Listening to Ash, Drew marveled at how far he’d come from when they first met. Ash had melted down at the dinner table in a full-blown panic attack, then afterward had sex with a waiter in full view of anyone. Sex had been his drug to stave off the pain of loneliness. He’d mistreated his body, believing he wasn’t worthy of love or respect.
“I couldn’t do this without you.” He held on to Ash. “Knowing you’re here, by my side, gives me the strength to think I can do anything.”
“You can, baby. You can perform miracles. Remember, you saved me.”
“Drew, darling, Iwas so happy to hear you were all stopping by tonight. Even Brandon and Sebastian, whom I don’t get to see often enough. And Asher, are those my favorite cookies I see in your hand? Come inside. It’s beginning to blow out there.”
They walked into his grandmother’s house, and the familiar scents of his childhood enveloped him. Like a movie reel, the memories played before his eyes: Friday night dinners with his parents and sister when they’d all sit at the table in silence as his grandmother lit theShabboscandles, the Passover Seders when he and Rachel would run around the house looking for theafikomen, lighting the menorah for Chanukah and everyone unwrapping their presents. Now it was Esther and Ash who led the candle-lighting, something he knew Ash still felt a bit odd doing, but Drew knew why his grandmother had given Ash that distinction. It made him more connected and part of the family to participate in the traditions. And Drew knew more than anything else, Ash believed in family, especially when it came to Esther. He’d do anything for her.
“Let’s go into the kitchen. Rachel is trying to coax Max in from the backyard. Tina and Louisa went out shopping for some things I found I needed for the dinner next weekend.”
As she talked, they walked down the center hall of the old colonial house to the large, homey kitchen. As expected, a pot of coffee awaited, along with a plate of cookies and brownies. If ever a kitchen symbolized the heart of the house, this was it.
“Now, don’t think these are for you. We made them for Max.” She pushed the plate toward them as they sat around the large oak table. “But I’m sure you might want one or two.”
“Or more,” Ash said with a smile.
“Are you ready to help me make thelatkes, Asher? I already have the apples for the sauce.” She poured them each a cup of steaming coffee.
“If you want me to. I’m at your service.”
The rear door slammed open, and Rachel walked in carrying a sleepy Max. “Hi, guys. Let me get him out of his jacket and put him down for a nap. He’s zonked from running around all afternoon. Be right back.” She rushed out, and Drew had a glimpse of his nephew’s sleepy face on her shoulder. Sweet innocence.
“How are you feeling, Nana?”
At ninety-five, Esther showed little sign of slowing down except for the occasional use of a cane. She still had her hair and nails done once a week and wore her bright dresses, even if only to go to the grocery store.
“Very good. My blood pressure is fine, and the doctor said, ‘See you next year,’ when I left his office.”
She and Ash laughed, but Drew could only manage a slight smile. The doorbell rang.
“I’ll get it,” he heard Rachel call out, and after a moment he heard the greetings from everyone else.
With all his friends in tow, Rachel re-entered the kitchen and sat down with a groan. “God, that boy has more energy than a pack of monkeys. Is that coffee?” She held out a mug and Drew poured her a cup. “Not that I don’t love seeing you, but what’s going on?” Her eyes narrowed and as Drew expected, she focused on him. “Why’re you here with everyone?”
Looking confused, his grandmother cocked her head. “Is that true? Is something the matter?”
His gaze flickered over to Ash, who gave him a tiny smile of encouragement, then to Jordan, who remained unsmiling and tense. He inched closer to his grandmother and took her hand. “Everything’s going to be fine. But I need you to listen.” Her eyes met his.
“Go ahead. Tell me.”
“I have testicular cancer, but”—he held her hand tight at her swift inhalation of breath—“it’s very,veryearly-stage, and the doctor said almost one hundred percent curable. The treatment is surgery. No chemo or radiation or anything. Just monitoring. So it’s going to be okay.”
His friends—his family—gathered around him and gave him hugs and encouragement.
“Of course it will. You’re young and strong.” She hugged him tight. “You’ll be fine, and you’ll have Asher with you to help you.”
“Every step of the way. Drew was more concerned about how you’d react than his own prognosis.”
“Me?” She gripped his hand. “I’ve lived a wonderful life full of more joy than I could have ever imagined existed. You and your sister have made that possible, and I intend for you both to continue to bring me that happiness until I die.”
“Let’s not talk about that now, Nana,” Rachel said and took him by the shoulders. “You’re going to be fine. You have to be.” Tears rolled down her face, and Mike smoothed a hand over her hair.
“I will be. I’m thinking positively for the best outcome possible.”
“Exactly.” Esther’s voice rang out strong. “There will be no talk of death or dying, especially with this holiday of miracles around us. We only think of the good. You’ll be fine, and we’ll celebrate the first night of Chanukah next weekend.”
“Esther, you never cease to amaze me. I wish I had as much spirit as you,” Ash said.
