“He makes it easy.”
“I’m serious. It makes me love you more because you love him.”
I wrap my arms around Derek. “Well, I love that you love my kid too.”
Before I can kiss Derek, his mom makes her entrance.
“Okay, none of this.” I pull back, laughing, to see her waving her hand to interrupt us.
“Sutton, it’s so good to see you.”
“Mom. Seriously?” Derek groans. “I feel like I’m in high school again.”
“Then maybe next time don’t invite us over for Christmas.” Her eyes are playful when she turns to me. “I’m sorry Lydia couldn’t join us today. Troy is really excited to show her his new hockey game.”
“Me too, but I know she’s having fun with her dad.”
Tony waltzes into the living room with an apron draped over his front. “Well, we’ll miss her. But dinner is ready.”
“I’m hungry,” Troy chirps.
“Then let’s go.” Troy grabs my hand and leads me into the dining room.
The table is masterfully set. Candles are lit with wreaths of pine surrounding each one. Festive plates rest on red chargers. Gold reindeer sit in front of each plate with name place cards—handwritten by Troy from the looks of the messy writing.
“This looks delicious,” Derek says. “You outdid yourself, Dad.”
“Have to when it’s Christmas.” Tony takes off his apron and takes a seat next to his wife.
Trays are set out with chicken, veggies, potatoes, rolls, and cranberry sauce. Everything looks and smells delicious.
Dishes are passed around as we each take generous portions of everything. Dinner goes by in a blink with us mainly listening to Troy tell everyone about his new presents.
“I can’t wait to play hockey with Lydia. It was my favorite present,” Troy tells me, his face lit up with excitement.
“As soon as she comes back from her dad’s, I’ll bring her over so you two can play with it.”
“Yes!” He pumps his fist, sending a spray of mashed potatoes onto the table.
“At least you get along with your ex and have set times to see one another,” Patricia whispers.
“It makes it easy.”
“Something Missy wouldn’t know anything about.” Disdain drips from Patricia’s voice.
“Missy? Who’s Missy?” I ask. Everyone around me tradesanxious glances. Everyone except Troy who is stuffing the last bit of his roll into his mouth.
“Troy, why don’t you go play with some of your new toys before bed?” Derek asks him.
“Can I still play hockey with Sutton?”
I nod at him. “Sure thing.”
He runs off without another word, pulling out a few things from under the tree.
“Okay, who is this Missy woman?” Mom asks as soon as Troy is out of earshot.
A pained expression washes over Derek’s face.
