by Kris Bryant
“None taken. The food is ready, but I need help carving the turkey,” Nana said.
I never saw my dad move so fast in his life. “Here, I’ll help.” He disappeared quickly, leaving me alone with my mom. It was quiet for a moment. Then we both started talking at the same time to fill the void.
“I wanted you to know—”
“I think Nana did a good job—”
We smiled at one another. She held her palm up for me to continue.
I cleared my throat. “I wanted you to know that as much as I hated what you and Dad did, I understand why you did it.”
Mom took a step toward me. “I’m sorry it seemed like such a harsh thing, but we felt it was time.” She could have done a better job explaining herself, but that was just how she handled things. Direct and to the point. I got my emotional side from my dad.
“It was shitty, but at least now I’m on my own. Oh, and you can take me off your phone plan. I have my own now.”
She nodded. “Yes. I noticed that.”
“The phone fell into a pool and died.”
My mother raised her eyebrows but let it go. “I hope we can put all this behind us and be a family again. This has really upset Nana.” Typical Mom behavior. Deflect any and all emotions onto somebody else.
I took a deep breath. “Baby steps, Mom. Let’s just get through Christmas.”
We weren’t a close family. Nana was our glue. My parents were too involved in their own lives, and I grew up self-absorbed. Dad and Nana interrupted the moment with food. I followed Nana back into the kitchen and grabbed the basket of rolls and the gravy boat.
“And? What happened? I saw you and your mother talking.” She thought she was whispering, but her voice definitely carried. I looked over my shoulder. My parents pretended they couldn’t hear us.
“It was okay. I’ll tell you later,” I said.
The meal was relatively quiet. My parents talked about their jobs, Nana raved about me and school, and I stayed pretty quiet. Our gift exchange was amicable. My dad liked his watch, and my mom actually smiled when she opened her perfume. It wasn’t a bad night. It just wasn’t a Hallmark fluffy Christmas. I wanted them to go so Nana and I could drink eggnog laced with too much bourbon and talk about the night and the early Christmases she’d shared with Papa.
“Well, I have an early shift tomorrow.” My father stood, indicating he was ready to leave. My mom grabbed their coats and hugged both of us.
“Have fun on your ski trip. Be safe,” she said.
I’d mentioned to them I was out of town until December thirty-first, and before they even asked my plans, I told them I was going to Lacy’s New Year’s Eve party. In the past, we had dinner at the country club on the last day of the year. It was a big event that they dragged me to every year up until I started college.
“Thanks. And thanks for agreeing to dinner.” I sounded mature, but to be fair, I was tired of fighting my anger. It just wasn’t there anymore.
Nana gave a little victory fist pump after she shut the door. “That was wonderful. Thank you, sweetie, for doing this for me. For the family.”
“Let’s skip the egg part and drink the bourbon straight,” I said.
“You completely deserve it. Now tell me everything your mother said.”
We sat down and relived the night, the bottle of bourbon tucked between us on the couch.
“You aren’t going home tonight, are you?”
“Why? Are you getting me drunk?”
“I want to make sure you don’t drive.”
I knew better. We’d lost Papa to a drunk driver one summer night when he went to the store to surprise Nana with her favorite mint chocolate-chip ice cream. It was a head-on collision, and the driver was still in prison. It was his second driving-while-intoxicated offense, so he wasn’t getting out for at least another five years.
“I don’t have to be anywhere until eleven tomorrow, so I’m yours for the night. Let’s drink to a marginally successful night.” I clinked my glass with hers, and we stared into the crackling fireplace.
“You are the best granddaughter in the world.”
“You’re just saying that because I’m fun, smart, sexy, hilarious, and only a phone call away.” I leaned over and kissed her weathered cheek. “And also your only granddaughter.”
“That’s true, but you have a kind heart, and I know tonight wasn’t easy, but it’s a great start, and I haven’t seen your mother this happy in a long time.”
