Christmas Blue at Flynn's Read online

  She had cute toes and pearly pink nail polish. Soooo cute he wanted to squeeze her. However, he did what he always did and simply waited politely as the newcomers entered.

  The woman coming through the door was the spitting image of a traditional grandmother - grey hair bobbed, all plump and motherly with red cheeks and shrewd eyes. Her dress reached her knees and covered her primly but comfortably.

  “Gramma,” Flynn said, “this is my friend, Ben.”

  Gramma paused, looked him up and down then smiled and held out a hand. “I’ve heard so much about you, Ben. Pleasure to finally meet you.”

  He snuck a peek at Flynn as he gave Gramma’s soft hand a careful shake. So, Flynn had talked about him, huh? Things were suddenly looking up again.

  That happened right up until a man appeared behind Gramma. He was heavily built, his shirt tight enough to show every hard, overdone bunch of muscle. He had black hair cut in some way that had the top puffed up a little, shorts that were tight enough in the crotch to reveal what surely to God had to be a sock stuffed in there, and a faintly sleazy look about him as he eyed Flynn.

  “And this is Sid.” Flynn shifted a little closer to Ben.

  “We need to get a family shot.” Sid whipped out a mobile phone, stepped up beside Flynn, slung his arm around her, flashed his bright pearly whites. “Smile!”

  “Holy crap,” Gram said. “How many selfies does that make now since he arrived? Ten? Twenty?”

  “Don’t exaggerate,” Gramma replied. “It’s ten.”

  “Selfies,” Dax commented. “The social death of mankind everywhere.”

  Ben couldn’t help but notice how Flynn’s lower body was leaning away from Sid. He also couldn’t help but notice Sid’s arm slide down from her shoulders to her waist and - oh no! Not on his watch!

  Before that big hand could go any lower, Ben punched in-between them, grinning widely at the mobile just as another click sounded.

  “Fun,” he said. Turning so that Flynn was safely behind him, he stuck out his hand. “G’day.”

  Sid checked the photo on his mobile, nodded in satisfaction and returned his attention to Ben. “Same.” Grabbing Ben’s hand, he shook.

  And squeezed.

  Hard.

  Great, this muscle-bound drongo was trying to prove he was stronger. Okay, his grip was hurting a little, Ben had to be honest, but he gave as good as he got and considering he had the best positional grip, he was able to give a pretty bloody good hard squeeze back. So he did.

  Sid grunted.

  Dax’s sigh was loud.

  “Bugger me dead,” Gram said. “They’re having a pissing contest.”

  “Joy!” Gramma frowned. “Language, please.”

  “Okay, everyone.” Flynn laid her hand atop Ben’s wrist. “Let’s all be friends. Remember, it’s Christmas.”

  And this muscle-bound, steroid-slugging sleaze bag was not going to put Ben offside with Flynn. Ben released his hand and took a step back with a warning look. Most men would have caught that warning. Sid was too busy taking another seflie.

  “I title this one ‘winner’,” he announced with satisfaction. “It’s going up on my social page.”

  Ben knew what he’d title it but in deference to Flynn, he didn’t say it aloud.

  A giggle came from the hall and his eyebrows shot upwards. Good grief, surely that wasn’t another visitor?

  The woman came in, her high heels clicking on the floor, her tight, short dress showing off legs that went up to her arm pits, long hair dyed pale purple that went down to her arse, heavily made-up eyes, and a duck pout that rivalled the real thing.

  One glance at Flynn showed her lips tighten briefly, right before she plastered a smile on her dial. “Lastly, this is Cousin Sally. Sid’s her boyfriend.”

  Busily talking on her mobile, Sally looked Ben up and down, lingered on his shoulders and face before she said, “Hi”, turned the mobile around, pouted and snapped.

  “Let’s do one together,” Sid suggested.

  “Crap on a stick,” said Gram. “Are you for real?”

  “Joy!” Gramma admonished. But her lips were pursed as she filled the kettle.

  Ben’s eyebrows shot upwards as the duo stood and preened and made all kinds of weird faces, Sally doing the duck lips and Sid flexing his biceps.

  Flynn’s sigh caught his attention and he glanced down to find her pinching the bridge of her nose. As though feeling his regard, her eyes opened and she smiled brightly. “That’s the lot.”

