Alexis studied herself in the mirror and noticed that she looked a bit fleshier than she had back in London. She was relieved that her appetite finally seemed to be returning. Alexis suspected that it was due to more than just good island food.
Tyler had invited her to spend Christmas Eve with him since she planned to spend Christmas Day with her family. He claimed to have something special planned but wouldn't divulge any details. Alexis decided to play it safe with her outfit. She wore black, slim fit jeans and a white silk top with silver hoop earrings. No matter what the evening involved, she figured she would be sartorially appropriate. He seemed so enthusiastic about his secret plan that Alexis, who generally wasn't fond of surprises, couldn't help but feel slightly giddy. It was part of his charm, she realized, that he could wrangle giddiness out of her.
Tyler texted her at seven to say that he was out front. Alexis chuckled to herself. She felt like a teenager sneaking out to meet her boyfriend. Even though she'd spent a lovely evening with his parents at Gatsby's, she wasn't ready for Tyler to endure hers.
She was still rebuilding those relationships and she didn't feel comfortable throwing
Tyler into the mix. He seemed to respect her feelings on the subject.
Alexis popped her head into the family room to say goodnight to her parents. Her father was snoring in front of a game show she didn't recognize while her mother sat beside a stockpile of presents, both wrapped and unwrapped. Tilly removed her earphones when she noticed Alexis in the doorway.
"What are you listening to?" Alexis asked.
"My Christmas favorites. Nat King Cole, Bing Crosby. Betsy bought me an iPod a few years ago and I use it when your father doesn't want to be distracted by music."
"I think you mean woken up," Alexis said, gesturing to her snoozing father.
Tilly smirked. "He's always tired anymore. I'm starting to think maybe you were right about retirement."
"So how's that elf workshop going?" asked Alexis.
"Almost finished," her mother replied with a grateful sigh. "It was easier when I just had two girls to wrap for. Add three boys and a son-in-law and I'm pooped."
"They look really nice," Alexis told her, admiring the pristine creases and perfect red bows.
"Thank you. Do you need to borrow anything? Scissors?"
"I've taken care of it, thanks."
"So where are you off to on Christmas Eve?"
Alexis felt a pang of guilt, leaving her mother alone with a sleeping father to go enjoy herself elsewhere. "Tyler Barnes invited me out."