Chapter 34

“I have no problem with that,” I replied, trying not to smile too broadly. “We can do something together to celebrate.”

“I was hoping you’d feel that way.”

On the way back to the city, Coop called and reserved a room at a motel a couple of miles from my apartment building. When we got there, I waited in the car while he checked in and left his bag in his room. Afterward, we went on to my place.

“You need a tree, and lights, and what have you,” Coop commented when he walked into the living room.

I snorted. “First off, in case you didn’t notice, all the Christmas tree lots are empty. Secondly, if I’d gotten a tree before we left, it would be shedding needles by now. Thirdly, I wasn’t in the mood in the first place.”

“Well, get in the mood. We’re going out to dinner and then…What do people do on Christmas day?”

“There won’t be any restaurants open unless we want Chinese, so that’s out.”

“Damn. What did you and…Never mind.”