LAINEY
Iscrub the pot that I used for mashed potatoes aggressively. I’m completely pissed off. With the weather, for one. My parents didn’t make it out, just like half of the country who were stranded with grounded flights. The colleague who was going to join us called to say she is sick. And the real reason that I’m probably frustrated with a sponge is because of my neighbor.
It’s not that I had expectations, but Enzo was still hopeful that Tyler would stop by. It has not been my finest of days. Between nearly burning a turkey and crying my eyes out in my bathroom because I want Enzo to have a great Thanksgiving, I’ve given up. Enzo and I ended up eating dinner in our pajamas on the sofa while watching a movie.
I love autumn. The crunchy leaves, the colors, the family meals, and first snows. It’s a season of change, and Thanksgiving warns us that it will officially be winter soon. I want everything to be perfect for Enzo, so I’m a little bummed about today to say the least.
My cell begins to vibrate on the counter near the sink, and I see my brother’s name. Throwing the sponge into the sink, Iquickly look for a towel but give up, and I lean down to touch my screen with my elbow. To my surprise it works.
Putting him on speaker, I continue to scrub. “Hey there,” I say.
“Will you put me on video? It’s a holiday.”
I chuckle under my breath. “Not happening. I look like a hot mess.” I find the towel and pick it up.
“Yeah, I hear Mom and Dad got stuck.” There is sympathy in his voice. “I wish I was there, Sis. Also to see Enzo.”
“I can get him.”
“I’ll call again later. I’m about to head into the team captain’s house for dinner, and I just quickly wanted to check in.”
He’s sweet that way. “Thanks, big brother.”
“Try to relax. There is no need to have high expectations for today. You can take it easy.”
Sighing, I wish I could accept that feeling, but I can’t. “Easier said than done, but I hear ya. I’ll try my best.”
“Good. Now I gotta run. I hope to make it work for Christmas so I can see you. Maybe I can fly you and Enzo out?”
“I’m sure he would love it, but we’ll need to see.”
“Okay, and your neighbor hasn’t been a pain, has he? I’m scared to ask.”
That’s what has me triggered. “He’s fine. No issues,” I lie.
We say our goodbyes, and I hang up then instantly throw the nearby towel across the kitchen. I growl because I’m angry. It’s my neighbor thatisthe issue.
How stupid of me to think that a hockey player would give a damn and put in some effort for a little boy who practically begged him to stop by. Butno, Tyler is probably wallowing in his apartment with a beer and pizza.
This whole day just confirms that hockey guys are unreliable and selfish, and why am I hearing the doorbell?
Wait, what?
I can hear Enzo’s thumping run from the living room to the front hall.
I quickly dash out of the kitchen. “Enzo, let me answer. You don’t know who it?—”
My son ignores me, and the door swooshes open. “Tyler!”
A few steps and I can see that my neighbor is standing in the hall. Now I’m furious because he has day-old stubble and that does things to a woman.
Crossing my arms, I watch as Tyler steps in because Enzo clears the way and smiles.
“I thought you wouldn’t come. You’ve missed dinner, but we have loads of extras. My grandpa and grandma couldn’t come because of the planes. My mom’s mashed potatoes are not that great today, the turkey is okay-ish, but everything else is yummy.”
I feign being offended with my mouth open. “Someone is a little honest today.”
Enzo ignores me and pulls Tyler’s wrist. Tyler glances over his shoulder back at me. “Just keeping you in check.”
