Good Enough(27)
“I promise.”
“Pathetic! I can count all of your friends on one hand.”
December 21, 2001
I’M EXCITED FOR OUR FIRST “friends” Christmas party at Ramsey’s house. Everyone is bringing food, alcohol and a grab bag gift. Jameson took the night off from work so he could go, and I’ll meet him there. Things have been going well since we got back together. We don’t see much of each other during the week due to our opposite schedules but the weekends we’re always together. We’re taking things slow so we don’t get in to a fight and break up like we did in September. I’m really looking forward to a fun night.
7:00 p.m.
“Ramsey, that tree is huge! The lights are so pretty. Just one problem, your star on top is bent.” Aleyshia states.
“Yeah, I ugh, kind of threw it all together this afternoon.” Ramsey admits.
“Should we just put our beer outside on the porch since it’s so cold outside and save you room in the fridge?” I ask.
“Yes, Hillary. That would be great. And could you make the spiked egg-nog for me?”
“You got it.”
Within minutes our friends start showing up, food is being nibbled on and drinks are being guzzled. Ramsey started a bright, glowing fire in the fireplace. It looked beautiful with the stockings hung on the mantle.
Aleyshia found Jim Carey’s “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas” on cable so she claimed her spot on the couch for the night with her beer and snacks. Kayla is helping Ramsey by finishing up the ornaments on the tree that he didn’t get to. Lily and Bevan are hanging out with Jameson and myself in the kitchen. We refuse to leave the kitchen since we can’t keep our hands off of the meatballs, chicken wings and chips.
“This is so much fun! We should do this every year.” Lily exclaims.
“I wonder how many people got raunchy grab bag Christmas gifts.” I wonder.
“Surprisingly, I think everyone got normal gifts.” Bevan says.
“Ramsey! Can I add more wood to the fire?” Aleyshia’s boyfriend Jack shouts.
“No Jack! You are a walking disaster. I’ll do it.” Jameson exclaims.
11:35 p.m.
“I’m going outside to smoke a cigarette. Come with me?” Jameson asks me. I nod and follow.
“Having a good time pretty lady?”
“Yes I am, cute drunk boy.”
“I’m not drunk.”
“Whatever. Are you having a good time?”
“I am. I’m having a great time. I’m so happy to be here with you and all of our friends. One thing would make this night better though.”
“What’s that?” I ask.
“Will you marry me?”
“WHAT? NO!”
“Why not?”
“What? Because! We’ve only been together for a couple of months. We haven’t even had sex! And you’re drunk.”
“No, I’m not!”
“Oh-my-god! You totally are! I’m going inside. I’m cold.”
Jameson follows me inside and heads towards the bathroom. I immediately head straight to the kitchen for more alcohol. My adrenaline has sky rocketed from Jameson’s drunken proposal.
Ramsey comes in to the kitchen. “Hillary, is Jameson okay?”
“Yeah, why?”
“Because I heard him puking in the bathroom.”
“Oh crap!” I slam my beer bottle down on the kitchen counter and make my way towards the bathroom. Just as I’m about to knock on the door Jameson opens it, stepping out.
“Were you throwing up in there?” I ask.
“No.”
“Don’t lie to me. I can smell it on your breath.”
“Fine. I threw up but I feel fine now. I just did too many shots. I’m going to drink coffee or water for the rest of the night. I have to drive home still.”
“You promise you’ll stop drinking tonight?”
“I promise.”
1:36 a.m.
It’s getting late, the party is winding down and I’m getting tired. It’s time to go home. I start making the rounds giving hugs goodbye.
“I warmed up your car already. You ready to go?” Jameson asks.
“Aw, thanks babe. Yes, I’m ready.”
Sauntering to my car, Jameson grabs my hand rubbing his thumb over my knuckles. It’s just a small thing but I love it so much.
“Before you go, you sure you don’t want to change your answer about my proposal?” Jameson asks with a devilish grin.
“Oh-my-god! No way! You’re insane! Now give me a kiss so I can go because I’m freezing out here.”
“Fine. Call me when you get home.”
About a half of a mile down the road the veracity of Jameson’s proposal hit me. I immediately crack my window and light up a cigarette. Every conceivable thought that could run through my mind did. Does he really want to marry me? Why didn’t he have a ring? Was it just the alcohol talking? Will he ever ask me again? Why did I say no? This could be the one and only time I ever get asked in my entire life! I smoke cigarette after cigarette after cigarette.