With sore feet and an uncomfortable fit of his orange jumpsuit, Rey was lead down the hallway on his way to the visitor's room. Rey assumed it was his lawyer and he was hopeful they could come up with a way, for him to not serve much time. Some of the other prisoners, knew who Rey was, some Rey had put behind bars himself. Rey was an easy target now, the others watching, ready with taunts and threats. Rey knew it was only a matter of time, for the situation to escalate and harm could ensue.
Unlocking the door, the security guard, led Rey inside. Rey paused at the sight of his guest, a smile crossing his face.
"Sharon," Rey said.
"Rey," Sharon said.
Sitting across from her, Rey said, "You have no idea to how happy I am to see you."
"Well, you won't feel that way for long," Sharon said, "Not when I am through with you."
Kyle stirred, as he pulled himself from sleep. A morning stretch of his arms, was cut short by the pain it caused, in his ribs. Hearing footsteps entering the room, Kyle's eyes took in a sight that made his heart skip a beat.
"Lola?" Kyle said.
"Good morning," Lola said, "It's about time you woke up. I thought you were going to sleep all day."
"No," Kyle said, "This isn't happening. I was home."
"You know your home is here with me now," Lola smiled.
Kyle shook his head, "I was home," he said, again, "It was real."
"You and I belong together," Lola said, "Forever."
"NO!" Kyle said, waking up from his dream.
Looking beside, him and realizing he was alone in bed, panic was in his voice as Kyle called out for his wife. "Rachel?!"
Rushing in from the adjoining bathroom, Rachel said, "Kyle?" Sitting next to him she said, "What's wrong?"
Kyle sighed, realizing his bad dream, was only bad memories. "I woke up and you weren't here," Kyle said, "For a moment I didn't know where I was. I thought my homecoming had been a dream."
"You're home," Rachel soothed, "And I am right here with you."
Kyle smiled linking his fingers, with Rachel's, as she gave him a quick kiss.
"How are you feeling?" Rachel said.
"Still a little sore," Kyle said.
Feeling his forehead, Rachel said, "You're cool. I think your fever is gone. The swelling looks better too."
"I don't even remember falling asleep last night," Kyle said.
"That's because of your medication," Rachel said, "You were out in no time. When you were still sleeping this morning, you looked so peaceful, I couldn't bear to wake you."
"I should get up," Kyle mused.
"No, you're going to stay right there," Rachel said, "You need to rest."
"That doesn't mean I have to lie down all day," Kyle said.
"Are you going to be a difficult patient?" Rachel said.
"Well, that depends on what kind of nurse, I have," Kyle said.
Rachel smiled and said, "I have to go to work. Are you sure you're going to be okay if I leave?"
"I've been known to take care of myself," Kyle said, wincing as Rachel helped him prop on pillows.
"Traci, is going to come by a few times today," Rachel said, "To make sure you're doing alright, and make you some food, keep you company."
"Traci, is too good to me," Kyle said.
"I will call and check in on you too," Rachel said, "Maybe I can even come home a little early. Do you think my boss would be okay with that?"
"He would be disappointed if you didn't," Kyle said.
/."I can see you are upset with me," Rey said.
"Upset?" Sharon said, "I've been through worry, confusion and anger."
"I understand," Rey said.
"Do you?" Sharon said, "Because I don't! How could you be so cruel? Not only to Kyle, but to me. You made a fool out of me, sweeping me into this relationship that was nothing more than a sham."
"My love for you is true," Rey said, "I'm sorry I deceived you, but I never lied when I said I loved you."
Sharon shook her head and said, "How do you expect me to believe one word you say anymore?"
"I wish I could explain this to you," Rey said, "But I don't know what came over me. My little sister was hurting and all I could think of was getting revenge for it."
"You nearly took a life," Sharon said, "That's extreme for revenge. I think you've had this malicious side to you all along and Kyle was your excuse to let it out."
"How could you think that of me?" Rey said.
