“What’s this I’m hearing about two gentlemen being all up in your business?” I ask.
Grandma Nancy looks affronted, and Grandma Donna blushes.
“My business is still my business,” Grandma Nancy assures me.
“Hal Fair would certainly like to know more,” Goldie teases.
“Well, naturally,” she says, tsking. “Who wouldn’t?”
We all laugh, and she just smirks at us.
We carry things outside, and kids start showing up with their parents for the Easter egg hunt. Tully’s in costume and getting pictures taken with the kids.
After the festivities, it’s just the family again. Our table outside is loud and festive. It doesn’t take long for me to be halfway through my second plate.
“Honey, there’s lots more of this,” Grandma Donna says, trying to pass me the Lutheran Jell-O. “Why don’t you finish it off?”
“Oh, I couldn’t, Grandma. So full.” I look around the table for help, but everyone’s avoiding eye contact.
Motherfuckers.
I swallow hard and take the dish, dolloping some on my plate.
She waits for me to take a bite. Dammit. I’m pretty sure I see peas and carrots in this one. That shit’s just wrong. My mouth waters as I lift it up, not in the good way, in the way that signals your brain that you’re about to be sick.
“Look at that!” my dad yells.
I’m so startled I drop my fork as we all turn to look at whatever my dad’s seeing. It looks like his gaze is on Kevin, but he’s just snoozing next to him, oblivious to all the attention. I glance at my dad, and he winks at me.
Thank you, I mouth.
My phone buzzes against my thigh, and when I see the flower I’ve set for Dahlia’s contact, my face must do something stupid. I try to school it, but it’s too late.
“The fam’s been noticing that you smile at your phone a lot,” Camden says. “I don’t remember you doing that unless there was a girl on the other end. Something you want to tell us…about anyone in particular?” He does a dorky thing with his eyebrows.
I throw something out on the spot about handing everything over to Rudy and then about leaving Tuesday, but I’ll be back for good in a few weeks. I open my mouth, close it, and feel heat crawl up my neck. There’s a follow-up textwaiting (a single cherry blossom emoji), and my pulse kicks faster.
Goldie says she can’t wait to meet Bill, and I respond quickly, my mind on Dahlia and not wanting to spill my guts.
I make an excuse about needing the bathroom and bolt for the house before anyone can press. Behind me I hear Goldie’s voice, low and conspiratorial, and I know they’re talking about me.
When I reach the bathroom, I check my phone again.
I’ve had a perma smile on my face all day.
Me too. I miss you. How’s your day going?
I miss you too. It’s been fun. Chloe is such a fun age for holidays now. She loved her Easter basket.
Aw, I wish I could see that.
Me too.
She sends a picture of Chloe holding up her basket, and then one of the two of them in pretty pink dresses.
I heart both of them.
So beautiful. And the smile on her face. Ha I don’t think it could get any bigger.
