I grabbed my purse off the chair next to me. “I think it’s time for me to catch a cab down to Chinatown. I’m so sorry.”
She calmly refilled her glass, not making eye contact. “You don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Happy holidays, Wendy.” I dashed out of the room.
I slept most of the way to Boston, though I couldn’t breathe for the first hour because of the overpowering aroma of fried chicken engulfing the air space around me. The guy sitting in front of me had a huge bucket of it on his lap, and yes, he ate the entire thing. With his hands.
When the bus finally rolled into Boston four hours later, the city was dark and quiet. Weary and rumpled, I filed out with the other passengers, retrieved my luggage from the storage compartment, and then stumbled into the South Station terminal. As I walked through the doorway, I scanned the crowd milling around the entrance. When I spotted Jake leaning against the check-in counter, I could feel my tired face brighten up.
“You have no idea how happy I am to see you.” I smiled and set my purse on the ground. He was wearing plaid pajamas bottoms and an old Atlanta Falcons sweatshirt. Even in tattered sleepwear, he looked good. (I, however, look homeless in tattered sleepwear.)
“Welcome to Boston.” He walked toward me and opened his arms for a hug. “And merry Christmas. It’s the twenty-fifth now.”
I gave him a quick kiss and then hugged him tight. I pressed my cheek against his chest and inhaled deeply. Jake always smelled indescribably…good.
“For the record, I know I look super gross right now, but I don’t care,” I said.
He laughed. “You’ve definitely looked better. But I’m in my pajamas at a bus station in the middle of the night, so I shouldn’t talk.”
“Do I smell like fried chicken?” I looked up at him.
He laughed again. “What?”
I pressed my face against his chest again. “I’ll tell you later. Can we go to the hotel now? I’m exhausted.”
He gave me a squeeze, and then reached for the handle of my suitcase. “Of course.”
• • •
Jake had booked us a room at a bed and breakfast a few blocks from his sister’s house in the Boston suburb of Waltham. As we drove in his rental car through the dark streets, I couldn’t help but remember the last time I’d been there, nearly a year ago, in my own rental car. In what could generously be described as a momentary lapse in judgment, but perhaps more accurately as an episode of temporary insanity, after months of emotional hedging, I’d flown across the country—uninvited—to finally tell Jake how I felt about him. After about ten hours of travel, I’d shown up unannounced at his sister’s to declare my feelings, just like they do in the movies, only to learn that he’d left town a few days earlier. Oops. Talk about a Waverly moment. I cringed at the memory and wondered what I’d say to his sister and her husband the next morning at brunch. God knows what they thought of me after that display of semi-stalker behavior.
On the ride, I recounted the night’s events to Jake. He was fascinated. I had to admit, it was pretty good gossip, even though I didn’t consider our conversation as “gossiping” because I was talking to my boyfriend, not posting the scoop on Facebook. No matter how awful she’d been to me, I wasn’t about to throw Wendy under the bus and blab to anyone who knew her.
“Straight vodka, huh? So you think she’s been drinking at work?”
I nodded. “I think so. She let it slip that she’s been drunk a lot lately, and she kept talking about living a lie. She was messed up.”
“That doesn’t sound good.”
“It makes sense, now that I think about it. She’s super erratic, and while she’s usually very professional on camera despite her weird personality, she’s been forgetful lately. I thought she was just nuts, but at least now I know the reason behind it all.”
“That’s really sad.”
“I know. It was disturbing, to be honest. She was clearly hurting, and I had no idea how to help her.”
“Does she want help?”
I nodded. “I think so. At one point it seemed like she wanted to open up, but then I made everything worse by bringing up Gary’s affair.”
He didn’t say anything, which totally said something.
I frowned. “Exactly. I suck. Why did I do that? And why did I let on to Paige that I knew Gary was married? Why do I do these things, Jake? Why can’t I just keep my big mouth shut?”
He laughed and briefly lifted his hands from the steering wheel. “There is no safe response to that question, and you know it. So I will respectfully decline to answer.”