"Your actions showed me the real you," Sharon said, "You're not the man I thought you were."
"Okay, I know I have some serious issues to work through," Rey said, "I'm determined to get better and stronger to become the man you fell in love with. If you wait for me, we can have that wonderful life together, like we talked about."
"I hate to disappoint you," Sharon said, "I want nothing more to do with you."
"You're angry," Rey said, "You don't mean that."
"Yes, I do," Sharon said, "I feel bad for Kyle, but I am so thankful you didn't hurt me or my family."
"I would never do that," Rey said.
"You broke my trust in you," Sharon said, "I would never feel comfortable with you again."
"Give me a chance," Rey persisted, "I will never cause you to doubt me again."
"I came to here today for closure," Sharon said, "To tell you that not only am I disappointed in you, but to warn you to stay away from me, Faith and my family. You are no longer welcome in my home, or my life."
"If you stop to think, you will see we can get past this," Rey said, "I made a horrible mistake, and I'm asking you for a second chance. I sincerely apologize for keeping you in the dark and for all the lies."
"I hope you do get better and are able to resume your life," Sharon said.
"I knew you would understand," Rey said, "That's one of the things I love about you, you're ability to forgive."
"You are not listening to me," Sharon said, "We are over. You and I will never be together again."
"No, I don't accept that," Rey said.
"I'm afraid you have to," Sharon said.
"We belong together," Rey said, "I'm not giving up on us."
"There is no us anymore," Sharon said.
"You just need some time to see we are perfect for each other," Rey said.
Sharon saw a look in Rey's eyes, she had never witnessed before. Although it frightened her, Sharon remained strong with her words. "If and when you get out of here, I want you to leave me alone. I will get a restraining order if I have to."
"Sharon, sweetheart, please don't walk away," Rey pleaded.
"I have to," Sharon said, standing up, "I am going to leave here and when I do, I am never going to think of you again. I have too much pride and self respect to waste one more second of my time on you."
As the guard opened the door for Sharon, Rey said, "Sharon, I love you."
Looking back at Rey, Sharon said, "You shouldn't." She left the room without looking back.
Rachel walked into the CEO office of Jabot, and dropped some files onto the desk. Walking around to the other side of the desk, she sat in the chair a grabbed some post notes. She was busy writing when she heard a voice say, "Don't tell me."
Rachel looked up to see Summer. "Tell you what?" Rachel said.
"That you're taking over for Kyle until he gets back to work," Summer said.
"You have no idea how much I would like to say yes, right now," Rachel said, "I'm hardly qualified. I was dropping off some files, for Kyle, he knew his Dad would want to go over them and I was leaving a note."
"How is Kyle doing?" Summer said.
"He finally had a good night's sleep and he's feeling a bit better," Rachel said.
"I'm glad to hear that," Summer said, "Please give him my best. I hope he's recovered and back to work soon."
With a nod, Summer turned to leave, when Rachel said, "Why is that?"
"I'm sorry?" Summer said.
Standing up, Rachel said, "You seem anxious to see Kyle again."
"Of course," Summer said, "He's been missed around here."
"Mostly by you, right?" Rachel said.
"I thought we had lost him forever," Summer said, "Of course, I'm relieved that he is alright."
"Yes, it's wonderful, that he's back home," Rachel said, "But you did not answer my question."
"I don't know what you're getting at," Summer said.
"I'll be blunt," Rachel said, "You see, I know you like to spend every possible second you can with Kyle. It just makes your day to see him every chance you get."
"Kyle and I happen to work together," Summer said, "My job depends on his input and we are required to spend a lot of time together. We are friends, which makes our relationship more fulfilling."
"Professionally or personally?" Rachel said.
"Are you insinuating that I'm after your husband?" Summer said.
"Are you?" Rachel said.
"Don't be ridiculous," Summer said, "In case you have forgotten, I am with Fen. He and I are living together and we love each other."
