Page 116 of Loud Unspoken Memories

Lord, I could be crashing this family’s Christmas. And if I’m not wanted, there will literally be no place for me to go. I should have researched hotels before coming. Or better yet, I should never have come.

Charlie reaches up and presses the doorbell before I have a chance to back out.

A bark coming from the other side of the door gives me hope that he’s here.

Charlie peeks through the sidelight. “Bex!”

The door opens and Sarah stands there, looking stunned, as Bex all but tackles my son to the ground and covers him with dog kisses.

“Marti.”

She hesitates long enough after saying my name that a dozen bad scenarios run through my head. Bad scenarios like what if he is here, but he’s not alone. What if he’s here with a woman? A date. A new girlfriend even.

But before I pass out from crippling stress, she pulls me into her arms. “What a lovely surprise.”

I relax into her and return the hug. Surely she wouldn’t have said it if he were inside sharing eggnog with a slender beauty without any so-called baggage.

“I’m so sorry to show up like this. I know it’s a terrible imposition but—”

“Nonsense. I said you were welcome here anytime and I meant it. And it’s Christmas Eve. The more the merrier.” She squats down and hugs Charlie now that he’s done greeting Bex. “And you. I’m so happy to see you, Charlie.”

“Mommy said I can ride the elvator.”

She laughs. “As much as you want.” She stands and moves aside. “Come in out of the cold. You can leave your suitcase here in the foyer. We’ll get you situated later.”

I do as she says, still terrified of what’s inside. Am I about to walk in on a huge family dinner?

She escorts us to the living room where the massive Christmas tree is twinkling with gorgeous lights. Under it are more presents than I’ve ever seen in my entire life.

Charlie’s eyes go wide and he races over, past the many people now looking at us. “Mommy! Look!”

Guilt crawls up my spine. I came empty handed. I’m imposing on this family, and I didn’t so much as bring a bottle of wine or a bouquet of flowers. I packed a few of the smaller presents I picked up for Charlie, but as this was a spur-of-the moment decision, that was the best I could do.

I’m truly out of my league, element, and socio-economic class.

As Charlie scans the presents, I peruse the room. There are a lot of people here. Many I recognize from Lucas’s birthday party. They aren’t sitting down to a big family dinner, but they are all staring at me, many with slack jaws and surprised looks on their faces. Some are snickering.

Why are they laughing? Have I made a colossal mistake?

The one person I don’t see, however, is the very person I flew up here for.

Allie steps forward wearing a gorgeous silver, red, and green mini dress that shows off her amazing figure. She’s got the biggest smile of them all. “Marti!” She practically laughs out my name. “Oh my god. No freaking way.”

She looks genuinely happy to see me, but something seems… off.

Whispers ensue behind her. Ones I’m sure I’m the topic of.

“And Charlie,” she adds, plowing through the crowd. She looks at her mom. “Did you tell her?”

Sarah smiles and shakes her head like they all have this huge secret I’m not privy to.

“Come,” Allie says, pulling me toward the bar that’s manned by an actual bartender wearing a uniform. “She’ll have the eggnog. Make it strong. She’s going to need it.”

Those words have dread tightening my stomach once again.

The man behind the bar quickly does her bidding and hands me the drink, topped off with a sprinkled holiday nutmeg pattern. I take it, but don’t sip. I’m far too nervous and fear it may end up all over my shirt.

“Allie, what is it?”

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