“It’s definitely not nothing, but yes, the best surprise.”
“Good. I, uh, wanted to ask you about something actually.”
I settle back into the couch farther, content to close my eyes. “I’m all ears.”
“I talked to my parents earlier today and they’re planning to come visit for a week or two, maybe more.” Matt pauses, either hesitating or waiting for me, I’m not sure. I hear him clear his throat. “Would you like to meet them while they’re here?”
I feel my lips pull up. Was he nervous to ask me? “I’d love to. When are they coming?”
Matt exhales before he speaks again. “They get in next Friday, the day after I get back. I was thinking maybe we could all have dinner at my place?”
I internally cry at the idea of having to get myself there, but I know I’m due for a drive to make sure I don’t fully break down whenever I get in the car next. My therapist in Boston recommended I try driving once a month, if possible. It’s been just a little bit longer than that. Okay, a lot. I stifle a sigh. At least it means finally seeing Matt’s place and the people who raised him. “That sounds great. Are they just visiting for fun?”
“Kind of. They’ll probably go to our home games while they’re here, maybe the closer away ones too. They are definitely going to try to convince you to go to one with them, so I apologize in advance.”
I wince, but that sounds like a problem for future Ellie. No need to panic now. “I’m excited to meet them. Do you talk on the phone with them a lot?”
“I try to call every week.”
Ugh, that’s so cute. “My dad calls me every Sunday,” I tell him. I’m not sure what compelled me to.
“Yeah? Michael, right? What does he like to talk about?”
“Yep, that’s him. Oh, you know, normal dad stuff. Work, things he sees on the news, TV shows and whatnot.”
“Sounds like my dad. You miss him?”
“All the time.”
Matt’s quiet for a few moments. “Maybe I could meet him if he comes to visit?”
I swallow the sudden emotion in my throat. “He’s a bit of a homebody, but maybe you could come with me to Boston next time I visit him.”
Another pause and then, “I’d like that very much.”
I smile and hold the phone tighter. “He’s a big sci-fi guy, so you’ll have plenty to talk about.”
“Ah, finally someone who will appreciate my little alien movies.”
“Yeah, well, we can’t all beE.T.fanatics.”
Matt barks out a laugh. I yawn and open my eyes to look at the time on my phone. I should probably go to bed. Knowing Zoey, she’ll be up at some ungodly hour. I tell that to Matt.
“Ellie?”
“Yeah?”
The line is quiet for a while.
“I just…miss you. Dream of me, okay?”
“Bossy,” I jokingly tut, knowing that happens every night anyway.
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
MATT
“Looks like she’s here.”