"Then I feel sorry for Fen," Rachel said.
"How dare you," Summer said.
"I know, Summer," Rachel said, "And I'll be surprised if Fen doesn't. You have feelings for Kyle. The only reason you have your current boyfriend, is because he's second best for you."
"I'm not going to stand here and be insulted," Summer said, turning to leave.
Rachel followed her into the hallway and said, "Oh, I'm not finished. Here's the thing…Kyle is my husband. At the end of the day it's me, he comes home to. It's our bed he crawls into, it's me he holds all night. His wife, the love of his life, that will never be you, because it's me. So, any notions you have of wooing Kyle, you can get those out of your head. Because Kyle is my husband. You remember that, and you and I will get along just fine."
Summer stared incredulously, as Rachel walked away.
"I like that one," Susie said, as Traci hung an ornament on the tree at Kyle and Rachel's house.
"It's pretty isn't it?" Traci said. As Susie threw some tinsel on the branches, Traci smiled and said, "Spread it around more on that side."
Kyle walked into the room, Traci reaching to help when she saw him.
"I'm okay, thanks," Kyle said.
"What do you think?" Susie said.
"Now, that's a Christmas tree," Kyle said, "It looks amazing. Your Mom will love it."
"What are we going to do for a tree topper?" Traci said.
"I brought this one," Susie said, producing an angel, with a white flowing gown and gold wings.
"Oh, it's beautiful," Traci said.
"Mom, gave it to me a long time ago," Susie said, "It used to belong to my Aunt Susan."
"Uh, maybe we should check with your Mom, before you use that one," Kyle said.
"Why, can't we just put it up?" Susie said.
"Because it might remind your Mom of her sister and make her sad," Kyle said.
"It might also be a nice symbol of her memory," Traci said.
"That's true," Kyle said, "Maybe you're right. You should place that at the top. I would help you, if I could."
"Not to worry, we have a ladder," Traci said.
"I can put it on," Susie said, climbing the steps.
"Just be careful," Traci said, holding the ladder steady.
Traci and Kyle watched as, Susie arranged the angel, into the right spot. "There," she said.
"Perfect," Kyle said.
Susie descended the ladder, missing the last step she tripped, but Traci was there to steady her.
"Are you okay?" Kyle said.
"Yeah," Susie laughed at her almost accident, making Traci and Kyle smile.
The sound of the front door opening, sent Susie rushing to the door to greet her mother.
"Susie, I didn't know you were here," Rachel said, "What a nice surprise."
"Close your eyes," Susie said.
"My eyes?" Rachel said.
"It's a surprise," Susie said, "Close them."
"Okay…" Rachel said, doing as she was instructed.
Susie led Rachel by the arm, saying, "Come this way."
"Should I be afraid?" Rachel said.
"Alright," Susie said, stopping Rachel in place, "Now, you can open them."
A smile crossed Rachel's face, as she took in the sight of the fully decorated Christmas tree. "Oh, it looks amazing," she said.
"We wanted to surprise you," Susie said.
"It's a wonderful surprise," Rachel said, surveying the decorations.
Kyle noticed Rachel's expression change, when she spotted the angel. "Did you put that angel up there?" she said.
"Susie told us who it used to belong to," Traci said, "We thought it would be a nice remembrance of your sister."
"Only if that's okay with you," Kyle said.
Rachel gave Kyle a gentle hug as she looked at the angel. "It is," she said, "I think it's perfect."
"You know," Kyle mused, "That tree is missing something."
"Is it?" Rachel said, "If you're talking about presents, it's a little early for Santa."
"Okay, it's missing two things," Kyle said. Looking at Susie, he said, "I think we forgot something."
"Oh yeah," Susie said, running to the kitchen.
"The decorations are just right, what could be missing?" Rachel said.
"This," Susie said, handing her mother a small box.
"What's in here?" Rachel said.
"Open it and find out," Kyle said.