“OK, maybe you’re right about that.” I shrugged.
He laughed. “Oh, I know I’m right about that.”
I yawned. “I can’t believe it’s like two thirty in the morning. What time do we need to be at your sister’s house tomorrow?”
“Brunch is at eleven. Think you can make it?”
I covered my eyes with my hands. “I can’t believe I’m going to meet your parents in a few hours. What if they don’t like me? What if I have huge bags under my eyes? What if I say something totally inappropriate? What if—”
He put his hand over my mouth. “What if you stop worrying and we get a good night’s sleep?”
I spoke into this hand. “OK. You smart. Me not so smart. Have I ever told you that?”
He laughed again as he parked the car. “You’re a lot smarter than you think, Miss Bryson. And that’s just one of the reasons I adore you.”
I looked at him. “You still adore me?”
He reached over and touched my cheek. “Even more than I did yesterday. Now let’s get some sleep.”
• • •
“Waverly, wake up.”
I felt the tap on my shoulder and slowly opened my eyes. “Huh? What?”
Where am I?
Why are the drapes paisley?
“It’s ten thirty, we need to leave in like twenty minutes.”
I bolted upright in bed. “What?” I put a hand on my hair, an unnecessary gesture because I already knew it was going to be a rat’s nest.
“We’re supposed to be at Natalie’s by eleven.”
I threw the covers to one side. “Why didn’t you wake me up earlier? Now I won’t have time to wash my hair.”
He laughed. “I tried to wake you up twice. You don’t remember?”
“For real?”
“For real. You were out cold. The first time you begged me to let you sleep for another half hour, and the second time you promised you’d be up when I got back from my run.”
My eyes got big. “Wait a minute. You already went for a run? And I just woke up?”
He nodded. He was showered and fully dressed. He looked like a Ken doll.
“Are you trying to make me hate you right now?” I narrowed my eyes at him.
He laughed and kissed my forehead. “I have something for you.” He handed me a square box wrapped in shiny silver paper with a white bow on top.
“For me?” I fluttered my eyelashes.
He nodded and sat down on the bed next to me. “For you. Merry Christmas, Waverly.”
“If it’s another plastic plant, I’m breaking up with you.” I slowly unwrapped and opened the box.
Inside was an antique silver clock.
“Oh, Jake, it’s beautiful.” I held it up to admire it. It was a little smaller than a tea plate, with a white face and black numbers. Its ticktock sound made me think of Captain Hook.
“You like it?”
“I love it. It’s gorgeous. Thanks so much.”
He put his hand on my leg. “Given how fast things are moving for you these days, I thought this might help you slow down once in a while.”
I looked at him and shook my head. “How are you so perfect all the time?”
He laughed and tucked a strand of hair behind my ears. “I’m hardly perfect. I’m just learning what makes you…tick.”
I smiled at him. “Perfect and witty. I have a g
ift for you too.” I jumped up and darted to my suitcase. I rummaged around until I spotted the green wrapping paper, then returned to the bed and handed him a small box.
He opened it to reveal a wooden apple.
“I know it’s not big, but that’s supposed to be New York,” I said. “You know, the big apple?”
He smiled. “Cute.”
“There’s something inside,” I said.
He removed the top half of the apple and pulled out a set of keys.
“Are these…what I think they are?”
I grinned. “That’s so you don’t have to crash at Shane and Kristina’s the next time my flight is delayed.”
“Wow, I’m honored.”
“Be careful with those.” I rumpled his hair. “Only three other boyfriends have a set.”
He gave me a look I hadn’t seen before, then slowly leaned over and kissed me. “Thank you,” he said softly. He put his hands on my shoulders. “You now have fourteen minutes. My mom is weird about punctuality, so we should get on a move on.”
“OK, OK, I’m moving.” I hurried into the bathroom and pulled my hair into a bun before turning on the shower.
As the hot water ran over me, I tried not to think about that look, but I couldn’t help myself.
