“It was no problem.” She gestures back at the counter. “Alley, do you mind making the salad?”
A slow smile spreads across my face, tension melting. “Sure.” The simple normalcy of being asked to help is everything. So simple, yet it feels like I belong—again.
Matt’s voice echoes over the noise of conversation and knives against cutting boards. “Tell me the hockey game’s on. Why the hell isn’t the game on?”
“Because no one cares about hockey, Matt,” Megan shouts through the chaos.
“Bullshit,” Jensen and Matt shoot back in unison.
Megan eyes Matt. “Why are you dressed so stiff? It’s Sunday.”
“I had a meeting.” Matt unbuttons his collar, shrugs off his blazer, and tosses it over a chair before he and Jensen disappear into the living room to watch the hockey game.
I make my way toward the counter where Christy’s laid out all the salad fixings.
Megan glances up from the charcuterie board she’s arranging. Her voice drops, quiet. “You alright?”
She knows how nervous I was to come today.
I nod, grabbing a cutting board. “Yeah, I’m good. How was your weekend? What’d you guys do?”
“Nothing big. Basketball games and dance performances. The kids ran the show.” She smiles faintly, then tilts her head. “Is moving day still Saturday?”
“Yep. Movers are scheduled for the morning.”
“And how long am I allowed to stay mad at you?” Megan teases, though her watery eyes give her away.
“Six more days. I’m gonna need you on your A-game come Saturday.”
She mulls it over. “Fine. Until then, I’m still kind of mad. No, actually, I’m not mad at you. Only Jensen.”
I laugh softly. “Why only Jensen?”
“Because he’s the one who found the house.” She nudges my elbow, smiling through it. “I’m joking. You know I’m so happy for you. Just… gonna miss you guys.”
“I know.” My voice dips to a whisper. “I’ll miss you too. All of you.”
Our offer was accepted on the house five weeks ago. We closed a few days ago, and now we’re officially homeowners, in Chicago. It’s bittersweet. I’ve been there for seven months, but these last few I’ve come back here almost every other weekend. Now it feels final. Like I won’t see my friends, this family that’s become my own, more than a handful of times a year—holidays, some birthdays, maybe once or twice in between. The thought cuts deep. It sucks.
But I’m excited, too. I love that house. Every time we’ve gone over, whether to measure for furniture or just stand on the sidewalk and stare at it, the anticipation builds. It feels right, moving forward with my husband, starting this new chapter in a place that’s ours. Piece by piece, everything’s falling into place.
Jensen’s been incredible these past few weeks—months, really. My relationship with him is my number one priority, with my dad a close second. He’s been doing well, all things considered, and I pray he stays stable.
By the time I finish the salad, dinner’s ready and everyone gathers around the table.
“So what’s new with everyone?” Tom asks, glancing around.
“Jensen and Alley are moving in six days. So you’d all better be at their house to say goodbye, and bring booze.” Megan pauses, eyes flicking to Jensen. “Or maybe hold off on the booze.”
“Meg, you drink around me all the time. It’s fine. Just bring it. Everyone knows I love getting fucked up on Liquid Death.”
That causes everyone to laugh.
“Liquid Death?” Kevin chimes in. “Damn, Alley, watch out, you’re about to get railed Saturday.”
I shoot Kev a look, brows furrowed. “You havenoidea, Kev. When Jensen’s had a few?” I pucker my lips and let out an exhale, like it’s the hottest thing ever.
Jensen chuckles. “I’m so glad you’re all comfortable making my weaknesses the butt of your jokes.”
