Page 29 of Iona's Christmas
“Iona, you do know this isn’t Christmas?” Griffin asked.
“Just open it,” I snapped as Lindy, Lissy, and Rosalea came out.
Undertaker opened his first and looked confused and then began laughing. “That’s fuckin’ amazing.” He held up a miniature coffin and a little washing machine.
“They are tree ornaments,” I said as he continued to smile.
“They’re great,” he admitted.
“Damn,” Wisecrack exclaimed as he unwrapped his and saw a small chapel referring to his role as Chaplin and a small car for his mechanic job.
The others tore open theirs, and laughter arose. I glowed as they showed each other what they’d received.
“Nicely done,” Lindy said with warm approval.
Grinning, I turned and handed her the presents I’d bought for her. Lindy chuckled as she opened a bee and a tiny leather waistcoat.
“Clever girl,” she stated as Lissy and Roselea opened theirs.
There was happiness in the clubhouse, and you could tell everyone loved their gifts. Even the old timers were tickled.
“Okay, let’s get started with food prep,” Lindy ordered. “Breakfast is up, help yourselves, and you’re on your own for lunch. And someone needs to order takeout for dinner tonight because we aren’t cooking.”
“We’ll arrange it, Lindy. Go on with you,” Warden agreed.
“Come on, ladies, we’ve got a busy day,” I said, getting to my feet.
Warden sank a kiss on me, and I scuttled away as he slapped my ass.
“Payback’s a bitch.” I called out.
“A bitch that wears your name,” Warden shouted at me.
I winked at him and disappeared into the kitchen. There, the enormity of the task we were facing hit me.
“Damn!” I swore.
“I thought we’d all work together. The hams are on, and cooking and the turkeys are in the fridge already. If we sort through the vegetables one at a time, it will stop us getting suicidal,” Lindy said.
“Thank God!” Rosalea exclaimed. “I was dreading peeling carrots for five hours.”
“Not quite, but I wouldn’t want you get bored,” I teased, and Rosalea poked her tongue out.
“Grab the damn carrots,” Lissy ordered, laughing as Lindy filled up a huge pot with water.
Lissy, Rosalea, Lindy and I settled in. Lindy put some Christmas music on, and we talked and giggled as we peeled. Wewere halfway through when Cécile arrived and grabbed a stool to help.
“Did you celebrate Christmas in New Orleans?” Lindy asked.
“Etienne and I often celebrated alone. My family disowned me called me insane, so it was just us,” Cécile replied.
“Etienne did not have a family?” I inquired.
“Etienne had an aunt. She wasn’t… a nice person. She practised black magic, and Etienne’s soul is as white as they come,” Cécile stated. Her tone left no room for discussion.
“Are you looking forward to moving here?” Rosalea asked.
“Yeah. Etienne and I didn’t plan to leave New Orleans; we were content there. But something told me that we did not have a lifetime there. It wasn’t our forever home.”