"What have you done?" Rachel said, opening the box. Locating the item inside, Rachel said, "Oh, Kyle."
Rachel lifted out a globe, containing a miniature bride and groom inside, amid layers of sparkles. Reading the wording underneath, Rachel said, "Our first Christmas as Mr. & Mrs."
"It's lovely," Traci said.
"It really is," Rachel said, "Thank you." She kissed Kyle's cheek.
"I couldn't let our first Christmas, as a married couple, go by without marking the occasion," Kyle said.
"You know, this looks like the decoration from the top of our wedding cake," Rachel said.
"I guess it does," Kyle said. Kyle looked at Traci and shrugged, indicating he didn't really remember.
"Now to find the perfect place to put this," Rachel said.
"Go for it," Kyle said.
"What about right there?" Susie said. Rachel hung the ornament in the suggested place.
"Looks good to me," Kyle said.
"Can you believe it's been almost a year?" Rachel said.
"Time always seems to go by fast," Traci said.
"Next year we will have a baby for Christmas," Susie said.
"Yes, we will," Rachel said.
"Am I going to have a little sister or brother?" Susie said.
"We're not sure yet," Rachel said, "We are going to wait and see."
"When will the baby be here?" Susie said.
"Early spring," Rachel said, "Around the first of April."
"Not until then?" Susie said.
"Believe me, it will be here before you know it," Rachel said, "And then before you know it, he or she will be a pre-teen too."
"Next year we need an ornament that says, Our First Christmas as Mommy and Daddy," Kyle said.
"You're already a Mom," Susie said.
"Yes and I love you lots," Rachel said, "Kyle meant it will be our first Christmas together with a baby."
"Can't wait," Kyle smiled.
"This is the worst time of year," Mariah sighed, as she sat at the bar in Society.
"It's Christmas," Austin said, "Usually that makes people happy. What, no plans with the family?"
"I will see them," Mariah said, "I was talking about the shopping. I never know what to buy anyone. I have to get a gift for Tessa, Faith and Sharon. I feel like I should get something for Nick, but do I get him something alone or include Phyllis? Then there's Kyle and Rachel, I should get them something too."
"You forgot someone," Austin said, "Me."
"Am I supposed to buy you a gift, because you're Tessa's brother?" Mariah panicked.
"I could use a new car," Austin said, "A new apartment…"
"A new personality?" Mariah suggested.
"If you do that, then we will have gotten each other the same thing," Austin said.
"Hah," Mariah mocked a laugh.
Looking towards the entrance, Austin smiled and said, "So, are you going to see Tessa over the holidays?"
"I don't know," Mariah said, "I want to, but I haven't heard anything, so I think she will still be at the facility."
"You never know," Austin said, "She could pop up."
"It won't be Christmas without Tessa," Mariah said, "I don't even know when she's coming home."
"How about today?" a familiar voice said, from behind Mariah.
Austin grinned as Mariah turned around to see Tessa smiling at her. "Tessa!" Mariah said, jumping up to hug her.
"Hi, you," Tessa said.
"What are you doing here?" Mariah said, "Of course, I'm happy to see you, but I wasn't expecting this. It doesn't matter why, just that you're home."
"Before you celebrate too much, I can only stay a short time," Tessa said, "I've been doing well, so I got a 24 hour pass, to visit with the people I love. Which is the two of you. I have to check in with my counsellor tonight and go back in tomorrow."
"Oh," Mariah said, disappointment in her tone.
"I know, I wish I could stay longer too," Tessa said, "This program is really helping me with anxiety and putting things in perspective. So, there is a good chance, I could be home to stay in time for Christmas."
"That would be wonderful," Mariah said, "Although, even if this time is short, we will make the most of it."
"Agreed," Tessa said.
"Don't I get a hug?" Austin said.
"You bet," Tessa said, hugging her brother. "Now, have you been behaving yourself?"
"I've been a very good boy," Austin said, "I even have a new job here, as the bartender."
