RobBob:You got the same message I did, I assume?
Me:I did. You as broken up as I am?
RobBob:Absolutely. This shit hurts too much.
But we both text her back with love, incredibly thankful for what she sent us. Reaching out to us was not easy.
Curling up in Dave’s arms helps so much, but I’m worried when I get up that I could be wobbly and weird.
At least Dave seems equally wobbly and weird when he wakes and makes us coffee.
“Are you not into Thanksgiving this year?” I ask. “You haven’t mentioned me to your parents? That’s okay. I can stay here.”
He laughs, but it seems forced. “Oh, I most definitely did mention you. As did ten other people.”
“Ah, that’s why you look so nervous.” I move behind him and wrap my arm around his waist. “Bringing home a girl and all?”
“That’s part of it, yes.” He takes a big sip of coffee.
“What’s the rest?” I ask.
“It’s fine.” He tries to give me a reassuring smile.
Finenever meansfine, but I don’t press.
I take my time picking out an outfit and end up in a flowy, deep green mock turtleneck and matching pant set. At least I can sculpt my hair properly now, but it still takes me ages to feel confident enough to leave the bathroom.
“Hey, can you record me reading a few books for Tommy before we go?” I ask. “I’ve been falling behind.”
Dave sort of inhales sharply when I step from the bedroom. “I’m tempted to film other things, but sure.”
I laugh and sit down as I open a book. “Just the story. For now, okay? Apologies in advance for the title, which carries a different theme than what you hoped for.”
He glances at the hardcover ofChicka Chicka Boom Boomand chuckles. “Perhaps not, but this looks cute.”
“The audio is damn cute too.” I wink.
After I send this off to Katrina and fend off advances from Dave for our own videos, it’s rather delightful and beautifully disarming when his parents open their front door and beckon me into their arms.
While I’ve only seen his dad on video, I recognize him immediately. His hug is immediate and so welcoming.
“Ah, finally!TheDiana! I’m Dave’s father, Jeremy, and this is my beautiful wife, Georgia.”
He passes me off to Dave’s mom, who also embraces me.
She then sort of pushes me back, her hands on my shoulders, to get a good look at me.
“Jeremy? She’s even more beautiful than we heard! Not that we care, but it’s a cool bonus, on top of hearing how lovely she is.”
They really do know who I am?
Dave’s words soar over us, and I laugh as he says, “God, Anjanette called you both, right?”
His mom moves her hands to snuggle in her son. “She did, that sweet angel.” She pats him on the back and whips around as she leads me through the house. “Follow me. Our spread this year is maybe too much.”
Georgia is not exaggerating. Their entire dining room table is overflowing with, well, everything Maine. Before I can even ask, his mom has her arm around my waist and is grinning proudly.
“Yeah, go ahead and shoot. I’d be upset if you felt this wasn’t worth sharing. And of course I know who you are. Been following you for years. Not trying to plug anything here, just happy to share my home cooking.”
