“What?” I ask with a high-pitched voice. “Of course not. Why would you ask me that? I’ve told you several times how excited I am for you to meet them. Especially since you are the mystery man from our accidents. Tina has been looking forward to seeing you again. Even more so, since she also witnessed your ski accident. She didn’t have much time to talk to you on my birthday.”
“Oh really. I hope you only told them good things about me. I want to make a good impression today.”
I don’t think he’s joking. I lay my chin on his chest in order to see his face. “I think you are the one who’s nervous. Am I right?”
“A little bit. I know I shouldn’t be.”
“What is there not to love? You have turned my world upside down. I couldn’t be more alive, and that’s all they want to see. This is the first holiday I’ve looked forward to in years. I want to show you off.”
“You already met my parents, and they loved you even after your weird behavior after dinner at Alexa’s.” He snorts.
I jerk my head up. He’s goading me. “That isn’t funny. They know why I acted that way. Must you rub it in?”
I push up to get off him, but he attacks me and tosses me onto my back. He tickles me under my arms and then the backs of my knees. I hope he doesn’t go to my feet. He knows I will either kick him where it hurts or pee in my pants. We play like this until we are naked and breathless.
“Lisa, you drive me insane. I want you all the time. This is the best Thanksgiving ever. Will I get this kind of treatment every holiday?”
Will there be more holidays?
“You are like a kid in a candy store. You can’t get enough of sweet things. Just remember—from now on, I’m your favorite sweet thing.”
His demeanor changes within a second. He holds on to me tightly. “You are. Thank you for this morning. It’s nice to live carefree for a change. Playing around like little teenagers in our pajamas. I haven’t looked forward to a holiday in a long time either. You’ve changed that for me.”
I kiss the tip of his nose. “I’ll do my best to always make you smile and think happy thoughts.” I break away from his steel hold and slide out of bed.
He sits up and says, “It’s supposed to be sunny today but pretty cold. Make sure you wear and pack warm clothes. The sun won’t be spending Friday with us though.”
“Well, aren’t you the cutest weather forecaster.”
I blow him a kiss and go to take a shower. One more piece of my heart belongs to him. Soon my heart will be completely his.
Knowing I am almost at my dad’s house, I relax into the seat. James drove carefully and held my hand the entire way, talking about mundane things. It’s ridiculously embarrassing I’m still like this after so many years. Will it ever change?
“So this is the street I grew up on.” I point to the leafless trees. “I love how big the oak trees are now. They line the street on both sides and produce a green canopy overhead during the summer. You should see it during autumn. The canopy turns scarlet red. It gives this section of town some charm compared to the newer parts.”
“Which one is your house?”
“It’s a couple of houses down on the right. See the Dutch colonial with the light-gray stone front with black shutters and front door? We can park in the driveway.”
He shifts the car into park. “This is a nice house, a nice piece of property. All the houses on this street are well kept. I love Dutch colonial–style houses. How old is this house?”
I unbuckle my seat belt and open the door. “My parents bought this house when I was born. They didn’t build it. It’s around forty to fifty years old.” Before I close the door, I lean back in the car. “Are you going to get out? You can see the house better from out here.”
He laughs. “Sorry. I’m curious. I learned about different types of houses and how they are built while studying for my license. The Dutch colonial was one of them. It’s common in the tristate area.”
I look away from him so he can’t see my face. I want to gag myself. How can he go from being an ER doctor to a real estate agent? There’s nothing wrong with being in real estate. But it’s not him. He’s a doctor and always will be! I want to scream at him.
The sound of old leaves winding in circles on the ground flutters through the air. I breathe through my nose to enjoy the scent. The cold seeps through my black wool coat. “Damn, it’s cold. Let’s get our bags and go inside.”
He pops the trunk open and bends over to grab our bags.
“I’ll take mine. Can you please grab the flowers I bought Beth? They’re in the backseat on your side.”
“Sure.” He takes his bag out. “Just make sure you close the trunk.”