"I did wonder when I saw you behind the bar," Tessa said, "I also saw the two of you talking, so does that mean you're getting along like I hoped?"
"Like old friends," Austin said.
"It's been a riot," Mariah said.
Sitting next to Kyle, with her head resting on his shoulder, Rachel said, "I've missed being with you like this."
Linking their fingers of one hand together, Kyle said, "Me too. It was nice of Traci to take Susie up to the main house, so we could have some time alone."
"Almost Christmas," Rachel said, "Do you know this our third holiday together?"
"And we are going to have a lot more," Kyle said, "However, we should decide how we are spending the holiday this year."
Raising her head, Rachel said, "That reminds me. Chloe and Kevin are having a Christmas Eve party and they invited us."
"They did?" Kyle said.
"Only if you feel up to it," Rachel said, "I didn't say for sure we could make it, but it would be nice to spend it with Susie and our friends."
"Sounds like fun," Kyle said, "I'm sure I will be feeling much better by then. No reason we can't go."
"Good," Rachel said, "I'll let Chloe know."
Kyle nodded as Rachel continued, "As for tonight, are you hungry?"
"I could eat," Kyle said.
"How do you feel about going out for dinner?" Rachel said, "I was thinking we could go to Society."
"You want to go out?" Kyle said.
"You don't?" Rachel said, "I'm sure there will be some people there that would like to see you."
"Tell me there isn't a surprise party waiting for me," Kyle said.
"No, I just thought it would be nice to go out," Rachel said, "We don't have to if you are still not feeling well enough."
"To be honest, I've missed the place," Kyle said, "But we could have just as nice an evening if we stay home. Maybe we could just get take out from Society."
"If we have to go all the way out there to pick it up, we might as well eat at the restaurant," Rachel said.
"I don't know if it's a good idea," Kyle said.
"Okay, what's wrong?" Rachel said.
"Look at me," Kyle said, "Everyone doesn't need to see my face all banged up and stare me, wondering what is wrong with me."
"Kyle you look so much better," Rachel said.
"To you maybe," Kyle said, "It's still bad enough to make others uncomfortable."
"I know you feel a little self conscious," Rachel said, "But since when do we care what others think?"
"I'm not comfortable with it," Kyle said.
"Maybe we can cover it up," Rachel said.
"With a paper bag?" Kyle said, continuing to joke, "With eye holes and a slit so I can breathe."
Rachel laughed. "I don't think we need to go to that extreme. Hold on, I'll be right back."
Kyle waited a few moments until Rachel returned, sitting next to him with her cosmetic bag. "Make-up? Kyle said, "I hope you are not planning to put that on me."
"It will cover the bruises and no one will know you have any make-up on," Rachel said.
Kyle sighed. "You're serious aren't you?" he said.
"Just let me try and then we will see what you think," Rachel said.
Kyle relented and sat patiently, as Rachel gently applied skin products to cover Kyle's injuries. He winced and remarked, a few times, at his sensitivity to touch, with Rachel apologizing each time for the discomfort.
After a few minutes, Rachel said, "There, how does that look?" She handed him a mirror.
Kyle surveyed himself moving his head from side to side. "That's not bad," he said, "It's definitely improvement."
"So, you like it?" Rachel said.
"Yes," Kyle said, "Good job. Only thing is, you can still see my scar with the stiches."
"I couldn't cover that as well," Rachel said, "It will heal with time."
"I guess so," Kyle said.
Lifting his chin with her finger, Rachel said, "You are still the most handsome man, I have ever known."
Kyle smiled at Rachel, as she kissed him.
"Look whose back in the world!" Mariah said, with arms spread wide open as, Kyle and Rachel arrived at Society.
Austin watched Tessa take a nervous deep breath, as Mariah hugged Kyle, saying, "It's so good to see you."
"It's great to see you too," Kyle said.
"Have you been taking good care of this guy?" Mariah said.
"Oh, she has," Kyle said.
