Page 60 of Somewhere You Belong

“That’s fantastic.” Melissa rubs her palms together. “So where are my grandkids?”

“Lilly is playing in her room, and Bentley is playing video games in the living room. I told him he only gets one hour and he’s already been on there for about fifteen minutes,” Astrid answers.

“Sounds good.”

“There’s pizza in the freezer that you can pop in the oven when you guys get hungry, and ice cream sandwiches for dessert.”

Astrid’s mom waves her hand at her daughter as if she’s a pest. “In case you’ve forgotten, I raised you and your brother. I’ve got it handled, and if not, we’ll figure it out. You two go have fun. Enjoy talking with other adults and have a few drinks. And if you have too much, catch a ride home and I can take you back in the morning to get your car.”

“I’m sure we won’t get too crazy,” Astrid assures her. “It’s just the veterans’ dinner, Mom.”

“I know,” she says softly, walking up to Astrid, framing her face with her hands. “But I also know that the night can be depressing if you let it. Try not to focus on the bad, okay? Remember your husband, but also remember that you still have a beautiful life even though he’s not here.”

The light catches on the moisture building in Astrid’s eyes. “Mom, you’re going to make me ruin my makeup.”

“You look beautiful.” Her mother releases her and then turns to me. “Make sure she has a good time all right, Willow?”

I give her a small smile. “I’ll try.”

Great, more added pressure for the evening.

We say our goodbyes to the kids and then walk out to my car. I offered to drive since Astrid has been so gracious to me with… everything.

“So what exactly can I expect tonight?” I ask as we cruise along a few of the main roads in town to get to the center, streetlights streaking through the windows as we pass by.

“Well, the first hour is mostly a cocktail hour. People mingle, catch up, and have a few drinks. Then they’ll serve dinner and Mr. Hansen, the head of the center, will make his speech and introduce the officer who will recognize the veterans of the evening, including the men and women we’ve lost this year. That part can get pretty emotional.” I swallow down the lump in my throat and hear her clear hers. “And then they’ll present a slideshow, showcasing all of the events from the past year, highlighting those that helped raise money for the center and what they have planned for the year ahead.”

I take a deep breath, feeling a little more at ease now knowing what to expect. “Okay. That sounds manageable.”

“Are you really that nervous?”

“I am, Astrid. This is…” I struggle with how to explain this to her in a way she’ll understand and instead chuckle through my nerves. “It’s a lot for someone like me.”

“What do you mean?”

“It’s hard to explain.”

“Well,I’mglad you’re here. I’m nervous too, but knowing you’ll be there with me makes me feel better.” She reaches across the center console and grasps my hand. “I’m grateful for our friendship. It’s hard to make friends the older you get, especially in a small town, and part of me feels like you were meant to be here.” I see her shrug from thecorner of my eye. “I know that may sound corny, but I’ve learned not to let things go unsaid and I want you to know that’s how I feel.”

And that human contact, that simple gesture along with her words—they weave a path around my heart and settle right in the center.

I have a friend.

And for the first time in a long time, I actually want to be there for someone else just like she’s been there for me.

I cast my eyes over at her for a second. “It means a lot to me too, Astrid.”

Her smile puts me at ease. “Plus, Dallas will be there tonight, so you’ll know at least one other person,” she teases, and suddenly the nerves are back.

“Uh…that’s not helping, Astrid,” I deadpan.

“On the contrary, Willow.” She bounces her eyebrows at me. “I think Dallas could help you in more ways than one.”

***

Walking into the room steals the oxygen from my lungs as I take in my surroundings.

Round tables are stationed throughout the room covered in white tablecloths with centerpieces full of white and red roses. Navy blue lights shine up from the floor, making the walls appear blue, highlighting the patriotic theme of the night. Soft music plays from the sound system and more people than I can count are standing around in small groups, chatting with drinks in their hands.

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