"So, June," my mother started. "Oh, do you mind if I call you June?"
She smiled. "Not at all."
"Lovely. Do you have any plans for the holidays?" she asked.
"Not really," she said. "My mother's going on a vacation this year to the Bahamas, so I was just going to spend it at home."
"Oh, that's nice for her, but sounds a bit lonely."
I froze, knowing where this was headed. My father was watching the interaction carefully, and Samuel looked as if he was ready to take out the popcorn. Juniper continued eating her dessert, clueless to the trap my mother had just laid.
"Well, every year our family does a two week trip to a ski resort up north."
"That sounds beautiful," she said. "The perfect way to spend the holiday."
The glint in my mother's eye told me she was on a roll. I wanted to jump in and say something, anything to stop what I knew was coming, but had no idea what I would say.
"I'm so glad you think so. I was wondering if you would be interested in coming with us?"
Juniper paused with her spoon halfway to her mouth. "What?"
"We would love it if you joined us," Mom repeated. "You wouldn't have to worry about a thing, just showing up."
Juniper set her spoon down and looked at me, slightly panicked. I was there with her, but left my face neutral.
She cleared her throat. "I appreciate the invitation, but I'm not sure if I could get out of work."
"You work at Beans & More, right?" Rachel asked.
"Yeah."
"Oh, I know Barbra, the owner," she said. “She totally owes me. I’m in interior design and helped her get the cafe set up. If it wasn’t for me, she wouldn’t have those fancy tables she loves so much. We could get you out of work, easily."
Thank you Rachel, for having connections to absolutely everyone in this town.Rachel's true skill was making connections, and it was one that fit right in with the family.
"T-that would be nice," Juniper said. "In that case, I guess I could."
"Wonderful!" my mother said. "We are so thrilled to have you, right dear?" she asked my father.
"It will be nice to have another member in the family." He didn't say it unkindly, but it didn't sound very sincere either, which rubbed me the wrong way.
The dessert was finished and we were led back to the great room for drinks. I only had a coffee since I planned to drive, but Juniper knocked back another drink, and I couldn't blame her.
I brought her here to be conned into a family vacation, when we weren't even together. She seemed to be handling it well, though. After it happened, she went back to acting like everything was normal. Rachel was excited to go to the spa with her, and my mother kept asking what size shoe she wore for her ski boots.
By the time we were saying goodbye and making our way out the door, I was reminded why I didn't come to every family dinner. These people were exhausting.
We got to the car and I started driving, eager to get away and back home.
"Your family is nice," Juniper commented.
"They're a bit much," I said. "But they're all right."
"So, how am I getting out of this vacation?" she asked. "I've been trying to think of something all night, but can't."
I swallowed. I wasn't sure either. The more I thought about it, though, the more it seemed like a good idea. If she came to this vacation, my family saw us happy, and I acted like it ended in tragic heartbreak, that would have to let me off the hook for at least a year, maybe even a few.
I pulled up to her apartment. It was a cute town house. Not my style–I preferred my penthouse, but it seemed to fit her.