“No problem.” When I grab the handle of my bag, I notice a red first responder emergency medical kit stuffed to the side of his trunk. It’s not a black leather bag like people imagine all doctors carry. I know what’s inside. I wonder if he remembers it’s in here or if he pretends he doesn’t see it. It’s a fairly large bright-red bag, so I highly doubt he doesn’t see it. I close the trunk and keep quiet.
I stop and look at my house. James comes around the car and hands me Beth’s flowers.
“What’s the matter? Why aren’t you going to the door?”
“Nothing’s wrong. I’m surprised how good the house looks. It looks better than the last time I was here. Dad must have had it painted.” Or I see it differently because I am different.
We start up the sidewalk, and Tina swings the black door open and runs toward us. She pulls me to her.
“Careful. You almost crushed the flowers I bought for Beth.”
“Oops.” She cringes. “Sorry. I heard your car in the driveway. We’re so thrilled you are both here.” She looks at James, bright eyed and smiling. “Hi, James. It’s great to see you again. Hopefully, we’ll find the time to chat a little bit more this time.” She hugs him.
“Hi, Tina. It’s good to see you also. Sorry about last time. I didn’t mean to steal your sister away. I promise I won’t do it again today. We’ll be here until tomorrow morning, so we’ll have plenty of time to get to know each other better.”
We stand there for a few seconds while Tina rocks back and forth on her heels.
I clear my throat. “Can we please go inside now? It’s cold out here.”
“Yes, sorry.” She giggles as she hops to the side to let us in. “Dad made a fire. It’s nice and cozy inside.”
I nudge him with my elbow. I whisper, “This is new for me. Bringing a man home was not a frequent thing. In fact, you are the first.”
He raises his eyebrows. “What? Bryant was never here?”
I shrug my shoulders. “No. I had no desire to bring him here, and he never pushed it. That should have been another flag to add to the list of a million. Lesson learned. I’m glad to be here with you.” I lead him into the house. The smell of turkey roasting mixed with a hint of apple-cinnamon crumble wafts through the air. We place our bags on the staircase in front of us.
“Lisa, happy Thanksgiving! We’re so glad you are both here.” Dad pulls me into a tight hug as he lifts me in the air. Beth is at his side with a wide grin on her face.
I’m happy we’re here. I’ve missed being home.
“Happy Thanksgiving to you as well. It’s so good to see you both and to be back home. Beth, these flowers are for you. Maybe they will look nice on the table when we eat. I love the mini orange gerberas and the red daisies.”
“They’re gorgeous. I know exactly where I’ll display them,” she responds as she places her hand on her chest. Appreciation gushes from her.
I pull James close to me. “Dad and Beth, this is James.” My smile stretches from ear-to-ear. I’m so proud to have him with me. It makes this Thanksgiving so special.
“Nice to meet you, James. Please call me Mike. Welcome to our home.”
James shakes both of their hands. “Thank you, both. I’m happy to be here. Beth, I’m already hungry after Lisa told me about
the delicious apple crumble you are known for. She told me you’re an excellent cook.”
“Lisa said that? What a compliment. I can’t keep the smile off my face.” She puts her hand to her cheek as she blushes the shade of a tomato.
“Don’t act bashful. You know you are. Just smell this house. I can’t wait to see what you have made.”
She waves her hand in the air. “Stop it now. I don’t know how to handle all these compliments.”
She hands Dad our shoes and coats. “Mike, will you please put their coats and shoes in the foyer closet while they get settled upstairs?”
“You betcha.”
“Lisa, your old bedroom is set up for you both. Take your things up and come down for a glass of wine. We will eat within the next couple of hours. Little appetizers are already sitting out.”
We nod and haul our bags upstairs. I stop short when my feet touch the carpet in my old bedroom. The rich cream-color carpet is so plush, as if I’m stepping on fluffy white clouds. I wiggle my toes. I can see the tracks left behind from the vacuum.
