Page 48 of A Tinsel Tale

“Those of us who really knew her, knew better,” I say.

We take our time, enjoying the company and easy comradery between old friends. I notice some people waiting for a seat and say, “I guess we should give someone else a chance to sit down and rest.” We bundle back up, toss our cups, and head into the holiday fray.

The afternoon flies by. We walk back to the parking lot and say goodbye to Caleb and Dee. They’re heading to Beers and Cheers and we’re heading home. I feel like crying as I buckle up. They’re more than friends. They’re family. When I think about returning to Chicago and my condo, I feel depressed and lonely. But I’m not going to think about that right now. I wave goodbye as they back out and drive away.

Jamie chucks my chin. “Cheer up. You still have me.”

I bite my lip. “I know. I’m trying not to think about all this coming to an end soon. I’m really going to miss this.”

“But now you can come back more often.”

“Maybe. Work makes that almost impossible.”

“I’m sure you have some say about that,” he lightly chides.

“Let’s change the subject. I don’t want to end on a sour note.”

“Why don’t you call your dad and see if he wants pizza for supper. We can pick it up on our way home.”

I punch in my home number and Dad answers. “Hi, Dad. Does pizza sound good?”

“Excellent. Can you order a side salad with ranch as well?”

“Absolutely. Not sure how long it will take, we’re phoning it in now.”

“No rush. See you when you get here.”

“Love you.”

“Love you more, Kiddo.”

I swallow a lump in my throat. Geesh. Sentimental much? I miss my mom so much but I’m also seeing everything that I still have. How can one feel joy and sorrow at the same time? But I do. I’m grateful that I still have my pops, my friends, Jamie.AndI miss my mom. All of that is true. I look over at Jamie who is waiting to call in our order. His chocolate brown eyes are briming with kindness and understanding.This guy!

He holds up his cell. “I have the number on speed dial. Between being single and living part time with a bunch of dudes, pizza is pretty much a staple of my diet.”

“Could be worse,” I say. “Dad wants a side salad with ranch. Make that two.”

“Got it,” he says. I lean back and close my eyes and listen to his warm pleasing voice placing our order and feel safe and cared for.

I touch his arm. “Thank you,” I say.

His brows dip. “For what?”

“For being you. You’re such a great guy. I had to bury everything back then, for sanity’s sake. I had to focus on the anger to get through it. Now I’m remembering this was always you. How could I ever have forgotten?”

His cheeks redden. “I was a mess back then. You were right to be angry.”

“Yes, but you were still a great guy. I’m glad you’re back in my life.”

His voice husky he says, “You have no idea.” Leaning over he kisses the side of my mouth then straightens and starts the truck.

25

JAMIE

Irinse out my coffee cup, turn off the music and head towards the door. Evie invited me over for a trail ride today. Is this really my life right now? When she first got here, we were at each other’s throats and now I can’t get enough of her. It’s been a over a year since I’ve been on a horse and I’m looking forward to it. I’ll probably ride Randy. He’s ornery as hell and by far my favorite. Added bonus, he’s burly enough to accommodate me. “Come on Hux, we’re going to the Parkers’.”

It’s cold but sunny, and the crisp air has a bite to it. I’m early, so I tool along slowly, enjoying the snow-covered trees from last night’s light snowfall. Hux looks like a rocket about to launch… ears forward, eyes bright, watching attentively out of the front window. He’s always game for anything. I reach over and ruffle his fur. “Well, Hux, I feel like you look. A couple of eager beavers. I’m in pretty deep here.” He glances over, then out at the passing scenery.

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