  ~*~

  “I see why Phoebe’s moved in to my place,” Ben said. “She’s not used to a crowd.”

  Phoebe was her one big worry. “I’m sorry. She freaked when everyone arrived and all started talking. It was too noisy for her.”

  “It’s all good. She can camp over my place until everyone goes.”

  Aw, that was Ben all over. Flynn’s heart warmed. He was so giving, so caring, so kind. No wonder she wanted to get closer but, well, he hadn’t shown anything other than friendship. He obviously thought of her as a buddy, mate, movie-night together kind of girl, so she didn’t push it. Wanted to, promised herself she would, but first she had to get Christmas out of the way.

  Geez. She eyed her rellies. Gram was thrusting out her boobs, the fires of Hell blazing brazenly at Gramma, who was getting mugs out of the cupboard while shooting Gram annoyed looks. Dax was standing as still as though a white marble statue, his eerie eyes taking in the scene without expression. Sally - could you believe she’d actually brought her boyfriend to stay without asking first? - was snuggled up to Sid while they both checked their social pages on their mobiles.

  Wow, this was going to be fun. Not.

  Now now, Flynn, don’t be like that. They’ve all just arrived and need to settle in. This is Christmas, family time, love and caring. So be nice.

  Taking a deep breath, she smiled brightly up at Ben.

  He smiled back down at her.

  For a few seconds it was like they were the only two people in the room, but then Sally yelled “Smile!”, they both looked around, startled, and she snapped their photo.

  “Christmas at Flynn’s” Sally said. “It’ll look great on my page. I’m uploading it now.”

  Sid pocketed his mobile - wonder of wonders - and looked around. “Right, let’s get this party started.”

  “Good idea,” Gramma agreed. “Let’s all sit down and have a cuppa, find out what we’ve all been doing since we last met.”

  “A long time ago,” Gram intoned, “in a city far, far away.”

  “Very funny. What have you been doing?” Gramma dropped tea bags into the mugs. “Apart from riding around like some old tart?”

  Uh-oh. “I have some cake, too, Gramma.” Flynn started across the room towards the pantry. “Made it myself and-”

  “Do you mean me riding the motorbike like an old tart?” Gram tilted her chair back to balance on the back legs. “Or me riding the blokes like an old tart?”

  “Or there are biscuits,” Flynn continued a little loudly. “Melting Moments that I cooked just last-”

  “Both,” Gramma replied.

  “You really want to know?”

  Sally sat down opposite Gram. “I do.”

  “I don’t,” Dax said.

  “You still have sex?” Sid sat down next to Sally. “I thought oldies didn’t do it anymore.”

  Horrified, Flynn looked over at the idiot.

  Gramma’s lips were tightly pressed together as she checked the kettle.

  Ben’s gaze was flickering between everyone, taking in all the expressions, his own bemused.

  “Change of subject!” Flynn opened the pantry. “Cake or biccies? I know, let’s have both.” Reaching in, she grabbed the two containers.

  “Of course we oldies have sex.” Gram smiled widely at Sid. “You think it’s young people only? Honey, where do you think you got the idea?”

  “Good grief,” Gramma muttered.

  “We were having sex long b
efore you young people. We were the young people. And while we might be wrinkly and a bit saggy now, it doesn’t mean our juices have dried up.”

  “Oh my God.” Gramma switched the kettle off. “Do you mind, Joy?”

  “Not at all, Linda. I’m educating the young people here. It’s what we sexy older people do.”

  Dax’s eyebrows rose a little.

  Not as far as Ben’s though. He looked at Flynn and all she could think to do was ask weakly, “Biccie or cake?”

  He smiled back, all kind and sweet. “I’ll-”

  “You think vibrators and lube were only invented in your generation?” Gram asked Sally. “Let me tell you-”

  “Please don’t!” Gramma shuddered.

  This was getting out of hand. Flynn could see the wicked glint in Gram’s eyes, the anger in Gramma’s, and the definitely sleazy air going all oily around Sid. He was enjoying this, would probably post everything on his freakin’ social page. Time to regain control.

  “Right, change of subject.” Gripping the containers, she strode across the room.

  “Aw,” Sid actually whined. “This was just getting interesting.”