"Nothing but the best for my guy," Rachel said.
"Hi," Tessa meekly said.
"Tessa," Kyle said.
"I didn't expect to see you," Rachel said, "I thought you were still away for awhile."
"I'm on a day pass," Tessa said, "I will be home for good by Christmas."
"I'm glad for you, to be spending the holidays at home," Rachel said.
"How are you?" Tessa said, to Kyle.
"Feeling better all the time," Kyle said.
"It's nice to see you doing so well," Tessa said.
"I never thanked you for your part in all of this," Kyle said, "If you and Theo hadn't been so nosy, things might have turned out for the worst. Thank you."
"You don't have to say that," Tessa said, "I'm just happy you are back where you belong. At home with your wife."
Spying Austin at the bar, Rachel said, "What is he doing here?"
"Oh, heads up," Tessa said, "He's the bartender at Society now."
"He left Jabot?" Kyle said.
"He seems to like this job better," Tessa said.
"This is a difficult conversation to have," Abby said, as she sat off to the side of Society.
"Abby, I know you must be disappointed in me," Lola said.
"I am trying to be understanding," Abby said, "I realize you have a lot of issues to work out."
"As long as I still have my job here, it will go a long way to helping me get my feet back on the ground," Lola said.
"I don't know if that's going to be possible," Abby said.
"You know what a hard worker I am," Lola said, "Let me prove myself to you."
"Lola, I've given this a lot of thought," Abby said, "I'm afraid I'm going to have to let you go."
"You're firing me?" Lola said, "Please Abby…I will work extra hard. Nights, weekends. I can spruce up the menu for Christmas and the New Year. I will prepare the best dishes you have ever had."
"It's not your ability that is in question," Abby said, "Try to see this from my point of view. Kyle's kidnapping was a high profile case. It was all over the news and therefore your name is too. Do you think people will want to continue to dine here, if they know the food was prepared by a convicted felon?"
"That's what you think of me?" Lola said.
"I like you Lola," Abby said, "But I fear my customers will feel differently. I am not angry with you, this is a business decision."
"Please give me another chance," Lola pleaded.
"I'm sorry, this is my final decision," Abby said, "I wish you the best of luck."
Abby got up, leaving Lola despondent with tears rolling down her cheeks.
"You know what we should do?" Tessa said, the sudden excitement in her voice, making Austin jump.
"What's that?" Mariah said.
"We should have a Christmas Eve party," Tessa said, "You, Austin and me."
"The three of us?" Mariah said.
"I get to come?" Austin said.
"It will be great," Tessa said, "We can deck the halls, drink wine, sing Jingle Bells, gorge ourselves on food and watch really bad Christmas specials!"
Looking at Austin, Mariah said, "Who is this girl? Do you know her?"
"I think Tessa is getting into the Christmas spirit," Austin said, "If you want to have a party, add beer to that list and I'm in."
"Mariah?" Tessa said.
"Sure, why not?" Mariah said.
"That was a fantastic meal," Kyle smiled.
"So, it was a good idea to come here?" Rachel said.
"Yes, you were right," Kyle said.
"You look a little tired, should we head home?" Rachel said.
Checking his watch, Kyle said, "I didn't realize it was that late."
"I just need to use the ladies room," Rachel said.
"You go ahead," Kyle smiled.
Kyle stood up and approached the bar, he and Austin seeing each other at the same time.
"Kyle," Austin said.
"Austin," Kyle said, "I need to pay for this."
"Sure," Austin said, ringing up the bill.
"I hear you work here now," Kyle said.
"I do," Austin said, "No offense to your company, but I like it here." Kyle nodded, as Austin continued, "I uh, I owe you a thanks."
"I owe you one too," Kyle said.
"How about in the spirit of the holidays we call a truce?" Austin said, holding out his hand.
"Do you think we can pull that off?" Kyle said.
"It's worth a try," Austin said.
Kyle paused, before accepting the handshake, saying, "Truce."
