It started at Christmas

Chapter 1

I was having lunch with Scott, having lunch with him was a weekly thing when he was in town. We've known each other for 10 years now, meeting at a bar, and him saving me from some creepy guy who wouldn't leave me alone. 

Due to the pandemic we where having lunch at my house. Scott was staying with his brother quarantining together. And because we couldn't have lunch out as we where careful. So we had decided to have lunch at my place once a week to not totally going crazy still see each other and having some fun in a time what could get boring . 

As we where making lunch Scott was asking me for my plans for Christmas. I told him i had no plans, since my family lived in the Netherlands and traveling was not possible right now. "You have to come  celebrate Christmas with me and my family" he said.  "No i cant do that, i dont want to intrude". I said looking at him. "You wont, look we are all together if you're worried about Covid i understand but we all are in our bubble not seeing anyone outside the family. The only one i see outside my family is you." I looked at him unsure how to get out of this. "Can i think about it?"  i asked him letting out a sigh. He looked a bit disappointed, "look my mom and sisters would love to see you again the kids are asking about you. We are all a bit worried about you being her alone all the time. And you can finally meet Chris."  Scott said giving me a big excited smile.  "i promise i think about it."  I replied hoping he would drop the subject. 

When we finished lunch and talked for a while Scott went home. When i closed the door behind him i walked to the couch dropping myself on to it. "God how am i getting out of this one." i murmured to myself.  The truth was i met Scott's mom, sisters and other family except for his brother. Just because i couldn't... I have this huge crush on Chris and i would make a total fool out of myself, to top it off Scott always told me how he hated that women only wanted to be friends with him to get close to his brother. That was the last thing i wanted him to think of me, his friendship meant to much to me. Resulting in me canceling every get together, when i knew Chris would be there. "I am pathetic i said to myself."  I  got up from the couch and decided to go do some work. 

Being a writer i could make my own hours, work from anywhere and i loved it. Getting lost in my own little world was my favorite thing to do. I  was working for a few hours fully in the zone, when my phone rang. I didn't even look at the screen and declined. After working for an hour or two longer and  really getting some stuff done, I closed my laptop to take a break. My phone rang again, this time i checked the screen it was Lisa calling. I groaned knowing what this meant, "Hi Lisa" i said answering the phone trying to sound as upbeat as i could.

The phone call went exactly how i thought it would go. Lisa insisting i came over for Christmas, not only for dinner but for the whole Christmas celebration.... I cursed Scott internally, he knew no one could say no to her. Me included. After a long back and forth, me saying i didn't want to intrude, that Christmas was meant to be spend with family and her saying i shouldn't be ridiculous and she was happy to have me. That they where all happy to have me over for Christmas, saying no one should spend Christmas alone. Hearing Scott and his sisters yelling in the background to stop resisting and just say yes, i gave up and agreed to spend Christmas with the Evans's. I could hear Scott and his sisters cheering in the background, but i felt anything but cheerful all i felt was anxiety

After i hung up the phone i sat on the couch in silence, i dont know how long i sat there. internally panicking and i tried to calm myself. Talking to myself telling myself to stop acting crazy. He is just a guy, your friends brother. Nothing is going to happen, or can happen he is your friends brother. its a no no. And he would never be interested in you, he has all this gorgeous women around him everyday. What would he want with a mousy writer who likes to stay home and prefers staying in, instead of going to loud clubs and living the glamorous life style. 

My publisher always tried to get me to do talk shows or interviews. The few interviews i did where hell.  Since then i always declined, the thought of doing those again giving me a panic attack. Dont get me wrong i liked a party every now and then but i rather had a get together with a few friends than a room full off strangers.  i sighed, i needed to clear my head get rid of the tension and anxiety. So i went for a run.

The next few days i threw myself into my writing. trying not to think about Christmas. It was the day of Scott and mines weekly lunch.  As i was already doing some preparations for our lunch my doorbell rang.  I walked to open the door, letting a guilty looking Scott in. "How mad are you he asked,"  I sighed,  "i am not mad Scott. Its just i told you i would think about it and you tied my hands by having your mom call me, you know i cant say no to her."  He grinned, "that was the intention. Come on it will be fun" he whined, "Where playing games, watching Christmas movies and eat way to much." 

His excitement was infectious and i couldn't help but crack a smile. "Alright alright that does sound fun." I said rolling my eyes at him putting my hands up in defeat. Scott continued, "and Christmas morning where all in our Christmas pj's opening presents." My eyes went wide, "what?" Scott asked. "O god i need to go and buy gifts," i practically yelled. Running to my office to grab my laptop, when i walked back into the kitchen i put the laptop down on the kitchen bar taking a seat. "You have got to help me buy gifts for your family" i whined. "Can we eat first?" he said "i am starving". I smiled and let out a chuckle,  "yes... yes we can eat." After we finished lunch we sat down behind the laptop.

The next couple of hours where spend browsing Amazon finding a gift for everyone, even though Scott told it wasn't necessary and just to buy something for the kids. I was adamant, not wanting to come empty handed.  I had gifts for everyone but Scott and Chris, "what does your brother like?" i asked trying to hide my blush as. Dogs Scott said laughing, "i am not getting him a dog"  i said rolling my eyes. After an hour going trough all sorts of options we still haven't thought of a Christmas present for Chris. "Just order him something Disney" Scott said throwing his hands up in the air in defeat, "he will like it regardless, the fact that you thought of getting him something meaning more then the actual gift." 

Scott got up going to the bathroom, giving me enough time to order his gift. When he walked back he just saw me close the site. Raising his eyebrow looking at me i smirked back at him, "no dont you dare i said i am not gonna tell you what i ordered you." He pouted trying to convince me to tell him putting on his puppy dog eyes. 

Checking the clock it was already dinner time. "Wanna order pizza and have a drink?" I asked pouting. "You can stay the night..."  i said giving him my best puppy dog eyes. He laughed, "sounds fun...i could use a drink...or two."   So we ordered pizza and Scott made us both a gin and tonic.