her face with his thumb. She pressed her face into his hand, longing to feel cherished again. He softly rubbed her cheek, and extended his fingers into her curls to pull them away from her eyes. He was tender and quiet as she composed herself. When she was ready, he spoke.