“Will you come over for dinner tonight?”
“Can I bring Scott?”
“We’d love to have him.” Her eyes sparkled. “It’s about time the two of you found each other.”
“You noticed that, huh?”
“Everyone’s noticed, even your dad. Your voice changes when you speak of him. And the way he looks at you?” She fanned her face.
I liked hearing this a lot. Scott had told me and shown me how he felt, and I believed him because it was true for me too. Yet knowing that others could see it—especially my parents? That made me even happier. “He’s an amazing guy.”
“I have to agree. Hot, too.”
“Stop right there, Mom.”
She laughed. “What took you so long?”
“Scott didn’t want a long-distance relationship hanging over us this fall. No guilt if we wanted to date other people.”
“Smart young man. Did you date much?”
“A couple of times.” I shrugged. I hadn’t given it my all. Just enough to know what I really wanted. “They were nice, but I want Scott more.”
“Did he date anyone?”
“Don’t know. Don’t care.”
She made her prissy oh-yeah-I-believe-that sniff. “You’ll have a long-distance relationship this spring.”
“We’ll figure it out. Can’t be harder than the fall semester.” At least, I hoped it couldn’t.
“Uh-huh.”
“And on that note, I’ll be returning to my room.” I kissed her cheek and turned away. When I reached the door, I glanced back. She was watching me. We exchanged smiles, a bit wobbly on both sides.
My Christmas break would be wonderful. I could already tell.
Scott’s lecture about being a better friend had kicked me into gear with Kimberley and Lacey. I’d made an effort to initiate group-chats with them, which meant I already had events booked with them over the break.
We met for breakfast at Kimberley’s apartment on Monday morning. She made French toast. Lacey and I brought everything else.
Once we’d all been served, I asked Kimberley the burning question. “Will you see Mason over the holidays?”
“Yeah. Sometime this week.”
“You don’t remember the exact date?”
She tapped her iPhone and checked her notes. “He’s driving. As long as the weather holds, he should be here Wednesday.”
I glanced at Lacey, who looked as clueless as I was. “Why is Mason driving?”
Kimberley’s eyes brightened. “He’s moving back. He’s bringing his own car.”
Lacey jumped up and ran around the table to hug Kimberley.
I settled for a touch of her arm. “That’s wonderful.”
After the affectionate gushing was over, Lacey and I took turns bombarding her with questions.