I snorted. “Happy? Mom? She looked out of place the entire night.”
“To you she did, but I saw what you chose not to.”
“Mr. Miyagi, you are so wise.”
“Who’s that?” she asked.
“Never mind. Want to watch a movie? I’m sure Hallmark’s got all the good ones on tonight.” I picked up the remote and turned on the television.
“Let’s watch something dangerous.”
I laughed. “What do you mean dangerous? Like a thriller or a slasher movie? Is that really how you want to celebrate this Christmas? I thought for sure you wanted something like It’s a Wonderful Life or A Christmas Carol.”
“Nah. Let’s watch Die Hard. That’s a Christmas movie.”
I gaped at Nana. “How do you even know about Die Hard?”
“It was out before you were born. It’s a classic. They talk about it all the time on television.”
I must have missed that episode of Murder, She Wrote. “What shows do you watch?”
“Brooklyn Nine-Nine.”
I laughed and said “Cool” repeatedly like Jake Peralta. “Okay, but don’t crawl into my bed tonight when you get scared.”
She put a throw over our laps, and I started the movie. Halfway through I couldn’t keep my eyes open and rested my head on her shoulder. It was the last thing I remember. I woke up when Nana turned off the television and lights and felt her kiss my cheek when she covered me with the blanket.
“Merry Christmas, sweet girl.”
I mumbled something back and rolled over, snuggling the blanket to my chest. I almost fell right back to sleep but then remembered I couldn’t be late tomorrow. Nana was always up early, but I needed to be out of there by nine. “Can you make sure I’m up by eight?”
“Yippee-ki-yay,” she said.
I smiled at her Die Hard reference. “You’re so weird, and that’s probably why I love you so much.”
* * *
The panic didn’t set in until after my shower. I had an hour and a half to pack, but no idea what to wear. I would be gone for five days and had a giant pile of clothes on my bed that I felt like I needed. In reality, I would only wear half, maybe a third. I rolled up three sweaters, two pairs of jeans, two snow pants, wool socks, and absolutely nothing sexy. My evenings were free, so I packed something nice for at least one night. I had to sit on my suitcase just to close it. And then I had Brook’s and Noah’s presents. The scooter was in a big box, so it would be awkward carrying it around and making sure there was room on the plane.
I have Noah’s present, but it’s in a big box. Do you want me to save it until we get back, or should I bring it?
Bring it. He’ll be excited. He has something for you, too. We have plenty of room in the cargo hold.
I was surprised she texted me right back. You say that now, but you haven’t seen my bag or my backpack. Five days. One would think we’re going overseas.
LOL I know what you mean. Try packing for a kid. The dilemma of if I don’t pack it, he will surely need it. And then he’ll wear only two things.
I wanted to see her. We’d never talked about the kiss. When she’d texted me to tell me about the surprise time off, she asked about finals. I answered, she congratulated me, and that was it. Phone silence until now.
I’ll see you in a bit.
I grabbed my bags and dragged everything down to the garage and waited. It wasn’t my place to barge into the house. I scrolled through social media and liked the photos and said all the right things
on my friends’ celebrations about life. Cool sweater, cute puppy, miss you, let’s get together soon.
Where are you? Brook’s text snapped me back to reality.
In the garage.
Get in here, silly girl. We’re snacking before we head to the airport.
I stood, straightened my sweater and jeans, and walked into the kitchen.
“Cassie. You’re here.” Noah jumped up and threw his arms around my waist. I stumbled back a few steps with the force of his happiness.
I put my hand on his small back and gave him a quick squeeze. “Hey, buddy. I missed you. How was Christmas?” I squatted so we were at eye level.
“It was great. I got a PlayStation!”
Brook walked into the room, and my attention moved from him to her without hesitation. I loved it when she wore her hair down. Her teal sweater was flattering, and I couldn’t stop my ear-to-ear smile when our eyes met.