“Wow! Beth redecorated this room. I love it.” Three walls are painted powder white, and the fourth wall, where the headboard leans, is a light slate gray with a tinge of blue. The queen-size dark-wood sleigh bed has a duvet and sheets with a mix of delicate white and pastel-pink textures. Matching luxurious pillows are arranged perfectly on the bed. The sun beams through sheer white curtains, casting warm light into the room. How romantic, as if we are at a cozy bed and breakfast.
I twirl in a circle. “I’m stunned. My room has never looked this beautiful. Last time I was here, it still had the ancient yellow carpet and ugly sun bleached lemon colored curtains.”
I do a Nestea plunge onto the bed. “Oh, I love Beth. This is a feather bed. It’s pure luxury compared to the one at the apartment. My bed feels like I’m sleeping on a camel’s back compared to this.” I pat the bed. “Come lay next to me. You need to try it. I can’t wait to sleep in it.”
“Behave, little one. We have to go downstairs,” he says as he lowers himself onto the bed. “You’re right,” he moans. “This is awesome. When can we go to bed, and I don’t mean for sleeping?”
“I said sleep. You always have your head in the gutter. I’m not having sex in my dad’s house.”
“Well, I guess I’ll go stay at my parents’ house if I’m not going to get any action.” He crosses his arms and pouts like a little boy.
“Oh really? I’ll show you action.” I whip a pillow at his head.
“That’s it! You’re in for it.” He straddles me and pins my wrists above my head. “I’m bigger than you are, so don’t even try to fight. You won’t win.” We play around until we hear a tap on the door.
Tina stands in the doorway. “Sorry to disturb you lovebirds, but we’re waiting for you both downstairs. You have plenty of time to do whatever you are doing…later.” Tina walks away, clicking her tongue.
Before he can move away from me, I tug his shirt. “I kind of liked the way you were holding me down. Maybe we can try it again some time.”
His Adam’s apple bobs as he swallows.
I flash him an innocent smile and pull him out of the room. “Let’s go, tough guy.”
We’re greeted in the kitchen with crystal glasses of white wine. “I would like to make a toast,” states Tina with a grin as bright as the sun.
I’ve been celebrating a lot these past months.
“Happy Thanksgiving, everyone. I couldn’t be happier to have the whole family together on this holiday. It’s been a long time since Lisa has been home. I’m also thankful she brought James with her. She has never been happier. The story of how you both met is a true fairy tale.” She lifts her glass, and we follow. “Here’s to always being thankful for what we have. Cheers!”
“Cheers,” we all say in unison as we clink our glasses.
I gaze at James intently. He’s grinning with a certain glow in his eyes—eyes that aren’t vacant anymore. My heart warms, knowing I’ve helped return the sparkle to his eyes.
He squeezes my hand. “What are you thinking about this time?”
“I’m watching your expression and how sweet you look.”
He leans down and kisses me on the cheek.
“Beth, you have outdone yourself with these appetizers. You said they are little ones. There are five big dishes full. We won’t have enough room for turkey after munching on all of this.” I stand at the counter, perusing the choices as my mouth waters.
“We still have a while before the big meal. It’s been a long time since we’ve all been together, let alone on a holiday. It’s also special to have James with us.” She grabs a dish from the table. “Try this spinach and artichoke dip. It’s heavenly. Here are some homemade bread cubes to go with it.”
Beth continues to explain the appetizers as she points to each one. “This is the typical veggie platter with fresh hummus. These are mini meatballs with a spicy chili sauce on the side. Extra-large stuffed mushrooms, which won’t fit into your mouth in one piece. I know what I’m talking about because I tried it myself. It wasn’t a pretty sight.” She laughs. “Last but not least, an assortment of different cheeses. Stilton, brie with a grape and walnut compote, and goat cheese wrapped in dill.”
Dad interrupts. “Hey, James, do you watch football?”
“Of course I do. I think the Giants are playing right now.”
“Yes they are. It’s a nice change to have another man in the house.” He rubs his hands in excitement. “Well, let’s load up some plates and watch the game in my man cave in the basement while the girls gossip in the kitchen.”
“Hey,” I say as I stand there with my hands on my hips.
