He nods his head. “It sounds like an awful flight. I’m sorry.”
“It’s not your fault. You weren’t the one crying,” she says.
That’s when Thomas notices me. “Finley, you’re here, too.” He sounds nervous. I guess I can see why given our exchange this afternoon.
It’s amazing how fine a line there is between heartbreak and anger. And while I’ve crossed that line into rage territory in the last few days, my heart still aches.
Thomas looks at the package under my arm and says, “Can I take that from you?”
So much for my plan to unveil it to them all at the same time. But I realize how inappropriate that would be given the current circumstances. Handing Thomas the calendar, I say, “I think maybe I’ll go now.”
Morgan interrupts. “Nonsense! You can’t go until you’ve had some cheese.”
Thomas looks at his mother with confusion. Then, instead of showing me the door, he gestures for me to sit on one of the giant overstuffed chairs. As I pass by him, he leans down and whispers, “I’m happy you’re here. I’ve missed you.”
Liar.But even though I’m mad at him, shivers run from the base of my neck to the tips of my toes. I’m practically vibrating in response to his nearness. I feel like I’m betraying my own best interests.
Instead of sharing his sentiment, I tell Thomas, “I’m happy to meet your family. They seem lovely.”You, on the other hand …
Vivienne pushes her brother aside and comes to sit on the chair next to me. She tells Thomas, “Finley and I are already friends.” He looks between us with a smile on his face but it’s clear something is off. In fact, the energy in the room is downright weird, and I’m pretty sure this time it’s not just my perception.
“Are you feeling okay now?” Morgan asks Vivienne.
Her daughter shrugs. “I might have to take the train home.”
Jason interjects, “You just let me know and I’ll book the tickets for us.” This is clearly a family used to making concessions for a person they love.
Thomas picks up a tray full of cheese off the coffee table and brings it over to me. I only want one piece but I grab three. I take a bite before saying, “Wisconsin has the best cheese.”
“It’s surprisingly good,” Thomas’s mom replies.
Thomas stares at her like she just professed a love for mud wrestling.
“Are you planning on joining us for supper, Finley?” Jason asks.
Before I have a chance to answer, Vivienne says, “Please, do. It will be such fun.”
The current vibe of the room indicates no such impending enjoyment. So, I tell them, “I think Thomas has planned to take you all out for supper.”
“We’re going to stay in,” Morgan says. “It’s already been a big day.”
Vivie shifts in her chair and puts her feet up on the coffee table. “I don’t want to ruin everyone’s plans. I can stay here and go to bed early if you want to go out.”
Thomas makes eye contact with me and holds it, while telling his sister, “We can go another night, Vivie.” Then he adds, “And we’d love for you to join us, Finley.”
Part of me feels like I should run and never look back, but I don’t. Instead, I find myself drowning in the depths of Thomas’s hazel eyes while saying, “That would be nice, thank you.”
What am I doing?I’m mad at Thomas for lying to me. I’m mad that he didn’t call in four days.
I warn myself not to fall for his smooth ways. The problem is, I’m not sure I’m listening.
CHAPTER FORTY
THOMAS
I’m happy to finally be spending time with Finley, especially after her reaction to seeing me earlier today. Although, I don’t think she shares my sentiment. She seems annoyed every time I say something to her.
Pulling an array of carry-out menus out of my kitchen drawer, I bring them into the living room in time to hear my mom ask Finley, “What do you think we should get, dear? I’m guessing you’ve lived here longer than Thomas.”
