Merry Mixups

Chapter 1

The office Christmas party in 1985 was in full swing a few days before the holiday and Billy acted as Santa handing out gifts to everyone.

Lee and Amanda however were delayed from the festivities. She had food deliveries she was making to the hospital and nursing homes as she did every year and Lee was in Rockville chasing down a lead for a case which turned out to be a hoax.

When they each returned to the office later the party was winding down as the workers were heading out to enjoy their holiday weekend with their families.

Billy led them into his office to give them each a bag with their gifts stating, "Sorry you both missed the party."

He then asked Lee, "How did that lead in Rockville turn out?"

Lee shook his head and sighed, "A lot of time and gas wasted, I'm afraid. Sorry, Billy."

Billy shrugged replying, "It happens that way sometimes. Although I'm sure you were secretly delighted to miss out on the fanfare here-"

Lee cleared his throat remarked, "Yeah, well. Maybe next year, huh?"

Amanda and Billy looked at him and then each other and shook their heads. They'd believe it when they see it!

Billy responded to Amanda, "Jeannie wanted me to thank you for your gift, Amanda. We appreciate it and we hope you have a wonderful Christmas."

Amanda smiled and nodded commenting, "Oh you're welcome, Sir. Merry Christmas."

Looking at her watch then Amanda stated, "Well, I'd better be going. I still have baskets left to deliver. Enjoy your holiday."

She started to leave and Lee responded, "I'll walk you to your car. I've gotta get going myself. Merry Christmas, Billy. "

Billy nodded and answered, "Merry Christmas, Lee. Take care now."

Lee and Amanda got down to the parking lot and Lee saw what Amanda had in the back of her car and shook his head in amazement!

He asked her, "How do you do this every year? You must be worn out. You know if you want, I could maybe help you finish this?"

But Amanda shook her head and responded, "Oh no, Lee. That's really very sweet, but you must have your own plans tonight? The last of this is for my neighbors anyway. I'll be fine."

Lee nodded slowly looking at his watch and sighed deeply.

Amanda noticed the hesitation and remarked chuckling, "Oh boy! I know that look-"

Lee shrugged offhandedly and answered, "What look?"

Amanda smiled and stated, "The look that says you have to do something that you don't wanna do! Anything having to do with this holiday and your uncle. Am I right?"

Lee grumbled and replied, "Oh, Amanda-"

Amanda pointed with glee at him and commented, "I knew it! Hey, didn't you and the Colonel discuss getting together Christmas Day? I know when we had dinner that one night with him-"

Lee grimaced replying, "It's not set in stone, Amanda-"

Amanda sighed and answered, "Look, there's nothing more important than family especially at this time of the year. If you don't call him he's liable to think you don't care. Promise me you'll call him, okay?"

Lee shook his head and growled, "If I promise will you get off my back, please?"

Amanda put up a hand stating, "All right, all right. Merry Christmas, Lee."

Lee responded, "Merry Christmas, Amanda."

They shared a small hug and Lee helped her into her car and she left with Lee thinking, Why does she care so much?

Christmas morning arrived and Amanda woke as she heard her boys Phillip and Jamie moving about. Time to get up she thought. Looking at the time she thought, Thank goodness they let Mother and I sleep a bit longer this year.

Last year it was 6 AM. This year it was just before 7:30.

Dotty met her in the hall and hugged her daughter stating, "Merry Christmas, Dear."

Amanda returned the hug responding, "Merry Christmas, Mother. Have you been awake long?'

Dotty yawned and commented shaking her head remarking, "No. But while I was going to the bathroom, I heard a destinct thump from downstairs so I thought I should head down before the boys patience wears out."

Amanda chuckled and answered, "You're right about that. Let's go."

They came down the stairs and Jamie stated, "Can we open presents now, Mom?"

Amanda sighed and replied with mock sadness, "Well Merry Christmas to you too, Sweetheart. May I have a hug first, please?"

Phillip and Jamie hugged both Dotty and Amanda commenting, "Merry Christmas!"

Amanda smiled and responded, "Much better! Now, let's first have our Christmas waffles and then we'll open some presents-"

The boys groaned and Dotty remarked, "Tell you what. I have to get things ready anyway so why don't the three of you start, hmm? Amanda, there's a bag behind the tree I think you should look at first, Darling."

Amanda remembered it was the gift bag from IFF and shook her head commenting, "No. That's all right, Mother. It's just from the people at work. I can look at it later-"

Dotty conjoled her saying, "Oh, c'mon! We'd love to see what you got from your friends at work. Go ahead, Dear."

Phillip exclaimed, "Yeah, Mom. Please?"

Amanda shrugged, "All right. Let's go to the couch..."

She sat as Phillip brought over the bag. Amanda found a small bag inside from Francine filled with a pair of diamond studded earrings and some perfume.

Amanda took a whiff of the perfume and it smelled expensive but she liked it.

Next from Billy and Jeannie was fruitcake-Jeannie's recipe.

Finally, a box from...Victoria's Secret?! What in the world? It had to be a mistake!

The tag read: From Lee.

Amanda cleared her throat as the phone rang.

To distract the boys Amanda stated, "I'll bet that's your dad. Go ahead, Fellas."

While they rushed to the phone and Dotty's back was turned Amanda opened the box and couldn't believe her eyes!

It was a black teddy sheer as could be!

Not finding a receipt, she quickly put it back in the box and put everything back in the bag and rushed upstairs to put it away!

What on earth was Lee doing? He certainly never intimated that their relationship had changed in that direction! It had to be a joke, but she'd certainly find out when she returned to work Monday!

Meanwhile, Lee had opened a present from Amanda while his uncle was on the phone. The two had decided to have Christmas at the Colonel's base.

It was a book but it threw Lee for a loop!

It was a self-help book for men to romance that certain woman!

Lee was stunned! There was no receipt and no time to think about it when his uncle got off the phone! He quickly ran to put it away in his suitcase before his uncle asked about it.

It had to be a joke but Amanda wasn't that way at all! What was going on here?!

TBC