Page 56 of The ABCs of You & Me

“Simmons.”

“Whoa,” Foster breathes out. “They’re everywhere.”

“And…” my dad says encouragingly.

“A book deal,” Mom says sheepishly.

“Why do you sound embarrassed, boop?” Dad asks while Mom glares at him. He never calls her boop in front of anyone other than me, but he let it slip in front of Foster.

“I’m not embarrassed. I’m bloody overwhelmed with pride, but I’m still coming to terms with the fact it’s real.”

“Can you explain so I too can come to terms with the fact it’s real?” I ask.

“About three months ago, some TV executive was eating at The Blind Shepherd and he had a dish with my sauce.” It’s rare that I see my mother flustered but she’s well on her way trying to tell me about this news. “He wanted to know where to buy it, and when they told him he couldn’t, he wanted to see how he could make buying it a possibility. There were talks and lawyers and now I have an agent and?—”

“Slow down, dearest,” Dad says, taking her hand and squeezing. I watch as she looks at him and takes a couple steadying breaths.

“Turns out I’m pretty good in the kitchen.” She shrugs.

I sit there staring at her, in complete shock.

“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner, but I was worried it wouldn’t happen and then I’d be a disappointment to everyone.”

“Excuse me?” I say in disbelief. “A disappointment to everyone? Who is everyone? Mom, this is amazing!” I squeal, jumping up and going to hug her. “I’m so fucking proud of you,” I murmur as I pull her up so I can squeeze her tighter.

My dad’s arms wrap around us next in a family hug.

“Get over here.” I hear him say before another set of arms join the fray.

Notes of patchouli and leather hit my nose, and I let myself enjoy the sensation of being held, albeit somewhat awkwardly by Foster.

When we separate, my mom announces that they’re heading to bed. “Oh, one tiny thing,” she says, turning back to us at the bottom of the stairs. “It totally slipped my mind with all the hosting duties that the new mattresses for the guest bedrooms were supposed to be delivered on Thursday but were delayed.”

“Oh,” Foster says, the warmth from his body impossible to ignore as he steps beside me. “I can… I can see if Cass has room, or maybe borrow the car and go to my parents’?”

Mom is already waving off the suggestions like they’re the most ridiculous things she’s ever heard. “Cass only has her bed and a small sofa. It’s very late, and there are lots of deer out. And Marley had that look in her eye when they left, so no point in calling them. Thankfully, Sophie’s bed is a queen so there’s plenty of room.”

My mouth drops as my dad hides a chuckle by clearing his throat and guiding my mom up the stairs.

Slipped her mind, my ass.

TWENTY-FIVE

FOSTER

“I’m really glad you came,” Sophie says. “Sorry about the sleeping arrangements.”

She’s on her side, head sinking into a downy pillow and apologizing to me for the thirteenth time since we found out about the bed situation. I’d told her I was fine sleeping on the couch but she wouldn’t hear it.

“It’s okay, Soph, really,” I assure her, rolling onto my side so we’re facing one another.

It’s dark, but I can still make out her features. Not that I need the power of sight to actually see them. Her face has been seared into my memory.

“I can’t believe my mom’s sauce is going to be out there like… Prego,” she whispers in wonderment.

“I don’t think you should say that brand and your mom in one breath.” I chuckle.

“You’re right, that was insulting. Please don’t ever tell her.”

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