Was it a good move to give him the keys?
Or…does he think I’m getting too serious?
Am I getting too serious?
Or maybe he’s getting serious too?
Did we just take a big step forward?
Or did I just…make a huge mistake?
• • •
We pulled up to Jake’s sister’s house at 11:21.
“Is your mom really going to be upset that we’re late?” I unbuckled my seatbelt. “You’ve got me totally freaked out now, you know.”
“Maybe.”
“You’re joking, right?”
“Maybe.”
I squinted at him. “Are you trying to make me hate you right now?”
He winked at me as he opened his door. “It’ll be fine.”
We walked hand in hand toward the front door, my mind once again recalling last time I’d been there, nearly a year before.
Oh, how things have changed, I thought.
One thing that hadn’t changed was how nervous I was. Although it was for a different reason this time, my stomach was still doing somersaults.
I squeezed Jake’s hand as he rang the bell. Behind the door, I heard the sound of human feet, dog paws pattering on the hardwood floor, and the shrill voices of little kids.
The door opened, and I immediately recognized Jake’s sister, Natalie. She shared his striking blue eyes and dark brown hair, although hers was long and pulled back into a low ponytail, as was mine. I bet she washed hers, I thought. And I bet hers doesn’t smell like fried chicken.
“Hey, little brother, welcome back.” She hugged him, and then turned to me with a friendly smile that immediately put me at ease. “Waverly, it’s so nice to see you again. Please, come in.”
I smiled back and handed her the bottle of wine I’d brought as a gift. “Hi, Natalie, thanks so much for having me…um, again.” I laughed awkwardly.
She took the bottle and gave me a one-armed hug. “We’re thrilled you’re back.” She helped us off with our coats and hung them on the rack in the foyer. We followed her into the living room, where we were instantly surrounded by two little girls.
“Merry Christmas, Uncle Jake!” they yelled in unison, tugging at his pant legs.
“Hi, Zoe. Hi, Lucy. Merry Christmas. Do you want to meet my friend Waverly?”
“Merry Christmas, Wa-ber-ly!” they yelled in unison.
“Well, hello there,” I said, leaning down. Then I turned to look up at Jake. “Do little kids shake hands?” I whispered.
He shrugged. “It’s worth a try.”
I held out my hands to the girls, but they looked at me like I was crazy and ran away.
“Well done, Waverly. Well done.” I stood up and put my hands on my hips.
Natalie waved her hand dismissively. “They’ll love you soon enough, don’t worry. So who wants a mimosa?”
I looked at her. “A mimosa? Really?”
She smiled. “Sure, why not? It’s Christmas. Plus you’re about to meet Mom, so I thought you might want one.”
I narrowed my eyes at Jake. “Do I need a mimosa to meet your mom?”
He nodded. “I’m having one.”
I looked back at Natalie, but before I could say anything, she started walking toward the kitchen. “She and Dad are in the family room with Brett and Michele and Tim. I’ll bring you each a strong one,” she called over her shoulder.
“I remember liking her before, but I really like her,” I whispered to Jake.
“She’s the best. So is my brother, you’ll see. Are you ready for the McIntyre shark tank?”
I looked at him. “Did you just say the shark tank?”
“I’m kidding. Come on.” He took my hand and led me through the large house toward the family room in the back. As we walked down the hall, I could feel my heart begin to beat faster. Soon it was pumping like a piston, and I wondered if the palpitations were visible through my top.
I took a deep breath. Keep it together, Waverly.
From the hall, I could hear several loud voices engaged in lively conversation. But as soon as we walked in, everyone stopped talking and looked at us.
I smiled and suddenly felt like I’d forgotten to put on my pants.
“Hey, Jake!” His brother gave him a bear hug. “It’s good to see you.”
Jake hugged him back, and then gestured to him and the woman standing next to him. “Waverly, this is my brother, Brett, and his wife, Michele.” Brett was even taller than Jake, who was a hair over six-three, and Michele looked to be about five eleven. Suddenly I felt awkward and shrimpy, even at five-eight.
