He lifted the veil and kissed her lips believing forever had started. Six years later that kiss was only a footnote. A blip on the radar; an image fading in the rearview mirror.
Dating still felt like infidelity to Liam. He tried to be unmarried, but it just didn’t work.
Beyond the anger of her betrayal, was a man hopelessly in love with the life he envisioned. The promises they made to each other, everything they started building together.
Liam fought inertia, but remained frozen in front of the naked Christmas tree, and the boxes he’d brought down from the attic. She left everything behind, even the star she insisted they buy for the top of their tree. Liam’s family always placed an angel in that coveted position, but he relented and let her have her way.
He grabbed one of the boxes, donned his coat, and headed for the car. After two more trips, his trunk was full, and only one box was left in the living room. The box with his mother’s handwriting, ‘For Liam’ was all it said.
He drove to a donation center and carefully placed the boxes on the counter.
“What are we donating today?” The volunteer asked as he started opening the boxes.
“Decorations.” Liam answered.
“These look almost new. Are you sure?”
Liam nodded and turned to walk away.
“Don’t you want your receipt for taxes?”
The cold crisp air hit his face as he exited in silence. A man on a mission. A receipt would only be a reminder of the life he would never have again.
He started the car and leaned back against the heated seat wishing it would thaw his frozen heart.
***
The store was small, but brightly lit with Christmas and Hanukkah decorations. Tis The Season was a year round holiday shop. He barely noticed it on his way to and from work. Usually he went to a big box store or the mall for all his shopping needs. Something made him stop there today. Maybe it was the open parking space, or maybe he didn’t want to keep doing the same thing over and over again.
Bells jingled softly as he pushed open the door. The woman behind the counter looked up.
“Happy holidays! Welcome to Tis The Season. Help yourself to some warm apple cider while you look around. My name’s Tina. Are you looking for anything special, today?”
Liam started to shake his head, but he noticed the hopeful look in her eyes. They were the only two people in the shop. He wondered if business was always this slow.
“Everything. I’m starting over.”
She smiled. “Christmas or Hanukkah?”
“Christmas.”
“Okay, tell me a little about your style. What colors do you like?”
Liam had never thought about it. Magdelena picked out shiny glass balls in scarlet red and bright white. The star and the garland were yellowish gold. The box of handmade ornaments from his mom never made the cut. He always took them to his office and decorated a small tree there. This year they would have pride of place in his home.
“I like all colors. Growing up we had fancy ornaments, homemade ones, and even a few with cartoon characters. My mom wanted us to see the things we loved. She gave me a box of handmade ornaments when I moved out. My wife, I mean ex-wife hated them. She was all about balance and symmetry. Three colors, red, white, and gold against the green tree. I’m Liam, by the way.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Liam.” Tina extended her hand and tilted her head. “Angel or star?”
“My family always had an angel. Magdelena insisted on a star.”
“Im assuming Magdelena is the ex, right?”
Liam nodded. “As of five months ago.”
“I’m sorry. I’ve been divorced for almost two years now. It’s hard. I know you probably won’t believe me, but it does get better.” Tina smiled and Liam noticed her straight perfect teeth and full lips.
“I hope you don’t mind me asking, but was the divorce your idea?” Their eyes met. Liam smacked his forehead and looked away. “I’m sorry, don’t answer that, it’s none of my business. I’ve become an idiot with no social skills.”
Tina laughed. “I know the feeling. I was the dump-ee. I usually say it was mutual and we’re co-parenting with respect and love, but it’s a crock. He remarried before the ink on the papers was dry and started a new family. And I have no idea why I’m over sharing with a customer. Now that we’ve established we both have no social skills, take a look at this tree and tell me what you think.”
Tina pointed to the tree next to where they were standing. Instead of garland, strands of beads encircled the tree. Colored and clear lights gently peeked out from an assortment of ornaments in a variety of shapes, colors, and sizes. A delicate angel in white with gold accents graced the top.
“Yeah, this is the type of tree I want. It reminds me of home. Talking to you reminds me of home, so thank you.”
Tina placed her hand over her heart before lightly touching his forearm.
“That’s the nicest thing anyone has said to me in ages. Thank you, and right back at you. I’m so glad you decided to stop in. Now, before I start getting all teary-eyed, let’s head over to the wall and pick out some ornaments, but not too many. You want to leave room to add a few new ones every year. Do you need any outside decorations?”
“No, I live in a condo. The management takes care of that.”
“Me, too. All white lights, but my son and daughter are allowed to build snowmen, so we keep a collection of old hats and scarves to add a little color to the yard.”
“That sounds nice. Magdelena and I never had kids. We always kept putting it off. It’s probably best that we didn’t. Before I forget, I’m going to need a few decorations for the tree in my office, too. Something a little different. Any suggestions?”
“Is it a formal or casual office?”
“It’s sort of in between.”
“Lets walk around and take a look.”
***
Forty-five minutes later, Tina was helping him carry the packages to his car.
“Your store is closing soon. Can I buy you a cup of coffee as a thank you for all your help? If you need to get home to your kids, I’ll take a raincheck.” Liam smiled and Tina looked into his dark brown eyes.
“They’re with their dad this weekend. I can meet you at Josie’s, the diner on the corner in about half an hour. I have to close up. Is that all right?”
“It’s a date.”