Page 121 of Verses

“Probably—I just don’t know how convincing I’d be.”

“AnythingI’dsay would sound like bullshit.”

Wolf said, “I’ll try to think of something a little more credible—but consider it done.”

We continued walking, growing silent for a bit, and it was so hard to not put my hand in his—but I knew my family might catch us, and I wasn’t willing for that particular hurricane. The longer we stayed outside, the more I relaxed.

After turning a corner, I said, “I’d fake food poisoning from the turkey—except I’d be the only one, so no one would buy that.”

Wolf laughed. “You little devil.”

Again, we were silent, but it felt as if we were both enjoying the cool silence of the outdoors. As we turned another corner, I saw the house almost halfway down the block in front of us and had no desire to return. So, even though it was a bad idea, I touched Wolf’s hand with the back of mine before sliding it in his. The memory of touching him would fortify me for the rest of this visit.

At least, I hoped so.

As we approached the house, Wolf said, “Y’know, bird, you don’t have to feel embarrassed about your family. They’re just people. I see far worse behavior at the bar all the time.”

He was right—and so sweet. Without even thinking, I turned and kissed him hard on the lips.

“Not that I’m complaining…but what wasthatfor?”

I grinned. “Everything.”

As we headed back up the walk that led to the front door, I let go of his hand so we could go back to playing just friends. When we walked in the door, I knew immediately that the turkey argument had continued for most of the time we’d been gone.

Why? Because someone had actuallythrowna slice of turkey across the room, and it lay on the tiled entryway. We stepped carefully to avoid it as I wondered which person was the guilty party.

All bets were on my mother—but I’d never ask.

I didn’t know if they’d quit talking because we were back or if the heated conversation was naturally dying down, but I was grateful that they were trying to contain themselves. Glancing at all the faces, I noticed that even Luca seemed unfazed—meaning he’d grown used to my family’s antics.

But I hoped to distract everyone from this nonsense while also getting closer to the point where Wolf and I could leave. “Mom, did you make pies this year?”

“Of course I did.”

“Can I bring them out? It looks like almost everyone is ready for dessert.”

It did the trick—even if only temporarily. “They’re on a cart in the utility room. You can roll it in. Everything’s already on it.”

I headed into the kitchen, and it took me a second to remember that what my mother called the utility room was the tiny space just off the kitchen, separating that room from the backyard. Next to the dryer was the cart she’d spoken of, andthere were not only several pies on it but even a tub of Cool Whip, some small plates, pie servers, and forks. Ready to go, just as she’d promised.

When I rolled the cart back in the dining room, I said, “Mom, this all looks really nice.”

Apparently in her state that was the wrong thing to say. “Ialwaystry to do a good job with Christmas, and this is the first time you’ve ever noticed?”

Just get through dessert, Hayley.

“That’s not what I meant. I just don’t remember you ever having a serving cart.”

My words seemed to mollify her mood, evident not only by how the muscles in her forehead seemed to soften but also by her tone. “I’m glad you appreciate it. Maybe that’s a sign that you should visit more often.”

Hell, no.Today’s visit was a vivid reminder of why I’d stayed away as much as possible. Really, the car not working was simply an excuse. At least Wolf’s presence seemed to take the edge off.

“Hay-Hay, would you go ahead and serve dessert?”

“Yeah, sure.”

“But don’t serve the people who didn’t pick their favorite turkey.” She focused on my brother. “Even though I’m mad at you because you sold out, Derek, you’re allowed to have a piece of pie because you made a choice. The rest of you have to decide before you can have any.”

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