Chapter 5
Grunting softly with the effort, Antonio Lopez-Fitzgerald hefted the base of the tree onto his shoulder on the count of three, letting T.C. Russell take the lead as they headed up the walkway to the Russell family home.
Acting as their eyes, Simone directed them to the corner of the living room perennially reserved for the Christmas tree.
Sizing up the tree as T.C. and Antonio stood it up in the corner, Whitney held a hand up to her mouth to hide her smile.
"T.C.," Eve frowned, tilting her head to the side. "That tree's lopsided."
Dark eyes sparkling brightly, Simone offered a different perspective. "I think it has character."
"Antonio," T.C. laughed. "What do you think?"
Shrugging as he waved off the cash tip T.C. held out in offering, Antonio grinned. "Tinsel and bows will take care of the bald spots, but I can't help you with the unevenness. I only deliver the trees."
Cringing as she took a second look at the tree, Eve lamented, "I didn't notice the bald spots before."
"Listen, Antonio," T.C. escorted the younger man to the front door while his wife and two daughters puzzled over the solutions to their little problem. "Thanks, Man. Say hello to your family for us. Tell Luis he's welcome to come over and watch some football next week with me and Sam. That invitation is extended to you, your father, and Miguel too."
"Will do, Coach Russell," Antonio nodded, zipping his leather jacket and pulling his gloves back onto his hands. "Gotta get going," he said, climbing into the beat-up blue Ford truck. "I promised Mama I wouldn't be late."
Don't you just hate those bald spots?
Hehe, and Antonio was so helpful to point them out too.
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