  “I’m sure we can talk about something other than sex.” She dropped the containers in front of Gram. “Right?” When Gram just looked at her, she repeated, “Right?”

  “Fine.” Gram sighed. “Let’s talk knitting.”

  Sid rolled his eyes.

  “Have you seen those knitted tubes for men’s dongers?”

  “Linda!” Gramma almost slammed the kettle back onto the power base. “Really!”

  “Yeah, really.”

  Sid brayed like a donkey.

  Sally aimed her mobile at Gram, who struck a pose. “You’re a hoot, Gram.”

  “Let me guess.” Dax’s head angled slightly. “That’s going on your social page.”

  “Yep!” Sally busily thumbed her mobile.

  “Social media is the death of social interaction.”

  “Don’t be a wet noodle.”

  Dax just smiled a little grimly. Most definitely his face make-up and eerie eyes made that smile a little spooky.

  Flynn hurried over to the kitchen bench. “I’ll get the plates. Sally, what have you been doing?”

  “Huh?”

  Flynn glanced over to see her scrolling through her mobile. “Sally.”

  “Huh?”

  “Sally.” Annoyance crept through her.

  “Mmmm?” Sally’s face brightened. “Ooohh, look, Sid! Billy’s posted his gym selfies from this morning!”

  Immediately Sid leaned over to check it out. “His biceps aren’t as big as mine. Do you think they’re as big as mine?” He bent his arm, regarded the muscle that bulged up. “I don’t think they’re as big as mine.”

  “I think they’re bigger,” Dax said.

  Sid frowned. “You think?”

  “Yeah. Between your ears.”

  “Better than your weedy body. You should work out more, like me.”

  Flynn could only stare as Sid took a selfie of his arm and studied it. Was he for real? And then he showed the selfie to Sally and they compared the photos.

  Wondering what he thought about all this, Flynn glanced at Ben, only to find him frowning as he read his mobile screen.

  He looked up at her. “Sorry, Flynn, I have to give this a miss.”

  “Oh, no.” Her heart fell, but oddly, she was also relieved.

  Would it be shallow of her to feel just a little embarrassed by some of her family members? Yes, it was, but heck…

  “Work.” He slid the mobile into his back pocket.

  “Nothing too bad…?” Silly question. She sighed. “It’s okay.”

  “Josie called in sick. The boss has an operation happening and no one to assist.” He nodded at everyone. “Good to meet you all. I’ll catch you later.”

  “Only if you chase me.” Gram winked. “I’ll run slow. Real slow.”

  Gramma’s lips pursed as she poured the hot water into the mugs.

  Flynn trailed after him to the front door. “I hope everything’s okay.”

  Opening the security screen, Ben turned and smiled down at her. “It’s that wog going around. Everyone’s getting it. Josie is the latest casualty.”

  “Bummer.” Listening to the raised voices coming from behind her, she flinched.

  Concerned, he laid a hand on her shoulder. “You okay?”

  “Sure.”

  His gaze flicked over her shoulder into the depths of the house. “Relatives, huh?”

  She sighed. “It seemed like a good idea at the time.”

  “Hey.” Eyes gentle, he chucked her under the chin. “It’s a great idea.”

  Gram’s raucous laughter followed by Sid’s oilier one drifted down the hallway. “You think?”

  “All those people who would otherwise be alone for Christmas at your house? You have a tender heart, Flynn. It’s what I love about you.”

  It’s what I love about you. Her heart melted like chocolate on the footpath. It was just a saying, but still…

  Obviously mistaking her wistful expression, Ben leaned down and kissed her on the forehead. “It’ll be all right.”

  That kiss, friendly and comforting as it was, still had the power to make her tingle in all the right places. But mindful that she was his mate, his buddy, his friend, and the kiss was meant to be comforting, she managed to dredge up a carefree smile. “Okay.”

  “I’m really sorry I can’t be here.” He tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, gave her shoulder a little pat.

  “Me, too.” At the shriek of Sally’s laughter, Flynn winced. “Or maybe not.”

  Ben laughed that slow, easy laugh that curled languidly through her. His brown eyes sparkled with mirth, that fine, strong jaw line just begging her fingers to trail across it.

  Instead, she leaned against the doorframe and flapped a hand. “Go on, go save the helpless and be my hero.”

