Shortly after we moved in, two hellions on BMX bikes stopped in front of our house, wildly excited about the new kid in town. From that day forward, my circle of trust expanded to include the two first real friends I ever had. It might have been unconventional, but to me, I had the best parent in the world, and brothers I never thought I’d have. I learned quickly, and deeply, that family doesn’t always look the way you expect.
After spending these last few months with Abby, I’ve been caught off guard with how true that notion still rings. The friend group has always felt more like family, but it’s different now, especially with her. Obviously I knew there’d be some change without Aaron around, but spending time with justAbbyinstead of Abby-and-Aaron has felt more different than I could have imagined.
If I thought all other women were ruined for me before, I sure as hell know it now.
My every waking moment is consumed by her–what she’s doing,howshe’s doing, how long until I see her again. Even if it’s just a matter of going to bed at night, I’m still comforted andexcited knowing I’ll wake up and find her on the other side of sleep.
It’s overwhelming, and gut-wrenching, and confusing–and I never want it to stop.
Granny and I both startle when my phone dings loudly on the counter.
“Goodness gracious,” she says with a laugh, her hand resting on her chest. “I think we both got lost in our own little worlds there for a moment.”
“Maybe so, but no matter what, you’re my favorite person in every world,” I say, kissing her cheek before grabbing my phone. “It’s Abby.”
Abby:I’m about to head your way. Are you sure it’s okay that I crash your Thanksgiving? I don’t want Granny to go through any extra trouble.
I read the text out loud, laughing when Granny lets out an indignant sputter.
Jack:Granny said that if you, and I quote, “Don’t get your little hiney over here” she’s going to come get you herself.
Jack:And there’s no extra trouble to be had, she always makes enough for a small army even if it’s just the two of us.
Abby:She’s scary. I love her, but she’s scary.
Abby:I’ll be there soon. Can I bring anything?
“She wants to know if she can bring anything,” I call out from my spot on the couch. All I hear in response is the whirring of the stand mixer and some unintelligible mutterings that are probably much less sweet than the pie mix currently in progress.
Jack:Only if you want to rile her up.
Jack:Which I would personally love to see.
Abby:Not on your life, Jack Robbit.
Jack:Don’t call me that.
Jack:See you soon.
Chapter 23
Abby
Twenty One Weeks
“Virginia, this is incredible,” I say through a mouthful of stuffing. “Truly the best Thanksgiving meal I’ve ever had.”
“Oh, hush,” she says, unable to hide the satisfied smirk trying to break through. “The meat is dry and the pie crust didn’t come out right.”
“Granny,” Jack says exasperatedly. “If this turkey is dry, then I’m a monkey’s uncle. And what do you mean the pie crust didn’t turn out?”
“The lattice is uneven,” she says, taking a demure bite of food. “I got the spacing all wrong.”
“Oh, of course,” he drawls, tone dripping with sarcasm. “I forgot that the design directly impacts the flavor. Better throw it out, then.”
“Don’t you sass me, young man,” she says, her tone stern but her eyes sparkling with amusement. “Are you really going to have bad manners in front of our guest?”
“Sorry, Granny,” he says with a sheepish grin. “But quit pretending like this isn’t a Food Network worthy Thanksgiving dinner. You’ve outdone yourself.”