"We don't have to hug this out, do we?" Austin said.
"No we do not," Kyle said.
"Good call," Austin said.
"So, how long has she been here?" Kyle said, nodding his head in Lola's direction.
"She's been sitting there awhile," Austin said, "I don't think her meeting with Abby went very well."
"Did Abby fire her?" Kyle said.
"I don't know," Austin said, "Why don't you go find out?"
"I do not have anything nice to say to Lola," Kyle said.
"I'm not minimizing what she did to you," Austin started, "But look at her she's miserable. Wouldn't t the proper thing to do, be to wish her a happy holiday?"
Lola was wiping tears away and she was feeling hopeless. She had nowhere to go except back to her apartment alone. There was, no one to talk to, so she was considering contacting her therapist and a longer stay in Fairview.
"Lola?" Kyle's voice startle her, as she quickly looked up.
"Kyle," Lola said, quickly wiping tears away and trying to fight off more.
"Are you alright?" Kyle said.
"I've been better," Lola said, "You look like you're doing well."
"I am," Kyle said.
"Kyle?" Rachel said, saddling up beside him, "Everything okay over here?"
"Yes," Kyle said, "I was just saying hello."
"Lola," Rachel said.
"Rachel," Lola said.
"Any plans for Christmas?" Rachel said.
"Not much," Lola said, "I will call my mother and Arturo. I'll probably visit Rey in…" she trailed off.
"You will understand if I don't have any well wishes to pass on to him," Kyle said.
"We should get going," Rachel said, "Happy holidays, Lola."
"I truly wish the both of you a Merry Christmas," Lola said.
"Thank you," Kyle said, "Same to you." Putting his arm around Rachel, they left the restaurant.
Austin looked over with sympathy, as Lola put her head in her hands and sobbed.
"Lola?" She looked up to see Austin. "Can I do anything for you?" he said.
"No, thank you," Lola said.
"Company?" Austin said, sitting across from her.
"I'm not a very good companion right now," Lola said, "I'm not a very good anything."
"That's not true," Austin said, "You've got a lot of good qualities." Lola looked plainly at Austin, prompting him to continue, "You're smart, funny, a wickedly talented chef, and really beautiful."
"I appreciate what you're trying to do, but you don't have to say those things," Lola said.
"All true," Austin said, "Maybe, if I sing you some Christmas songs it will cheer you up." Launching into his singing voice, Austin began, "We wish you…"
"Please stop," Lola said putting her hand up, "I don't have anything to be merry about."
"You're not going to let me cheer you up?" Austin said.
"What do I have to celebrate?" Lola said, "I'm on parole for doing this horrible thing to Kyle. I am all alone, I have no friends, no job, my family is thousands of miles away, my brother is in jail, plus Kyle and everyone else hates me."
"I don't hate you," Austin said.
"I have no one to blame but myself," Lola said.
"I know what you need," Austin said.
"A few stiff drinks," Lola said.
"Well, that could be part of it," Austin said.
"What are you talking about?" Lola said.
"My sister, Mariah and myself are having a Christmas Eve party," Austin said, "You are officially invited to come."
"I don't think so," Lola said.
"Oh, come on," Austin said, "It promises be loads of fun Christmas cheer."
"The ladies wouldn't want me there," Lola said
"Not true," Austin said, "I can't have a good time, if I know you're alone. You should be with friends. We can make you feel better."
"No, I would bring everybody down," Lola said.
"If you don't come, you will miss it," Austin said.
"What's that?" Lola said.
"My winning smile," Austin said, displaying if for her.
Lola couldn't help letting out a little smile, as she said, "Alright. I will think about it. But no promises."
"Fair enough," Austin said, "I have to close up for the day. Do you need a ride home?"
"That would be nice, thank you." Lola said.
"I'll be back before you can say reindeer," Austin said, darting away.
Lola gave a small laugh, Austin glancing at her with a smile as he shut down the day's business.