Page 27 of All the Promises We Break

“I’m okay, Mom, really. I’m still learning how to back off things.”

“Not your gift at the office, for sure. It’s in the DNA. Say, is Dylan all right? She’s usually full of spirit.”

“She’s nervous. This is a lot for her. I know you all have a thousand questions. Maybe let her lead?”

“I understand, sweetheart. Sometimes I forget she’s the same age as your sister.”

“Don’t let her hear you say that. So put me to work. I’m sure you need help in the kitchen.”

“Actually I’m all set once your father tells me the steaks are ready. Help him along, will you, if we plan on eating this century.”

Chapter Eleven

Wes

Jack always seems to have the best imported beer and I’ve never been happier to drink it. The entire ride over here it was a pep talk in my head. Forget what happened when you dropped Hayley off. I’m sure it was a one time thing. She didn’t call or text. You didn’t call or text. It was a test. We passed. It’s all good.

The trouble is, the minute she came bounding down the stairs, I knew I failed. I thanked the gods for Nirvana and nineties grunge the moment she came down that staircase in her bare feet, best skinny jeans in the Northeast, a navy crop top that made her eyes fucking pop, and a flannel shirt that was a size too big and hid everything I wished I could see.

This is going to have to be my best show yet. Jack and Lil won’t be the ones I have to hide from. Not that I don’t, but they would never consider I would look at Hayley like I am now and have been. My act has to be so airtight that Dylan, who can call bullshit from another state, and Eli, who knows me better than anyone in the world, can’t see what I hope my eyes and even my body could give away.

The universe is playing full-court press by having Dylan and Eli on one side of the table, Hayley and I on the other, with Jack and Lily on the ends. Now that my mother’s retired, she and my father are gone on his business trips or a getaway so that this type of family get-together is the exception not the norm.

I’ve always loved the feeling of two sets of parents and two full families. It was what I needed and more at certain times in my life. That’s yet another reason why I can’t entertain what I’m thinking about Hayley. She’s family. Sheisfamily. Do I believe that?

“Wes? Hello? Pass this to my mom.”

“What? Oh, sure.” I take the breadbasket from her hand, careful to grab it from the opposite side she does. After the basket has moved on, a subtle kick comes at my ankle from my right. While I take a sip off my beer, I glance at her out of the corner of my eye. She’s not looking back but I feel sorry for that last bite of steak on her plate. She stabbed it with such force I thought the plate would crack.

“Jesus, Hayles. What’s eating you?”

Fuck. Don’t answer that.

“I was just remembering a conversation I had with a friend. Sorry.”

Oh great. Here we go.

“Friend, eh?” Eli teases. “Like friend-friend or friend?”

Oh shit.

“Yeah, tell us, Hayley,” I needle. If I don’t take the opportunity to fuck with her, I will be called out for sure.

“I’m a lady. I don’t generally kiss and tell.”

“Thank you for that,” Jack adds.

“Then why attack a poor innocent plate, Hayles? Geez,” Eli continues.

“Just leave her alone. I don’t think this is dinner conversation, Eli.”

Thank you, Lily.

“No, it’s fine, Mom. Look, I’m just not ready to talk about it because I don’t know if or when it will go anywhere. He’s someone I’ve known for quite a long time. Let’s just say I’m confused about it and leave it at that.”

“You’ll know when you know, darling,” Lily adds.

Subject change enters stage left. “So,” I clear my throat, “have you two figured out a wedding date?”

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