I nod. “Yep. Should be here any minute.”
He groans. “Why would you invite her?”
I deadpan. “Because she’s my best friend and today isn’t only about you, remember? You’re gonna have to get over it.”
“Not likely. She’s insufferable.” He mutters under his breath.
I ignore him as Cam steps closer toward me, hand resting on my arm for a second. “Can we talk real quick?”
I nod, following him toward the back of the restaurant, away from the others. The second we’re alone, I know what’s coming. “I know you’re worried,” I start, crossing my arms. “And I get it. But I need you to trust me.”
Cam exhales sharply. “It’s not that simple, Em. You haven’t been back that long. That’s not enough time to really know someone.”
I shake my head. “Idoknow him, though. I’ve known him my whole life. Yeah, he was a pain in my ass when we were kids, but Cam, he’s been there for me through the worst moments of my life. Even when you didn’t know it.”
Cam’s jaw tightens. “I don’t want you to get hurt. Especially not now.” He looks down at my ICD poking out from underneath the sweater, a constant reminder of my heart condition and the device that I can’t even trust to save me now. I adjust the sweater to cover it back up, feeling suddenly self-conscious about it.
Stepping closer, I lower my voice a notch. “I know. And I love you for trying to protect me, but I’m old enough to make my own choices. And I’mchoosinghim.”
It’s the first time I’ve admitted feelings or even talked about any relationship with him, and I feel vulnerable. But I know I need to say it so that he will understand.
He seems to ponder on my words for a bit before finally pulling me into a hug. “You’re my little sister. Myonlysister. I’m always gonna want to protect you.”
I squeeze him back. “I know.”
When we return to the dining room, the door swings open as Liv and Sophia step inside, both holding dessert boxes.
Liv spots Frankie and gives him her biggest smile possible. “Aw, look at that. You missed me.”
Frankie scowls. “You’re in my way.”
Liv grins, stepping directly in front of him. “How about now?”
He grits his teeth. “I hate you.”
Liv pats his cheek. “Happy Thanksgiving Birthday, bestie.” He storms past her, not giving her the time of day anymore.
Sophia rolls her eyes, setting the desserts on the bartop next to other food and drinks splayed out. “I regret getting in the car with her.”
We all laugh, except Frankie. He makes his way to the table and sits down preemptively.
Liv runs over to me squealing. “Happy birthday, pretty girl.”
Sophia is behind her with a huge grin, her pearly whites on full display. “Happy birthday, Em!”
They both pile on top of me for a hug. “Thank you, thank you.”
Soon, we’re settling in at the long table, plates full, voice overlapping in conversation and laughter.
I stare out at everyone and take it all in. All the people I love, together, in the same room for the first time in years.
A pang of sadness tugs at my chest because my mom should be here, and because this might be my last birthday and holiday with all of them if I don’t get a donor soon.
I try to push the thought away.
I don’t want to think about endings, at least not tonight.
A warm hand slides over my thigh, as if noticing the build up of thoughts racing in my head. Alex leans in, his breath warm against my ear. “If I could,” he whispers, “I’d eat you on this table.”
