I glance at him, stomach flipping at the way his hazel eyes soften simply by looking at me.
“It’s gonna be okay,” he murmurs.
I huff out a breath. “You say that now, but there’s a good chance Cam will throttle you with a turkey leg before the night is over.”
“I can take him.” A mischievous grin pulls at his mouth.
I snort out a laugh. “I’d love to see you try.”
“Baby,” he says, cocking his head, “I own him at darts and I’m twice his size. The man is weak.”
I roll my eyes, but my lips curl up anyway. He squeezes my hand once before letting go and that simple gesture quiets down the nerves a bit, knowing that he’s by my side.
We step inside, and the warmth of the restaurant immediately wraps around me. The smell of roasted turkey, buttery mashed potatoes, and fresh bread fills the air, mixing with the faint scent of cinnamon from the candles flickering in glass holders on every table.
There is even Spanish music playing on the speaker above and I am reminded of waking up every weekend to Mom cleaning while songs just like this blasted on full volume throughout the house. It’s a habit I feel like we all inherited from her, something comforting about having those songs playing in moments we need them the most.
The usual arrangement has been altered. Several tables have been pushed together to form one long, family-style table running down the center of the dining room, lined with mismatched chairs. Plates are already set, silverware gleaming under the glow of the pendant lights hanging above. There is even a hanging garland with the words “Happy Birthday Em & Frankie” and another on the opposite wall saying “Happy Thanksgiving”.
Cam went all out with making this place feel special today, either for Frankie and I, or just the holiday, I don’t know, but it’s still nice.
Near the bartop, Leo is holding Mia on his hip. Her little fistcurls around his shirt as she babbles to herself. Frankie leans against the counter, nursing a beer, expression serious as he looks over at us, probably waiting to see how close Alex and I are standing before he decides how much of a problem it is.
Noticing us first, Leo turns in our direction. “Hey, there’s the birthday girl.”
Mia lets out an excited squeal, her chubby hands, clapping together. “Mimi!”
I smile as we walk toward them. “Hey, monkey.” I call out, pressing a kiss to her forehead as soon as I reach her.
Leo gives me a squeeze around the shoulders. “You look good, Em.”
I nudge him. “You have to say that. It’s my birthday.”
Frankie lifts his beer. “Idon’t.”
I roll my eyes. “And yet, you still haven’t said anything mean. That’s how I know you’ve missed me.”
“Don’t get a big head about it,” he scowls. “Happy birthday, sis.”
“You, too, Frankie.” I say, giving him a quick hug.
Alex claps a hand on Frankie’s shoulder. “She’s right though, birthday boy. Youhavesoftened.”
Frankie shrugs Alex off like he’s contagious. “Shut up, Alex.”
Suddenly, Cam appears from the doors leading to the kitchen, wiping his hands on a dish towel. He stops short when he sees us, gaze flickering to Alex’s hand resting on my hip.
I brace myself for the explosion, but he peels his eyes away from the hand, up at me instead. “Hey, Em. Happy birthday.”
It’s not as warm and inviting as I hoped, but not hostile either.
I step closer to him. “Thanks. The restaurant looks beautiful.”
He nods. “Glad you finally get to see it.”
I smile, and for now, it’s enough.
Frankie straightens. “Is Liv coming?”
