Page 151 of Reel Love

“Dad, the tacos are getting cold. Could we wrap up the Academy Awards acceptance speech?” Mitzi says.

“Right. Right. Well, let’s dig in.”

Platters are passed and the conversation picks up about Dustin’s plans to move to Tennessee, some employee situations at Mitzi’s restaurant, and then our appearance on Sharla’s show this week.

We laugh a lot. People listen to one another. Dustin cracks the occasional good-natured joke. Mitzi flashes a smile when she glances over at me. It’s hard to put words to the feeling I have as Stevens’ hand finds mine under the table and he gives it a gentle squeeze. This is what a family feels like. It’s warm and messy, silly and forthright, and there’s this sense of shared history that makes for an unshakable bedrock. It’s the solid center I’ve always sensed inside Stevens. This table—this house—these people are what formed that firm foundation. And he carries it with him wherever he goes.

After the meal, I insist on helping clear the table.

Dustin asks Stevens, “Hey, can I grab you for a minute?” Then he leans in and kisses his mom’s cheek. “Ma, you and Mitzi just set all the dishes on the counters. Stevens and I will wash everything after I pull him for a quick chat.”

“Sweet boy,” Mrs. Reed coos.

“Kiss up,” Mitzi shouts playfully after her brother as he leads Stevens outside onto the back porch.

Mitzi and I are gathering plates in the dining room. The windows are open. We can hear the conversation between Dustin and Stevens.

“I can hear every word they’re saying,” Mitzi whispers to me.

“I know.”

“Shhh. Let’s listen. If it becomes obvious we’re not supposed to hear them, we can move into the kitchen.” Shesmiles a conspiratorial smile that makes me want to go along with her.

Mrs. Reed walks into the dining room. “Hey, Mitzi, can you …”

“Shhhh, Mom. We’re trying to eavesdrop here.”

I start to back away, but Mrs. Reed joins us and tugs me closer to the window while giving me a delightfully mischievous smile. “We won’t keep listening if it gets too personal, but I carried both those boys in this body and I put up with all manner of craziness when they were growing up. I earned the right.” She points at Mitzi. “And this one. She’s the only girl. She earned it too.”

“Shhh, Mom. We’re missing the good stuff.” Mitzi puts a finger up to her lips.

All three of us go quiet just in time to hear Dustin say, “Man, you and Alana Graves.”

“It’s crazy on paper,” Stevens says. “But, in reality, she’s perfect for me.”

“Pretty sure she’s perfect for half the male population.” Dustin chuckles.

Stevens doesn’t say anything, but then Dustin says, “Sorry, sorry. You know I’m joking. I see it. It’s good between the two of you. I’m so happy for you. And I saw that interview. I just wanted to tell you to hang in there.”

“Oh, I’m hanging in. As long as Alana lets me.”

Stevens’ mom smiles over at me. Her pride in her son is written across her face.

“She has this idea that I’m fragile,” Stevens says. “She kept trying to protect me from what she lives with daily. Why should she take these hits alone?”

Mitzi nudges me. “Exactly. You’re not alone. Don’t face that craziness alone. You’ve got us now.”

I nearly tear up.

“That’s awesome, bro,” Dustin says. “You’re right, too. Dad didn’t raise any slouches. We’re not about to let a woman face challenges without us by their side.”

Mrs. Reed whispers, “Dad raised them? What about me?”

“He means both of you, Mom. Now shush so we can hear.”

Stevens is laughing. “Says the guy who is still woefully single.”

“You never know. Maybe I’ll meet someone in Tennessee. I’m not opposed to the idea. I’m just waiting for the right one.”

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