Page 53 of The Grump

“And you,” she replied.

Chapter Fourteen

Bailey

Thanksgiving usually went by in a whirl, and it was no different this year.

But as we headed out to Mom and Dad’s house in Baton Rouge, all thought of work simply went away, and we had a very relaxing evening. Because Mom was originally from New Jersey, she cooked meals that weren’t Southern in the slightest. She always said that we all stuffed our faces with Southern food all day long anyway, and she was right.

“You girls seem more tense than usual,” Mom commented after we’d cleared the table.

“We just have a lot going on,” Avery said, “with that tree and everything.”

“But you said the LeBlancs are already on top of it, right?” Mom asked.

“Yes, they are,” I replied.

“So that means they want to keep it going, right?” Dad asked in a rather brusque tone.

“They need it in good shape if they sell it off,” Avery said, then glanced at me questioningly.

I wasn’t sure what to tell her. Xander and I were circling each other. Toeing a fine line. There were many ways to say it. And I was certain that had a lot to do with why the LeBlancs were getting involved in this instead of simply having us deal with it as usual.

“It’s all going to be fine,” Avery said. “I’m sure of it.”

“Oh, hon, you’re always the eternal optimist,” Mom said.

“Yes, and I don’t get that from you, Mom, do I? You could learn a thing or two from me, you know.”

She laughed, then kissed Avery’s temple. “No, you’re right, I should. I’ve lived my whole life thinking that something bad was going to happen, and look at me. I’m nearing retirement, and life is as good as ever.”

We all burst out laughing. Mom and Dad glanced at each other. Growing up, I’d always looked at them and thought,“That’s the kind of love I want to have. If I don’t have that, I’d rather not have anything.”And yet all these years had passed by, and I hadn’t found anything even remotely similar. Some days I asked myself if it was even still possible.

Damn, that’s no way to think.I needed to borrow some of my sister’s optimism.

As was tradition for every Thanksgiving, we stayed up until very late, and it was well past midnight when I arrived home. I took a quick shower and immediately went to bed. Then I remembered I had to set the alarm clock.

That was when I realized that Xander had texted me.

Xander: Are you still awake?

My heart started to beat more rapidly. He’d sent it just a few minutes ago. Maybe he was still available to talk or message.

Bailey: Yes.

I expected him to reply, but he called me instead.

“Good evening.”

Ilovedthat sexy voice.

“Hey.”

“How was your Thanksgiving?”

“It was really nice. I loved catching up with my parents. Yours?”

“Delicious and loud.”

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