Dad laughs as he and James take hearty helpings of food. James follows him out of the kitchen.
I yell behind them. “Real nice, Dad. Don’t show him pictures of me when I had braces or big Jersey hair and ridiculous makeup in high school.”
I turn around to two sets of eyes staring at me.
“Lisa, he’s so damn sexy. He looks even better today than on your birthday. His eyes alone would drive me nuts,” Tina gushes.
I slap her arm. “He’s mine, sister.”
“Play nicely children,” Beth teases as she peels some sweet potatoes.
Tina lays her chin in her hand. “I’m so jealous. I wish I would meet a nice guy. No offense, maybe one with a little less baggage though.”
“Hey, I have baggage too, but we still want to be together. Everyone has baggage. If you love someone, you love the good and the bad.”
Tina coughs on a bread cube. She wipes her mouth and says, “Did you say love?” Her eyes are wide open in disbelief.
I nibble on a carrot. “I didn’t say I love him.” Do I love him? “We like each other very much,” I casually say as I sit in a chair next to Tina.
“Why are you afraid to say you love him?”
It must be an interesting question, because Beth stops peeling the sweet potatoes to give me her full attention. I look around to double-check James didn’t come back.
“I’m afraid he could never love me like he loved Jessica. I know we care about each other a lot and have this unique bond. Is that enough for him to finally put Jessica behind him? I don’t expect him to forget about her, but I wonder how he’s dealing with it. I don’t ask him questions because he gets defensive sometimes. And I’m afraid to hear the answers.” I’m getting antsy, so I take the wine bottle out of the ice bucket to refill my glass. I motion to ask Tina if she wants a refill. She nods.
“I’m also scared because I promised myself I would never open my heart for a man again. Somehow, he has managed to do exactly that. If he walked away from me, it would crush me a hundred times more than when Bryant left. I wouldn’t regret a minute of it, but it would ruin me.” I sigh as I take a gulp of wine. Do I really want to get into this kind of conversation? Let me put food in my mouth so I can’t talk anymore.
Beth walks over to the table and sits dow
n next to me. “I had the same worries when I met your dad. He was an empty shell, almost lifeless, when I met him that day at the bank. I dropped something on the floor, and he picked it up for me. I saw the sadness on his face and in his eyes. His eyes were like a puppy’s. That was it for me. I fell in love with him instantly. I asked him if he wanted to go for a coffee, and we’ve been together ever since.
“He told me his wife died, but he didn’t tell me what happened with you and your mom right away. She was the love of his life. High school sweethearts and all that. How could I compete with her? After we started dating, he admitted he felt something when our eyes locked for the first time.” She smiles as she munches on some cheese.
“Felicia will always be a part of his heart and soul. He fought his true feelings for me for a while because of guilt—from the accident and being with another woman. Finally, he let go of his past, and the guilt slowly decreased. He was also afraid of losing me just like he lost your mom.” Her face looks sad as she stares off blindly at the appetizers. “He worries about me. He can be overprotective at times.”
She turns in her chair and takes my hand. “I want you to know I understand completely what you are battling. You’re both scared. It’s a very complicated situation. However, you can’t ignore it for long. You need to talk about it and be honest with one another. Communication is so important. The sooner, the better. I waited a long time for your dad, but it came to a point I couldn’t compete with your mom anymore. He either had to deal with his issues and move on, or lose me. He needed to make a choice. Since I’m sitting here, he obviously made his choice. He will always love your mom, but he loves me just as much. I can feel it in my heart.”
I mull over what she said. It’s frightening how similar Dad and Beth’s relationship is to ours. It never even occurred to me. How could I have been so blind? “I’m sorry, Beth. I never even thought about you going through this same situation. Thank you for your advice.”
“Stop. You are going to make me cry. Crying isn’t allowed on holidays.” She dabs the corner of her right eye and laughs it off. “I can only say this—he was definitely worth the wait. Please consider what I have said. You make your own decisions, but I’m here for you if you ever need to talk.”
Lives Collide (Collide #1) Page 22
