Page 117 of Where We Fall

“Weshouldprobablygetboth,” I tell Lexi as she is debating between two bottles of wine.

She looks over at me with her insanely adorable face, trying to give me a look of annoyance.

“That’s your answer for everything. How about we make a decision and act like two people who don't have jobs.”

I smile. “You’re right. Let’s pretend like we have no money.”

I’ll go along with it if it makes her feel better. She wants to pretend like my money isn’t hers, but she’ll get used to it.

“What about this one?” I pick up a five-dollar bottle of wine.

“I mean…” She looks between the fifty-dollar bottle and the five. “We should probably get the cheaper one.”

I gasp at her decision. “Absolutely not. Who are you? Did you learn nothing about wine while you worked with me?”

She starts to crack up, bending over to catch her breath.

“Sucker,” she finally quips.

“Ooh, you’re hilarious,” I reply sarcastically, then put the bottle on the shelf and walk away.

She follows behind me. “Aww, can’t take a joke, huh?”

I may be a little butt-hurt that she got me, but I’m not going to admit it. Instead, I change the subject to which dessert to get. If there’s one thing her brain can get stuck on, it’s sugar.

In the bakery section, I spot my Ma’s favorite, tiramisu.

I just talked to her last night. She’s kept up with me in the four days I’ve been here. My siblings haven’t said anything. Ma even asked for my new address to send us something. I think she’s really trying to make us feel loved from afar.

I know my siblings are hurt and confused by my departure, but I guess I was hoping they would be equally supportive of the life change.

This is a huge step for me, and I just wish they were here for me.

I guess I can’t expect to leave the company we built together like this and then expect them to be over it within a week.

But I did tell them I’m willing to phase myself out of it. I don’t want to leave anyone high and dry.

I just need to get settled here first, and then I can go back and dot my i’s and cross my t’s.

When we return to the house, a strange car is parked in the driveway.

“I wonder who that is. Maybe they are here for the owners of the home,” Lexi says.

When I pull up next to the car, I look over to see Mia in the backseat. Luke and Gabe are in the front.

I’m too stunned for words. I don’t know what they’re doing here. How did they know where I live? Why didn’t they call first?

Lexi and I get out of the car. They follow suit, meeting us at the front of our cars.

Mia comes in for a hug.

“Hi,” I say as we hug, then shake my brother’s hands. “What are you doing here?”

“It’s freezing out here, “Lexi steps in. “Let’s all go inside first.”

We walk inside the house, and Lexi leads everyone to sit in the family room. Without knowing what they’re doing here, my body feels tense.

“So,” I say as we all sit in silence. “What brings you to Chicago?”

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