23
XANDER
"How mad did they look?" I ask Tera.
"I'm sure they're past the mad now and moved on to the disappointment and feelings of betrayal," she tells me.
"Gee, thanks a lot for putting that out there," I tease.
She shrugs. "I'm not going to sugar coat it for you. If I were Lucy or the other women who hadn't been let in on the fact that you were married, and you weremybest friend, I'd be so hurt. They're your family, and Lucy's your best friend, right?"
I nod. "Yeah. I'm closest to Lucy and Jesse."
"Then, let's go fix this before it gets worse."
Worse. As with all things, it will get worse before it gets better—but I’m keeping that to myself. I’m sure she knows it anyway judging by her stiff posture.
I grab her hand again. "Let's go tackle this situation so I can tackle you—again." I wiggle my eyebrows and she snickers.
I stop where I keep my snacks and drinks, the kitchenette, and give my wife a bottle of ginger ale. “Glass? Ice?”
“Both, please. Light on the ice, though.”
Let's hope the drama can be handled quickly and smoothly. I hate that I hurt their feelings. I hate that I hurt Lucy, of all people. It's time to explain what I can, for now. It's time to get my life back with Tera.
As we head down the stairs, we notice everyone's sitting in the holiday-decorated room where we all gather on special occasions, the only room that’s big enough to hold all of us. And when I say everyone, I meaneveryone. I squeeze Tera's hand gently to reassure her. I can feel her shaking with nerves. Looking down at the crowd, I can see how it could be intimidating.
"Tera!" Dad calls out. He walks over, and they hug.
I glance around the room. Jesse looks over then winces in warning. I nod slightly. I figured it wasn't going to be good at first. But I have my reasons for keeping this to myself—that being my wife’s wishes. They’ll have to understand, or they can go on being upset. Tera has to always come first—I learned that the hard way, we all did.
The second Dad lets loose of Tera, Lucy steps up.
She holds out her hand to Tera. "Hi. I'm Lucy, Jesse's wife."
Tera shakes Lucy's hand. "Tera, Xander's wife."
"Yeah," Lucy says, her tone leaving no question she's displeased. “I heard about that. It's great to meet you."
"Thanks," Tera answers. "You, too. Finally."
"Finally?" Lucy questions.
Tera nods. "I've heard so much about you—all of you."
Lucy taps her fingernail to her bottom lip. "Interesting. Xander hasn't been quite as forthcoming about you."
Tera winces. "I'm sorry about that. It's so complicated."
Lucy nods then looks at me. "Xan, Xan, Xan. Looks like you got some 'splaining to do."
I knew this was coming. Tera and I will handle this like we’re going to handle everything from here on out—together.
