A Very Reckless Christmas

Nick

"I was thinking that we could go to the zoo first," Maya suggested cutting into her waffle. "And then we can get lunch, and then go shopping for souvenirs."

"That sounds like a great idea," I replied as I poured us both a glass of juice. We had a wide spread in front of us. My father himself is rude and the exact opposite of courteous, but his hotels, thankfully, were not. The room service menu had a little something for everyone. And we'd ordered everything. And why shouldn't we we're on vacation?

"I saw that it was supposed to snow today."

"Really?" She gasped. "Did it say how much? When?"

For someone who hates being cold, Maya sure loves the snow. It works to my benefit, seeing her all bundled up was the cutest thing I've ever laid eyes on. "It will only be a few inches, and we should expect it this afternoon."

"We better layer up then," she nodded. "Did you bring your thermal?"

"Is a thermal really necessary?" This is where Maya and I disagree, she believes if I even step out of the apartment in less than a full snow suit I'm going to catch every illness under the sun. Meanwhile, I would be just fine wearing a sweater, jeans, and a light coat.

"Absolutely. Maybe you should even throw on an extra pair of socks." She smiled into her coffee mug. "I know how much you love to layer."

I narrowed my eyes at her. "You're teasing me."

She laughed. "Only a little bit, but seriously, you should at least put on a thermal under your sweater. You'll be freezing otherwise."

I wiped my hands on the napkin that lay across my lap. "I'll be fine."

"Alright, but don't try to steal my hand warmers." While we were enjoying our breakfast, Maya asked, "Do you think I should give Tasha a call? Just to see how she's doing."

I shook my head. "She would have called us if she needed us."

She frowned. "I guess you're right. Crystal may be there with her now."

"You said Crystal could come over?"

"Of course, she might get lonely," Maya replied, "Is that a problem?"

"It's not a problem I just hope they don't have sex on our couch."

Maya choked on her coffee. She smacked my arm. "Nick, they are not going to do that!"

I blew out a disbelieving breath. They're in an apartment, all alone. I know I have my moments, but I'm not an idiot.

"It's true," she insisted.

"How do you know?"

"I can't tell you."

My jaw dropped. "And why not?" I tell Maya everything and I hoped she could know she can trust me enough to tell me everything as well.

She chewed on her full bottom lip. "It's breaking best friend code."

"Am I not one of your best friends?"

"You are, but you're my boyfriend and she's your ex-girlfriend. It would be messy of me to tell you what I know."

"I would never say anything to them to make them uncomfortable," I promised. "We're all friends."

As strange as it sounds we were actually friends. Good friends, I thought. Yes, it was strange at first seeing Crystal and Tasha together but after seeing how happy she was that feeling quickly went away. And Crystal and Maya get along great.

I should have expected it since Crystal and Tasha are so similar, and Maya adores Tasha. When they first met, I was afraid that it would be awkward or worse, they would hate each other, but if anything they get along too well.