  He winked and walked away.

  She watched him go. Man might not have the heavy muscles that Sid flaunted, but he was broad of shoulder, narrow of hip, and his biceps were manly enough in her opinion. The man oozed masculinity without having to flaunt it or show off like Sid.

  With a sigh, she turned back into the house. Damn Sally for bringing that lunkhead with her. If Flynn had known her cousin had company, she wouldn’t have invited her.

  Too late now, though. She’d make the best of it because after all, it was Christmas, the season of love, joy, peace and generosity.

  Determined to be happy, she stopped in the kitchen to survey her relatives. Yes, they were an odd assortment, but surprises were nice, right?

  You just keep telling yourself that, sunshine.

  “Right, everyone.” She sat at the table. “How are the biscuits? The cake?”

  “Lovely,” Gram replied.

  “I’ve just posted a snap on social media, show everyone we’re eating home-style cake.” Sally grinned. “So sweet of you, Flynn.”

  “You did well, honey.” Gramma patted her hand. “I’ll show you later how to stop it drying out.”

  Dismay filled Flynn. “The cake is dry?”

  “Its fine,” Gram insisted. “Its fine, isn’t it, Dax?”

  Cheeks pooched out like a koala with a face-full of leaves, Dax waved a ‘yes’. Or it could have been a ‘no’, but seeing as he was nodding and picking up another piece of cake, Flynn went with the ‘yes’.

  Choosing a Melting Moment, Gramma nibbled on the edges. “Biscuits are a little crumbly. Remind me to show you what to do about that.”

  Taking a deep breath, Flynn smiled brightly.

  “Now, tell us about that young man of yours.” Gram winked. “He’s a bit of a hottie.”

  “He’s a lovely man.”

  “Lovely? Honey, he had my granny knickers all-”

  “Joy!” Gramma admonished.

  “Okay, okay. He had my granny thong all-”

  “Joy!”

  “You wear
a thong?” Sid asked.

  Even Dax choked on his cake.

  “Forget that.” Gramma picked up her mug of hot tea. “Now, Flynn, this operation thing. What kind of a doctor is he?”

  “Oh, he’s not a doctor.” Flynn broke off a bit of cake and nibbled cautiously. Was it dry? Didn’t seem dry. Tasted good to her. Ben always liked her cakes.

  “A surgeon?” Gramma was impressed.

  “Goodness, no.”

  “A professor!” One hand went to her primly covered bosom in delight. “Flynn, you caught yourself a professor?”

  “Wow.” Sally blinked. “Hear that, Sid? Flynn’s going out with a professor.”

  “He’s not a professor.” Flynn chewed. No, definitely the cake was okay. Not dry at all. “He’s a nurse.”

  “A nurse.” Disappointed, Gramma’s hand dropped. “A nurse.”

  “Nothing wrong with being a nurse,” Dax said, pleasantly surprising Flynn.

  She nodded. “He’s a very good nurse.”

  “Nurses are close to death,” Dax added. “They see the suffering, the despair.”

  “And they’re dedicated.” Gram nodded. “Going in to work on a Sunday.”

  Gramma rallied. “What hospital does he work at, dear? And what unit? A&E? Intensive Care? Heart?”

  “A bit of everything, really.” Flynn took a taste test of a Melting Moment. Yeah, those were definitely great.

  “It’s good to know a nurse lives next door,” Gramma said. “Makes one feel safer. You know, in case of an accident or heart attack or something.”

  “It’s good for Phoebe. He helps me give her her worming pills.” Flynn grinned. “Phoebe hates taking her pills.”

  “Don’t you think he should be saving his hands for important things like saving people?”

  “Gramma, really.”

  “Yeah,” Gram said. “Don’t be a toffy-nose, Linda. He’s a nurse, I’m sure he’s used to throwing pills down ungrateful people’s throats.”

  Flynn laughed. “I’m sure they’d be most surprised.”

  Gramma humphed.

  “Besides, he works at Hartful Veterinary Hospital. They’re not really into the business of shoving worming pills down people’s throats.” Finishing off the biccie, she wiped the crumbs off her hands.

  Silence descended around the table.

  Dax grinned that mysterious, slightly spooky grin, like he knew something no one else did.