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I wake up the next morning with a smile on my face. Not only was Thanksgiving dinner delightful, but ever since Madden asked for my number, I can’t stop smiling. I was certainly a bit annoyed with him at the reunion, but last night I thought I sensed a mutual attraction between us. I can’t wait to explore that more on our date, whenever that happens.

It was more than Madden, though. Before yesterday, I never realized how quiet and somber our holidays were. I adore my parents and I’ve loved our simple celebrations, but there was something so fun about a home bursting with people and activity, siblings teasing each other, and friends stopping by. Being an only child, I haven’t experienced anything like it. I felt welcomed and included, like I belonged there.

I roll over to check my phone and see that I have twelve missed texts from Kate. She made me promise to keep her updated, and I completely forgot to check my phone all last evening.

Kate: Happy Thanksgiving!

Kate: How are things at the Windells?

Kate: *GIF of bugs bunny checking his watch and tapping his foot*

Kate: Ok, send a knife emoji if you need me to come rescue you.

Kate: But if it’s going well, send a kiss emoji.

Kate: Can you at least tell me what the table décor looks like? Diane has exquisite taste.

Kate: What are the perks of being the best friend if I don’t get a play-by-play of your awkward, Thanksgiving blind-ish date?!

Kate: Ok, you’re killing me, Odette.

Kate: OMG Are you and Madden making out in a closet?!

Kate: Did you run off to the courthouse for a quick marriage?

Kate: I can’t believe you didn’t invite me to the wedding.

Kate: I already have the perfect heart-patterned bridesmaid dress. Now I’ll never have a chance to wear it.

I giggle and roll my eyes. Kate is off work today, so I decide to just call her.

She answers her phone in a grim tone. “Hello? Who is this?”

“Good morning to you, too, Kate.”

“Oh, is this my long-lost best friend?”

“If you don’t stop acting so dramatic, I won’t breathe a word about our Thanksgiving at Ted and Diane’s.”

“Oh my gosh, you call them Ted and Diane now? So you and Madden really got hitched?”

“Hardy har har. I am still painfully single. But Madden did ask for my number.”

“What? Why didn’t you lead with that?”

I shrug, though Kate can’t see it. “Dramatic effect.”

“Well, cut the drama and tell me what happened!”

I flop back on my bed and smile to myself, remembering Madden’s blue eyes looking into mine as he asked for my phone number. “Madden is so handsome that it’s intimidating. I felt nervous talking to him, though watching him and his brothers tease each other like little boys was hilarious. It kind of made me wish I had siblings to heckle, you know? And then, right before we left, he caught my arm and asked for my number.”

“That’s amazing! Teenage Kate is so jealous right now. Though, just so you know, siblings aren’t that great. My little brother always drove me nuts.”

I chuckle. “Hey, did you know he’s running for Congress?”

Her surprised gasp through the phone is loud in my ears. “I hadn’t heard that! I could see him being an awesome Congressman. I bet a campaign is going to keep him awfully busy.”

“Oh, yeah, you’re right. Maybe he won’t even have time to date.” My face falls with the realization.