“It’s good. Well, we’re off today because of the snow, but we worked late last night fixing the track on a big paver. With the snow we got, nobody’s working today. What’s going on with you and Dad? Tell me you’re not shoveling the snow, please. I can call a company and have them out there this afternoon.”
Mom softly laughed. “Now, son, there’s no need to waste your money. Dad and I take turns shoveling, plus, we have nowhere to go anyway. So, what’s new? Are ya comin’ down for Christmas?”
I sighed. “You know, Mom, I could have someone bring you and Dad up here for the holidays.” Maybe if we were at my place, it would be a much-needed change of scenery for our family?
“Aw, now, Holden, you know it wouldn’t be Christmas if we weren’t home. We need to pay tribute to Holly at the last place she lived. We can’t do that at your place.”
I wanted to hang up but she was my mother. “Mom, maybe we could. I mean, I loved Holly as much as you and Dad, but it’s been seven years. We need to come to terms with her death and heal, you know?”
Mom was silent before there was a rustling over the line. “Holden? Son, it’s Dad.”
I released a heavy breath. “Dad, where’d she go?”
Dad stalled for a moment before he answered. “She handed me the phone and went into her sewing room. What happened?”
God, I made the mistake I’d avoided for years. What the hell was wrong with me?
Chapter Three
Avery
I wasn’t surprised when the phone rang. I glanced at the screen and sighed. “Hi, Mom.”
“How are you?” My mother called me, just like clockwork. Eleven o’clock every Thursday.
“I’m good, Mom. How are you and Dad?”
“We’re fine. Are you coming home for Christmas? You know your father, Avery. He wants to see you more than we currently do. I wouldn’t mind more visits either.”
Ah, the guilt trip. It arrived quicker than I expected, but just like snow in the mountains, it always came around the holidays.
“Mom, I’m fine. You and Dad know I love you. I know what you went through when I was sick.. I gave up all my dreams because I was too fucking sick. I remember all of it.Younever let me forget any of it.”
“Don’t talk to your mother like that. She’s so glad you’re alive. You are her son. Don’t be an asshole.” The voice in my head surprised me. It almost sounded compassionate.
“I’m sorry, Mom. I didn’t mean for my words to come out like that. I know you and Dad love me. I love you, too. I’ll be home in a few days, I promise. Have you decorated the tree yet?”
“You know we wait for you to come home, son.” We talked for a few more minutes before we hung up.
Brooke walked into my office with a grin. “I assume that was your mother?”
I rolled my eyes. “Are you and Kyle going to Chicago for the holidays?”
She grinned. “He proposed, Avery.”
Brooke stuck out her left hand to show me a diamond ring, and I stood to hug her. It was about time Kyle got some sense and gave her the ring I helped him pick out during our lunch hour on Halloween afternoon.
“That’s beautiful. Will I be the bridesmaid for you or the best man for Kyle?”
Brooke laughed. “Maybe we’ll share you? When are you leaving to go home?”
I shrugged. “Tomorrow. You know I can’t get out of it, but I plan to come back before New Year’s Eve.”
Brooke held out her keys. “Take my car, Avery. Don’t rent one. You don’t need to spend the money.”
I laughed. “I’m not rolling in money, but I’m not poor, Brooke. I can afford to rent a car. Don’t worry about me.”
She laughed. “Just take the fucking car, Avery. Do you want to go with us on New Year’s Eve?”
