“No, they’ve been great. They just talk about how much you mean to them. The aunts all want you to settle down and seem to hope I’m the man. Aunt Louis said I was the most attractive man you’ve ever brought home, which means I have good genes.” I poke my elbow into her ribs lightly to show it’s just a joke. I’m not sure it works.
Her eyes widen to the size of saucers as her perfectly plump lips part in shock. “She did not.”
I nod as I continue. “And your cousins, well, they couldn’t stop raving about how fun you are and how you’re always available if they need you, but mostly, how fantastic you are with their kids. Or any children, really. They all really admire you. It’s quite endearing.”
It goes beyond endearment. But how do I tell the girl I met just a few hours ago that I think I might be developing feelings for her?
I don’t.Because that’s just crazy. Right?
Chapter 14
Valerie
Lincolnhasbeenagood sport all night. I’m really impressed, considering we didn’t meet under normal circumstances, and he has no skin in this game. He doesn’t like me, doesn’t even really know me, yet he’s here and sticking it out, even having been interrogated by nearly every member of my family.
And he has such a positive attitude about it all, keeping me laughing and smiling, even though at times I want to crawl beneath my own skin.
But now the questioning is done, and he and I can spend some actual time together, getting to know each other, because I really do want to know him.
Why? I couldn’t tell you. But it goes beyond just wanting to know the man I brought to Gram’s house.
Yet somehow, I feel like I do know him. We shared a lot in the car, some heavy things and some not as much. Going through the loss of your parents is something that brings you closer to a person, even if unintentionally. You’ve both joined a secret club. You never know who’s a part of it until you find out that they are, in fact, a card-carrying member.
It’s not a club I’d wish anybody to be a part of if I had my way.
“I’m glad everybody was kind. But now we seem to have some time together. Want to chat?”
“Of course.” He leans against the table with his butt, which I’ve taken a peek at a few times, and it’s quite nice, and crosses his arms. “I’m an open book. Ask me anything.”
“When’s your birthday?” That seems like a silly question, and I regret asking it immediately. But I work with kids, and to them, that’s one of the most important things to know about a person.
Yet his face stretches into a warm smile, and I find myself giving one in return. “July seventeenth. How about yours?”
“September nineteenth.” It’s usually shortly after school starts, and the kidsloveto sing me happy birthday every year. Jennifer always makes sure that they know when it is so they can be prepared.
“Is Christmas your favorite holiday? I mean, you have all your family around.” He extends his hand in the direction of the living room.
“To an extent, yes. But I really love the Fourth of July. I know that sounds silly, but the fireworks just get me every time. When I was a kid, they always seemed so magical, and my parents loved taking me to see the shows. We went to as many local ones as we could. And…I don’t know, I guess they still hold some of that magic for me.” It sounds silly and childish. Maybe I’m really a kid trapped in an adult body, and that’s why I enjoy working with kids so much. They’re like my peers versus my students, at least in my heart.
“I get it. There’s a lot of wonder to them. They’re beautiful at the same time so you get a show too. Makes sense to me.” He’s the first person who doesn’t laugh when I explain it like that.
“Link. This may sound weird, but I’m really enjoying myself with you tonight. In more than just a‘hey, thanks for bailing me out of having to come alone again’type of way.” My face burns as my eyes widen.Did I just say too much?
He takes a step forward and loops a curl behind my ear. “I’m glad you said that because I feel the same way. I’m happy to be here, and with you. And I know it sounds crazy, but I like you. I can’t see anything happening that would change that.”
Our eyes lock on one another’s, and my heart skips. Slowly, so excruciatingly slow, he leans forward, his head tipping to the side.
Gone are the noises of the people in the other room. Gone is the luscious smell of dinner wafting in from the kitchen. Gone are the twinkling lights coming from every nook and cranny of Gram’s house.
Right now, it’s just me and Link and this moment where I’m pretty sure he’s leaning in for a kiss.
I close my eyes in preparation, and just as his lips start to brush mine…
“Dinnertime! Come, come everybody!” Gram yells loud enough for the whole house to hear, and we jump apart so fast I bite my cheek and nearly topple over in my way too high heels.
Link’s hands reach out to steady me, grabbing me around the waist.
When our eyes meet again, I know I’m going to get lost in this man.
