Sara would always kid how she was socially inept, but her real issue was accepting kindness. She never expected it, so she didn’t know how to react.
“Drew said you liked bread pudding and it’s my daughter’s favorite, so . . .” She trailed off when Cassie’s voice drifted down the hallway.
“Drew!” My sister raced over to me and tackled me with a hug. I lifted her by the waist and twirled her around until her giggles made her breathless.
“This monster is my sister, Cassie. Cassie, this is my friend, Sara.”
“Hi, Sara!” She clung onto my neck as she gave Sara a wave.
“Hi, Cassie. Nice to meet you.” She smiled but it was stiff. The sight of Cassie probably made Sara miss Victoria even more.
I spied Mom squeeze Sara’s shoulder. “I heard you’re a chef. And I’m glad because the gravy is giving me issues today.”
Sara’s head snapped back to my mother. “Oh, I’m actually pretty good at sauces, if you want me to take a look—”
“Are you kidding? Let’s go.” She grabbed her hand and pulled her down the hallway. Mom looked back and gave me a nod. My chest heaved a sigh of relief, and I gave thanks for my mother’s sixth sense.
“Drew,” Cassie whispered as she pulled at the hem of my T-Shirt, “is Sara your girlfriend?”
I knelt in front of her and yanked her messy blonde ponytail. “Well, she’s a girl that’s my friend.”
Her brow crinkled, and I prayed that wimpy explanation satisfied her for the time being. “She’s pretty.”
I nodded as a smile stretched my lips. “Yes, she is.”
“Andrew!” My stepdad traipsed through the door and planted a kiss on my sister’s head. “Happy Thanksgiving, son.”
“You too, Phil.” I stood from the floor to give him a hug.
“Did you bring your friend?” he asked as he scanned the room.
“Yeah, she’s in the kitchen with Mom.”
“Right.” He nodded. “She’s a chef.”
“Almost. She graduates this year—”
“She’s pretty, Daddy. Likereallypretty.”
His lips twisted into a smirk as he caught my gaze. I shrugged and nodded.
“I look forward to meeting her. Let me change and I’ll meet you guys in the dining room.” He slapped my arm and headed down the hallway.
“Come on, baby sister. Let’s see if Mom needs any help.” I nudged her toward the dining room.
The table was already set. Sara helped my mother set steaming bowls on the table, seeming a lot more relaxed than she was in the car ride up. Her eyes darted to mine and she gave me a relieved smile.
“Hi, Sara.” Phil ambled over and extended his hand. “I’m Phil, Andrew’s stepdad. I’ve heard a lot about you.”
Sara grinned and took his hand. “Julia said the same thing. I’m getting a little worried.” She quirked an eyebrow at me.
“All good.” He raised his hands. “I promise.”
Her cheeks flushed as she let out a nervous laugh. “Let me see if Julia needs any more help. It’s nice to meet you.”
She returned to the kitchen as Phil settled into his usual seat next to me. “Cassie was spot-on. Nice work, son.”
“We’re friends, Phil,” I groaned. I didn’t need anyone spewing out any comments to make Sara uncomfortable when she was finally starting to relax.
