Hanging his head, he said, “Yeah, I’m sure he’ll call to tell me the news soon.”
Jesus fuck, what a mess. “We’ll call him today and see how they’re doing.”
“We will?” As Wren’s gaze met mine, his eyes glittered in the late afternoon sunshine streaming in from my window.
“Yes, we will.” I gritted my teeth. We’d do it after we spoke to my parents, just in case it was an even worse shitshow. But right now, I should manage this conversation. Into the phone, I said, “Vicky, I hope you have a very happy Thanksgiving. We need to call my family now.”
“Oh, of course. I’ll see you both soon. Happy Thanksgiving,” she said. “Love you.”
“Love you too, Mom. Bye.” He ended the call. “What the fuck was that about?” He peered at me.
With a shrug, I said, “I don’t think your mom understood how much it would hurt for no one to call you about the baby.” It’s all I could come up with. I’d never known his mother to be anything but supportive of him. But everyone has their moments. “The holidays can be frantic for everyone. Maybe she wasn’t thinking?”
“Yeah, it’s not like her to be so callous.” He furrowed hisbrows and nodded slowly, turning his phone in his hand. “I definitely have to call Dad today.”
“I think that’s a good idea. Call him with me on the line.” I pulled him closer to me. “If he has narcissistic tendencies, he won’t want to look like an asshole in front of me. So, it’s more likely he’ll talk to you civilly.” I thought through his predicament. “And say nothing about money this time. It seems to trigger him.”
“Yeah, okay.” He blew out a breath. “Let’s call your family now. It’ll be a pleasant break from all my drama.” Leaning into my chest, he rested his head on my shoulder. “Funny to think that the family who wasn’t accepting of your sexuality is now the drama-free one.”
With a quick grin, I kissed his head. “Yes, who’d have thought?” I slipped my phone from my joggers and FaceTimed my sister, Harper. “We’ll start with my sister first and ease into it.”
“Sounds great.” He straightened.
The phone rang, and picked up, her face coming into view, her long, dark hair falling to her shoulders. With a broad smile, she said, “Eli. How are you doing?” She tucked a bang behind her ear as the background blurred.
“Good, I’m here with Wren Lewis. Do you remember him?” I held the phone, so we both showed on the screen.
Wren smiled and waved. “Hi, Harper. You were in middle school the last time I saw you.”
“Damn, how are you? You ended up at ASU too?” Her smile reached her eyes.
“Who is that, honey?” Mom’s voice came through the connection.
“It’s Eli, and he’s got Wren Lewis with him.” She angled her phone, and Mom appeared next to her on the screen, her brown hair, grey streaking the front, and her dark gaze peering into the screen. “Wren Lewis? My gosh. It’s good to see you.” The kitchen cabinets came into view behind them.
“Thanks, Denise. It’s been a long time.” He offered a warm grin to the screen.
“Mom, Harper, Wren and I are dating again. Well, we’re boyfriends.” Warmth surrounded my heart. Wren was right. This was an enjoyable diversion from his family.
With a squeal, Harper propped her phone on something and clapped. “That’s great. The high school sweethearts are back together.”
“It’s lovely, Eli.” Mom came in closer. “I know how much you loved Wren. No one could ever compare.”
“Uh…” With heat flashing through my cheeks, I snuck a peek at Wren, who was also flushing. Those three words remained unsaid between us. I’d change the subject. “Wren quit gymnastics and is on our cheerleading squad now. That’s how I met him again. I saw him on the field with us at the first game.”
“I attended this school last year, but it’s so big, I never saw him.” He pursed his lips. “I was, uh, never attended the football games.” He bit the side of his lower lip.
“That’s incredible. So, fate brought you two back together?” Harper beamed at us.
“Guess so.” I breathed in deeply. “How is your volleyball season?” I hadn’t spoken to her since before school started.
“Great, we’re playing in regionals this year and hopefully we’ll make it to the state championship.” Harper lifted her chin.
“We’re hoping your sister gets a scholarship, like you did for football.” Mom gave a curt nod.
My father lumbered by in the background. “Who’s that?”
“It’s Eli, dear, and he’s back with Wren Lewis. You remember him, don’t you?” Mom twisted and then moved aside.
