Page 3 of Tangled up in You

I could never figure out what I needed to get back to her, but maybe this was it. I needed to come home.

CHAPTER 2

MELANIE

“Hurry up!” my mother urges, standing in my doorway. “I’m hungry and I need to get ready for work in an hour.”

Giving up on putting things away, I sigh. “Okay. I’ll change and meet you in the living room.”

I’ve been organizing my room since we came inside. I haven’t gotten very far, but I’ll finish the rest when I come back from the party. Even though I’m not in the mood to celebrate anything, I’d feel bad making my mom go alone.

Not showing up would also be rude to Kent, Oliver, and Simon. We had a good relationship once; I’d hate to ruin the chance to rebuild it after being apart so long.

I change into jeans, boots, and a cute oversized knit sweater. Running a brush through my hair, I decide to leave it down, but spend a little time on my makeup. If I’m going out, I want to look nice. I haven’t seen these people in years, and there’s no way I’m not presenting the best me.

When I’m ready, we head over to Kent’s. There are a few cars already parked outside.

Who all did they invite?

Heart pounding, I feel sweat beads on my forehead despite the cold. I don’t mind seeing Kent, Simon, and Oliver, but I’m worried about others. People can be judgmental, and I’m not looking forward to conversing about why I came home suddenly after twenty years away.

My mom knocks on the front door. A few moments later, Oliver opens it. He smiles, showing off the wrinkles around his mouth from aging. He looks even more distinguished and handsome than he did growing up.

“Hey!” He gives us each a hug. “I’m glad you made it. Kent said you were back. You look beautiful.”

“Thank you.” My cheeks flush at his compliment. I haven’t gotten one of those in a long time. “You look good too.”

“I try.” He dusts off his button-up shirt, making me laugh. “Come on in. Kent and Simon are in the kitchen.”

“Simon in a kitchen?” I place a hand over my chest as we enter. “I guess twenty years is enough time to learn how to cook.”

“Oh God, no. If he even looks at the stove, the house will be on fire. He’s getting wasted.”

“Ah. Nothing’s changed, then.”

Laughing, Oliver wraps an arm around my shoulders. “I’ve missed you.”

“Me too.”

It’s as if no time has passed. We’ve fallen back into our banter like we’ve been best friends the entire time, not separated and lost contact since our senior year in college. Looking up into his smiling brown eyes, I’m transported back to when my life wasn’t so complicated.

I haven’t been home long, but I already feel more comfortable than I have in years.

“Well, I miss food,” my mom speaks up.

I roll my eyes as we laugh at her teasing. Walking through the living room, people Mom and I are acquainted with say hello.We reply in kind, but don’t stop for an in-depth chat. I’ll save those for after I’ve had a drink to ease my nerves.

“Hey!” Simon and Kent call out as we enter the kitchen.

“I’m glad you came.” Kent pushes the food on the island counter forward. “Get some food, since I know that’s the only reason you came.” He winks at my mom.

I chuckle at their playfulness. Must be nice to be that carefree. I’m a bit jealous they can be that way; with all my trauma, it’s hard for me to open myself up to that without being afraid of disappointment.

She chuckles. “Sorry. If I didn’t have to work, I’d stay longer.”

“Oh, shit. I didn’t know that. Here. I’ll pack your stuff. You can come visit another day.” Kent assures her.

“Give her cake.” Simon tells Kent, patting my mom on the shoulder as he passes by her. “Melanie and I don’t care if it’s missing a piece.”

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