“It’s nice to meet you both.” I shook Brett’s hand, and then held mine out to Michele, but she hugged me instead.
“It’s so nice to finally meet you! I have twin toddlers, so I’m home with them and watch you on TV when I can catch a breather. I just love your segment, it’s so much fun.”
I could feel my cheeks go red. “It’s nice to meet you too, and I’m glad you enjoy the show.” Shark tank? Huh? Could these people be any friendlier?
Jake gestured toward the others in the room. “Waverly, I believe you’ve met Tim, Nat’s husband?”
“Of course. How are you?” I swallowed and nodded as I held out my hand. I hoped he wouldn’t bring up last year’s ill-timed cross-country expedition in front of everyone. I was sure that discussion had already taken place when I wasn’t around, which was mortifying enough.
“Welcome back to Boston,” he said with a sly smile as he shook my hand. “We’re happy to have you.”
Then Jake gestured toward the couch, where his mom and dad were seated. “And, Waverly, these are my parents, Ava and Walt.”
The moment the words were out of his mouth, it hit home that I hadn’t been introduced to a boyfriend’s parents since the time I’d met my ex-fiancé Aaron’s, several years earlier.
I nervously turned my eyes to meet theirs and smiled.
“It’s so nice to meet you both,” I extended my hand first to his mom, who wore her dark hair in a crisp, chin-length bob. She too had pretty blue eyes.
“Happy holidays,” she said with a polite smile. She held my hand briefly in hers, but didn’t shake it back. She also stayed seated.
Uh-oh.
Trying not to freak out, I turned to face Jake’s dad and offered my hand. “It’s so nice to meet you too, Mr. McIntyre.”
“Please, call me Walt.” He stood up and took my hand in both of his, smiling warmly. “We’re just thrilled to have you here, my dear. Can we get you a drink?” At least he’s nice, I thought. He was about Jake’s height with a similar build, but his dark hair was streaked with gray.
I laughed and shook my head. “Actually, I think Nat
alie may have that covered.”
“Indeed I do.” Natalie appeared out of nowhere and handed me a mimosa. “Here you go, hon.”
I took the glass and smiled. “Thank you so much.”
She winked and mouthed the words I told you.
• • •
After a half hour or so of anxious small talk (anxious on my part, at least), Natalie announced it was time to eat, so we all migrated to a huge table in the dining room. I was still nursing my first mimosa, determined to make it last most of the day. The last thing I wanted was to get tipsy in front of Jake’s entire family and blurt out something stupid. God knows I do that often enough when I’m sober.
As we passed through the living room, I admired the enormous and beautifully decorated tree in the corner. My Christmas trees were always pretty, but they had always been small, if not outright puny.
This is a real home, I thought.
As soon as we’d settled into our seats, Natalie appeared from the kitchen and directed us to the buffet lining the back wall. “Serve yourselves, everyone. I don’t want to feel like I’m running a restaurant here. Plus I need to make sure the kids are still alive.” She laughed and shooed us along.
Jake’s mom put her hand on her heart. “Serve ourselves?” She looked horrified.
“Yes, Mom, serve yourself. You can do it.” Natalie rolled her eyes, and Jake laughed and nudged me.
“Let’s go, captain,” he said, standing up.
I looked at him. “Did you just call me captain?”
He laughed again. “I must have picked that up somewhere.”
“Apparently, my proclivity for assigning nicknames is contagious.”
He put a hand on my head. “Apparently it is.”
Suddenly I was starving. Everything on the buffet looks delicious. Croissants, ham, turkey, steak, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, French toast. I couldn’t decide what to eat, so I served myself a bit of everything, and then made my way back to the table. When I sat down, I noticed that I had more food than Jake did. There was literally no room for daylight anywhere on my plate.
“Oh my God, do I look like a pig?” I whispered to him.
He looked at my plate and laughed. “Hungry much?”
Honey on Your Mind Page 18
