Page 151 of Always Us

The past week has gone way too fast. It’s already Saturday, Christmas Day. This morning, my grandmother finally showed up. She only lives a half hour away but didn’t bother coming over until now. She’s been here all day, and it’s not like she’s mean or says anything rude to Jade or me, but she’s being very cold and distant.

Katherine called Lilly earlier, but they didn’t talk long. Katherine’s flying home tomorrow morning and going to stay at her parents’ house. My dad assumed she’d want Lilly there, but she doesn’t, which means he has nobody to watch her while he’s in his meetings next week. Luckily, Charles offered to take care of her. Charles is great with kids and Lilly loves spending time with him. I have no idea why Katherine refused to take Lilly. She hasn’t seen her for over a week. She’s such a horrible mother. I’m so glad she isn’t here for Christmas. She would’ve ruined it for everyone.

We opened presents this morning and had Christmas dinner this afternoon. Now my grandmother is upstairs with Lilly, my dad’s playing cards with Charles in the kitchen, and Jade and I are watching TV in the game room. We’re both stuffed from eating too much. We’re lying on the couch in front of the TV, cuddled up under a blanket. We turned the main lights off so we could see the sparkling Christmas lights. We agreed that we would suspend any discussion of the Harper issue until tomorrow. It’s Christmas and we want to spend the day being happy.

“Did you have a good Christmas?” I kiss Jade’s head because it’s all I can reach. She’s got her face on my chest, the blanket pulled up to her chin.

“It was a great Christmas.” She scoots up so I can see her face.

“Was it better than last year?”

“Well, yeah. Katherine isn’t here and you aren’t recovering from being shot. This year is way better. Plus, now I’m married to you.”

“You like that, huh?”

“I love it.” She kisses me and I kiss her back, my hand touching her under the blanket.

“Garret, not here.” She pulls my hand away. “We need to go upstairs for that.”

“Then let’s go upstairs.”

“Can we go later? I’m really full right now.”

“Do you want me to put a movie in?”

“You can watch one. I’m going to take a nap. I’m really sleepy.”

“Then I’m going to call Sean.”

Sean wasn’t able to fly home for Christmas, so he’s in LA, spending the holidays by himself. I hope he at least went out for Christmas dinner. He’s still not over his breakup with Harper. He doesn’t talk about her as much as he used to, but I know he really misses having her in his life. The guy was totally in love with her. I think he still is. Actually, I know he is, but he’s trying to move on the best he can without her.

Harper’s back in LA for winter break, but she’s avoiding her family. She’s staying with one of her friends from high school. She’s still mad at her parents for forcing her to break up with Sean. She tried to get back together with him a few weeks ago, but when he wouldn’t return her calls, she gave up. Sean would love to get back together with her, but he’s still worried people will come after him if he does. Obviously he hasn’t told me this, but I know that’s the reason. And I can’t say anything because I’m not supposed to know about any of this. Plus, I don’t know if he’s safe. If Andrew still wants Harper, he’ll make sure Sean stays away.

I call Sean. It’s early afternoon out there. He should be around unless he went out to eat.

“Hey, Garret.” Sean sounds happier than normal. Must be because it’s Christmas. It’s good to hear him sounding happy again. He’s been so depressed the past few weeks. “How’s your Christmas going?”

“Great. We just had dinner and Jade and I are so full we can’t move.” I look down and see her smiling. “What did you do for dinner?”

“I haven’t eaten yet.”

Shit. I hope that doesn’t mean he ran out of money for food. He makes more money at his new job, but LA is really expensive so maybe he’s still broke.

“You should’ve brought home leftovers from the restaurant.”

“I did. The fridge is full of stuff. I just haven’t had time to eat.” When he says it, I hear a girl giggling in the background. Sean hasn’t mentioned dating anyone. I didn’t think he was ready to start dating again. But I guess he is. It’s kind of odd that he’d bring a girl he just met over to his place on Christmas.

“You got some company there, Sean?”

“Yeah.” He laughs. “My company arrived this morning, wrapped up in a bow.”

“Sean, don’t tell him that part,” the girl says. I think I recognize the voice but I’m not sure.

“Who was that?” I ask him.

“It’s me.” I hear Harper’s voice on the phone. “Hi, Garret.”

“Hi.” That’s all I say because I’m not sure if this is a good thing. If Andrew still wants Harper, then she should not be over at Sean’s. Andrew could have someone watching her. And why is Sean allowing her to be there? If he thinks his life is in danger by being with her, then why is he doing this?

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