Page 37 of Just Don't Call Me Yours

As soon as Matt’s dad sees us, he pauses the game and hoists himself out of the chair to introduce himself, but instead of saying his name, he says, “Who’s ready to watch some FOOTBALL!” The word football comes out as two separate whoops, and I can’t fight my laughter.

Everyone gets introduced and Matt gets pulled away by his dad so he can show him his latest project in the garage.

Unsure of where to set my bag, I tap Matt’s mom on the shoulder as she works on getting more of our Thanksgiving meal prepped in the kitchen. “Um, Mrs. . . .” I blank. I don’t know Matt’s last name.

My eyes dart to Rae for help, but before she can answer, Matt’s mom says, “Please, call me Janet.”

I nod, but I’m not sure if calling her by her first name feels right either. I guess it’s better than calling her Matt’s mom for the rest of our visit, though. “Where should I set my bag?”

“Oh!” She looks between Rae and me. “Of course! I made up the extra bedroom upstairs for you girls. It’s the second room on the right, down the hall.” She wipes her hands with a towel. “I can show you.”

“That’s okay,” Rae says with a shake of her head. “You have your hands full. I’m sure we can find it.”

I nod. “Second room on the right.”

The corners of Janet’s mouth lift. “If you’re sure.”

Rae and I start to head toward the stairs. “Of course!” Rae says over her shoulder. “And once we set our stuff down, we’ll help with anything you need.”

Rae and I make our way upstairs and easily find the room Janet was referring to. The bed looks like it’s been freshly made and there are clean towels folded on the dresser.

“Hey.” I set my bag on the floor under the window. “Feel free to sneak into Matt’s room tonight if you want. You don’t have to stay here with me.”

Rae pauses before setting down her stuff. “Really?”

I look at her expectantly. “Wouldn’t you rather stay with him? You and I already share a room every night.”

A slow smile pulls at her mouth. “I guess that’s true.”

“It’s settled then.” I head back toward the door as she finishes putting her stuff down. “You’ll spend the night with your boyfriend, and tomorrow I get to hear all about it.”

Rae barks a laugh. “You already know everything we’ve done.”

Pausing in the doorway, I lean into the frame. “Yeah, but my dating life is nonexistent. I’m living vicariously through you.”

“You know . . .” Rae says, giving me a sideways glance. “Matt has a brother.”

26

jackson

The drive to my parents’ house went by too fast. I was lost in the music, playing out a million different scenarios of how this will all go down.

Every hypothetical ended badly.

I guess that’s to be expected. I knew this day would come—or at least I hoped it would. All I ever wanted was to be able to look my dad in the eyes and say, My band is going on tour, so I have to drop out. I’ve dreamed for years about telling him I’m finding success in something he thinks is pointless, but as I pull into the driveway of my childhood home, this is the last place I want to be. The typical Florida stucco house looks as pristine as usual—not a blade of grass out of place. But instead of appreciating how perfect my parents keep everything, it just serves as another reminder of how wildly imperfect I am to them in comparison.

My backpack only has a toothbrush and a change of clothes in it, but I sling it over my shoulder. I considered bringing my guitar so I could practice, but that seemed like a surefire way to piss off the old man before I tell him the news. As I slowly approach the house, I feel empty handed without it.

Stopping in front of the front door, I take a deep breath before knocking my knuckles against it in three steady beats.

I don’t have long to fight the urge to bolt before my mom opens the door with a wide grin. “Happy Thanksgiving!”

Some of my tension eases, and I let out a breath of laughter. “Happy Thanksgiving.”

Ushering me into the house, she asks, “Was the drive okay? When did you eat last? Is your car still running well?” All in a matter of seconds.

“Drive was fine, I had a bagel on the road, and the car runs great.”

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