“Mom wants us back for dinner. We usually open one gift tonight and do the family routine tomorrow. My grandparents will be in this afternoon, so I want to spend time with them. You pretty much have the day to yourself.”
“What would you suggest?” I asked.
“I would do one of two things. You could go to Venice Beach; I bet you’ll find it entertaining. The other option would be to go to one of the theme parks. You could go visit Mickey Mouse.”
I didn’t want to spend my day standing in line, so I called a car service and had them drop me off at Venice Beach. The driver let me out at Santa Monica Pier, which I checked out first. Of course, I had to try out the roller coaster and giant Ferris wheel. I then made my way along Venice Beach. People told me it was once much wilder, but the city closed down most of the street entertainers and vendors. It was much cleaner, according to one lady. I still found the people fascinating.
Someone pointed me to the canals. I loved this neighborhood. It was tucked away, and if I were from the UK, I would call it posh. I rented a bike and discovered an idyllic scene: arching pedestrian bridges; charming beach houses; and some of what I was told were the city’s best boutiques, galleries, restaurants, and bars. I had lunch in a New York City-inspired deli. They brought in their meats and cheeses from Katz’s Deli in New York. I had their pastrami on rye, and it was as good as advertised.
I made my way back to Venice beach where I bought some touristy t-shirts and even had my fortune told. An old, heavyset woman who smelled of Cheetos told me I was destined for big things. She told me I hadn’t met the love of my life yet, but when I did, I wouldn’t like her at first.
The only downside to the day was that several people recognized me, so I had to stop and let them take pictures with me. A couple wanted me to come hang out with them, but I thought better of it.
When I was done, I called the car and had them take me back to Rita’s house in the hills.
◊◊◊
Christmas Eve dinner was excellent. Halle’s grandmother was a terrific cook, and she made a rack of lamb with a mint sauce. I talked her into giving me the recipe. After dinner, everyone opened a gift. I was stunned when mine was the painting Halle made of Duke and me. She’d had it framed.
We then watched
◊◊◊ Friday December 25
Granny had given me the recipe for her cinnamon rolls, so I got up early and baked a big batch. That and the smell of coffee attracted everyone downstairs.
“You’ll have to give Rosy the recipe,” Rita said.
I was sworn to secrecy, so even Rosy wasn’t getting this recipe. After we ate, Trip played Santa and handed out gifts.
One of my gifts had me confused. It was a bottle of Havana Club Gran Reserva rum from Laurent Vance, the director of
Halle was a good actor. She acted surprised when she opened her surfboard. I mean, what else could it have been? Her mom gave me a look because Rita thought I was spoiling her.
My mom finally tracked me down. She’d just opened her gift—which had a Prada purse in it. I think that, plus the excitement of having family there, made her forget about the whole swimming-with-the-sharks incident. Angie was a little peeved with me because I’d sent electric cars that Kyle and Mac could ride in. They apparently didn’t understand that they were for outside. Angie explained that in the future, all gifts had to be preapproved by her. She made some cryptic threat that I was about to have a baby, and payback could be hell.
◊◊◊
While Halle and her family spent time together, I went for a run, came back and lifted, and practiced hitting a baseball off the batting tee.
Before it got too late, I called Pam.
“Guess what I got?” she asked excitedly.
“I have no idea,” I played along.
“Santa brought me a new smartphone and smartwatch!”
I had no idea how Santa would know that was what she wanted. My watch vibrated and showed a smiley face from Pam. I may have made a mistake in giving it to her.
“I liked your gift too. Halle said you regifted it. She said you have to take us shopping to get our real gift.”
If Halle told Pam where I got the sunglasses, then she’d also told Brook and Zoe. I’d looked online at what they would cost. The first problem was even finding them. There was a pair listed on eBay, and the bidding was unreal. I realized Pam was teasing me; she was aware all she had to do was ask, and I would take her shopping. I acted like I was put out that Halle had ratted me out.
Next, I called Zoe.
“There’s a rumor going around that you know Santa because he spent too much money on me,” she complained.