“PlayStation. Good choice.”
“I’m glad you approve. See? I do listen to you.”
It was as if nobody else was in the room. “It’s a shame I’ll have to learn new games.”
She winked at me. I melted.
“Hi, Cassie.”
I stood. Erica was on the other side of the counter from me. I hadn’t even noticed her there. “Oh, hi.”
“Are you ready for some debauchery?” She wagged her eyebrows at me.
“What’s debotch?” Noah asked.
“It’s nothing, honey. An adult word you’ll learn when you’re in college. Now go find Griffin and tell him lunch is ready,” Brook said. She shot a look at Erica that made her innocently raise her arms.
“I didn’t think he’d repeat me,” she whispered.
“They hear and see all. Trust me.” Brook rolled her eyes.
I wanted to go back to the debauchery comment. What did that mean? Did Brook tell Erica? Or was that just her way of saying there will definitely be fun times ahead?
“I can vouch for that. Noah’s retention level is astounding,” I said.
Erica squeezed my hand. “I’m so excited you’re coming. Not just because you’ll be there for the kids, but because I have a wine buddy who’s not afraid to let go.” She gave Brook a playful scowl and was rewarded with an eye roll.
I didn’t want to burst her bubble and tell her wine wasn’t my favorite drink, but I was so happy to be a part of her plans that I decided I’d drink wine if it killed me. It was nice to belong to something, to have plans that didn’t involve school or kids.
“The good thing about Anthony is that he knows the evenings are mine. Or at least that’s what I’m going to tell him,” Erica said.
“Yeah, good luck there. You know how much Anthony likes his cigars and whiskey around the fire,” Brook said. She walked around Erica, and her arm barely brushed against mine. Instant chill. “Cassie, grab something to eat. The flight isn’t long, but by the time we get up there and unloaded, it’ll be dinnertime.”
“And wine time. Don’t forget wine time,” Erica said.
I nodded and nibbled on cheese and crackers. It took everyone thirty minutes to eat and clean up. By then, the SUV to take us to the airport had arrived. Their family dynamic was entertaining. Brook was fun with her sister-in-law, but more formal with her brother. The boys were running around playing a game of tag, but Noah was laughing and happy, and I knew it was going to be a good few days.
“Are we ready?” Brook’s voice boomed out, getting everyone’s attention.
Shouts of joy and instant pandemonium erupted. The driver loaded our bags while Erica buckled Griffin into his car seat. Noah happily buckled himself into his booster, and before long we were on our way.
David and Camila were already waiting for us at the airport. This time, Anthony busied himself installing the kids’ seats. Erica, Brook, and I boarded the plane, Gwen, the evil sister, already in the back. Frances was a row ahead of her, asleep. Camila was sitting across the aisle from Frances. That meant that Brook and I had a shot at sitting together. I tingled in anticipation. Accidental touches, laughing, every romantic subtle gesture popped into my head.
“I’m sitting with Cassie. I need to get to know her better,” Erica said.
And just like that, my mood fouled. Hours next to Brook would have been heavenly. Instead, I was subjected to Erica’s idea of getting to know me better. I answered so many questions I felt I had no mystery left after an hour.
“Are you single?” she asked.
I dreaded the question. I didn’t want to explain my dating situation, but I also didn’t have anything to hide. I knew the second I answered her that Gwen, who was busy with her phone and laptop, would jump into the conversation.
“I am single. School is my number-one priority.”
“I thought Noah was,” Gwen said.
“Nobody asked you, Gwen. Go back to your laptop,” Brook said.
“Yes, he is, but as far as my personal life goes, school is first, and women are second.”
And just like that, I outed myself in front of Brook’s family without even thinking of the consequences. If they thought I was straight, then we would have moved on from the conversation eventually, but now every single person was focused on me. Fuck.
“You’re gay?” Erica asked. Her voice wasn’t accusatory. As a matter of fact, she seemed excited.
