Twenty one
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CHAPTER TWENTY ONE
The sunlight filtered through the window.“ Are we done with Christmas shopping?” Eddie asked, snuggling behind her beneath the thick comforter.“ Yes,” Tanya answered, and waited for the question that always followed for the last fifteen years.“ What did we buy everyone?” He queried.“ I can show you all the wonderful presents you bought so the recipients won’ t be the only ones surprised. Your gift from me is sitting on your nightstand,” she reminded.“ Does that mean I won’ t have anything to open on Christmas?” he whined. Tanya shook her head. Eddie knew his parents always bought him something. The kids picked up money, babysitting in Nicole’ s case, and yard work in Justin’ s. She was proud of her children’ s ability to save the money they made, mostly over summer break, for their Christmas shopping. Eddie still had to shop for Tanya.“ You need a tuxedo and I need a gown for Sam’ s party,” she said.“ Do you really want to go?” he asked.
Bill moved in across the street seven years ago. It was convenient for Tanya to be able to check on the children. The parties were very informal and she felt the desire to break from their old habits. Tanya could not believe how quickly she was able to put back into their savings all they spent and then some. She stuck to her old budget and if they continued at this rate she wanted to pay cash for a car and put a big bow on it for Eddie next Christmas.“ Didn’ t you hear her? Sam is afraid no one is going to show up to her party. I was prepared not to like her, but she is very genuine. And I might add, you said she was attractive.”“ You didn’ t think Sam was attractive?” Eddie asked.“ Every man in the restaurant had to put their eyes back in their sockets,” she said.“ I thought they were looking at you.”“ Nice save. I’ m going to call and let her know we will be there,” Tanya said, getting out of bed.
After putting on the coffee she found the invitation and dialed the number. Eddie was on his way down and heard her talking to Sam. Tanya was laughing as Eddie sat to enjoy his morning brew.“ Well?” he asked.“ It looks like we won’ t be the only ones there and Sam has hired a band. Let’ s go shopping.” Eddie was able to slip away and find Tanya’ s gifts while she hunted for a bargain. He was happy to find merchants trying to unload some high ticket items at the last moment. The diamond necklace, earrings and bracelet would have cost him well over three grand. With as much as seventy-five percent off retail he still had change from the fifteen hundred dollars he squirreled away just for this purpose. He was excited about Christmas again.
Checking out the latest in electronic devises, his phone chimed, letting him know Tanya had narrowed it down to a few choices. He took off to offer his opinion, knowing whatever she picked, his gifts would be a nice accessory. The comfortable chairs near the dressing rooms were empty and Eddie enjoyed the private fashion show. Tanya saved the best for last. When she stepped into view he asked why she bothered trying on all the other gowns.“ It’ s not too much?” she asked, turning around. The dress was low cut in the back.“ Wow. It may not stay on you very long once we get home,” Eddie commented, the cut of the back of the dress reminded him of a champagne glass.“ I need shoes,” she said, raising herself on her toes. Eddie nodded. Tanya paid for the gown and they went in search of proper footwear. Eddie used the money he had left for a pair of wine colored high heels and matching purse. She had not noticed the price tag on the shoes because Eddie picked them out. They were perfect. Eddie handed the cashier three, hundred dollar bills and received some change. Tanya noticed.“ They were on sale, practically giving them away,” he said, stealing her line.
On the way home he mentioned they should have a wife tasting party this evening.“ Don’ t you mean wine tasting party?” she questioned.“ No. I said exactly what I meant,” he answered, as she drove.“ You look like a fine Cabernet in that dress.” Tanya liked the sound of that kind of party. They stopped and ordered a tuxedo for Eddie. He wanted another couple of suits. Tanya agreed, most of the time he needed a suit not a tux.