A Taste of You

32: Rise to the Challenge of a Critic

Ethan's sister had no trouble agreeing to make room for Aron. In fact she insisted we come on Christmas Eve so we can maximize our time together on Christmas Day. Ethan dropped me off at home so he could pack and finish some last minute Christmas shopping.

I bought Aron a bottle of super swank bourbon that my distributor said is almost impossible to come by. For Ethan, I bought a vacation package to Cooperstown to visit the Baseball Hall of Fame. As big of a fan of baseball that he is, he's never been. All he needs is airfare and a travel companion because I'll likely be back at the restaurant. Upstate NY in the winter is not where I want to be.

At the restaurant we have a rule in place not to exchange gifts outside of the Secret Santa system. I got Vicki this year so I bought her a bottle of perfume she'd never buy for herself, even though she always comments favorably when I wear that scent.

Once my gifts are wrapped, I Skype with my family as has become our usual holiday tradition. They are curious about my relationship with Ethan and I spend a lot of time mumbling responses and blushing, which of course just encourages them more.

After, I carefully select my outfit, wanting to make a good first impression. Aron arrives at my house around five with Ethan in tow. I hug Aron and move on to Ethan who lifts me in his arms and kisses me tenderly.

He gushes. "I can't believe I'm taking my girl to meet my family already. I know they're going to love you. I just hope they don't scare you off with their antics."

"Ugh, get a room." Aron teases us.

"I happen to have several right here to choose from." I retort smartly. Ethan sets me down and kisses my forehead.

Aron rolls his eyes and roughly grabs my suitcase and bag containing his present. "I'll be in the car."

I cringe. "Careful. There's fragile cargo that may or may not be your Christmas gift." Aron grumbles and heads outside.

I turn to Ethan. "What's with his mood?"

Ethan shrugs. "He seemed quiet, but fine to me."

I try to dismiss it too since Ethan isn't concerned. "I think I'm ready to go. Did you pack that pie dish we bought for your sister? And how about the photo frame for your parents? And the gifts for your niece and nephews?"

"Honey, I got it. You're really the only thing that's new for me to be taking. Relax, okay?" Ethan puts his big hands on my shoulders and peers down at me.

"I didn't think I'd be this nervous." I admit, chewing on my lip.

"Oh, I know what I forgot. Did you pack the lube?" He asks.

I stare at him blankly and start blushing. "Ethan, we are not getting intimate in the same house as your family at the holidays!"

He finds the loophole. "So if it wasn't a holiday then?"

"No!" I say shrilly.

Ethan chuckles, pleased with himself. "I'm just messing with you. I mean come on, when have we ever needed lube?"

I smack him with my good hand and he laughs again, pulling me towards the door to leave. It's only a little over an hour drive. We arrive right on time.

We are greeted by his youngest nephew, Milo, who is obviously very eager to meet Aron. Ethan greets him with typical relative babble. "Hey, kid! What are they feeding you? You seemed to have shot up since I last saw you. You being good for your mom while your dad's away?"

Ethan's sister, Beverly, is married to a Marine. He is on a tour of duty in Japan for this holiday. Beverly likely has her hands full with Milo, who is 11 and the twins, Max and Ericka, who are 16.