“I don’t like labels really.” I shrugged like my relationships were fleeting, boring, nonexistent, but suddenly my gender preference was the rage of the cabin.
Gwen piped up again. “Have you dated men?”
“Hey, everyone, let’s quit subjecting Cassie to an inquisition,” Brook said. “Surely we have better things to talk about.”
I looked across the aisle at her. She winked, and I couldn’t stop a smile from sliding onto my face.
“Yes, Gwen, leave Cassie alone. By the way, Gwen, how long do you want Frances to sleep?” Camila asked. “She’ll be wired all night if we don’t wake her up soon.” Camila had been quiet during most of the flight, but kudos to her for changing the subject.
“Mom, nudge her awake. That’s probably a good idea,” Gwen said. “I have Peppa Pig on the DVD player, if you can turn that on for her.”
While Brook was helping Camila figure out the movie, Erica leaned over, her voice low so only I could hear her. “Oh, we’re not done here, but we can continue this talk over wine tonight.”
I rolled my eyes at her. “I’m not that exciting. Really,” I whispered back.
“Are you kidding me? The electricity in this plane alone is combustible.”
Chapter Seventeen
Mountain Ridge Resort was spectacular. I was expecting something like a hotel with individual rooms, but we had a massive cabin with snowy mountain views visible out the floor-to-ceiling windows. I was in awe. Of course, I was traveling with millionaires, so I should’ve expected nothing but the best.
“Cassie, you can pick any of the bedrooms upstairs.” Camila pointed at the cute loft area that overlooked the living room.
“Thank you, Camila.” I was glad somebody had said something because I felt awkward standing there with my bags and nowhere to put them.
I was the only one staying up in the loft. Noah fought for one of the smaller rooms up there, but Brook was adamant that he room with her. Two huge suites and two other large bedrooms flanked the giant stone fireplace downstairs, and even though I felt a little bit like the help being separated from the family, I appreciated having my own space.
When I opened the door to the first bedroom in the loft, I gasped. It was gorgeous. I didn’t even have to look at the others to know I wanted to sleep here. Plus, it was the only bedroom that wasn’t over one of the suites or bedrooms on the ground floor. The bathroom was spacious and had a jacuzzi tub. I missed those. I dropped my bags, freshened up, and headed back downstairs. Even though there was a full kitchen, I doubted anyone wanted to cook.
Brook met me at the bottom of the stairs. “We’re having dinner at the main
cabin.”
“Oh, do you want me to watch the kids?”
“Absolutely not. You’re joining us. I told you that your only responsibility is during the day. At night you’re more than welcome to hang out with us, or you can do your own thing. And you have access to the car service. They usually send a driver in about ten minutes.”
“Thank you.”
“Come on. Let’s head to the main cabin so we can find a table or two to accommodate us all.”
Noah’s little mittened hand grabbed mine. “I have to tell you all the things I got for Christmas.”
His shining face was so adorable I almost leaned down and kissed his red cheeks. I missed him so much. “I can’t wait to see what games you got for your PlayStation.”
“I only got two, but Mom says we can go out later and pick more out.”
“I still have to give you your present.” I made a big deal out of it, but really, what was he going to do with a scooter up here in all this snow? I should have insisted that we wait.
“We have yours, too. Mom, can we open gifts after dinner?”
Brook, holding his other mittened hand, nodded. The walk up to the main cabin wasn’t bad. By the time we reached the kitchen, we were swinging him between us. He giggled and asked if we could do it on the way back.
“I don’t think I have the strength for that,” Brook said.
We asked for a table to accommodate ten of us. Brook, Noah, and I sat at one end and waited for the others to show. They slowly trickled in, giving us enough time to get caught up. It was hard to look at Brook. We were in such a different, more intimate setting, and Brook was so beautiful. It was hard to remember this wasn’t a date and I was an employee who was just on a little bit more personal level than most.
