Page 53 of Your Secret to Keep

“Thanksgiving is in a few days. Any plans?”

Honestly, I sort of forgot the holiday was this week until Shelbie reminded me. When my parents were alive, they’d do the whole full dinner thing, but when it was with my aunt and uncle, they never had the capacity to do anything more than order a pizza from the single shop that would stay open for a few hours that day. Now, Wes and I try to get together and eat pizza. If my aunt and uncle invited me, I’d go back and eat with them, but they seem too tired to do much of anything—that’s how it’s always been.

Brooks looks up, like he’s trying to remember something. “Yeah, my mom should be back from her trip. We’ll do something small, only the two of us.”

“That sounds nice. Where is she coming from?”

“She’s been in Hawaii for a few weeks with my aunt. It seems like one of her favorite places she’s visited this year.”

I let out a sigh. “Hawaii seems like a dream. I can’t even imagine.” I think about what it’d be like to be someone who traveled regularly. Maybe it’s not a good idea, considering the thought of getting on the plane for the next away game may give me hives just thinking about it.

“You and your mom? That sounds perfect,” I say, finishing my thought.

Brooks nods and doesn’t ask me about my plans. I’m kind of glad I don’t have to explain the lore of the delivered pepperoni pizza. Whenever I tell that story, people look at me with the “you poor thing” mask—one I wish I’d never see again in my life.

“I’m exhausted. I’m going to get some sleep,” he says, rubbing his eyes with his good arm.

“Text me when you land and let me know if you need anything, ok?”

“You got it. Good night, Lia.” Then the phone goes blank.

I put my phone on the bedside table and pull the blanket up to my cheeks. I’m not tired; adrenaline is still cruising through my veins. Talking to Brooks and hearing him tell me how he’s feeling did ease my worry. Seeing him in one piece, in a hotel room and not a hospital bed, was the best I could have hoped for.

Something pulls at me, snagging the relief I should feel. Ruining the smoothness.

We hadn’t talked about it, but part of me thought he might have asked me to get together for Thanksgiving. If he were going to his dad’s house, I know that wouldn’t make sense and wouldn’t expect that invite. But knowing he’s going to be at his place with his mom, I would have thought maybe he’d want me to meet her. Maybe it’s too soon. Maybe he doesn’t have the mental space to take on anything else.

Who knows.

It’s unfair for me to feel bad about something I didn’t bring up.

But I feel it anyway.

Chapter 32

Brooks

“Whatdoyoumeanyou’re not coming home for Thanksgiving?”

“Brooks, darling, it’s not by choice. There’s a tropical storm and the entire airport is grounded,” my mom’s sweet voice answers. Even over the phone, I can see her sigh as she looks at me with her deep brown eyes. It’s the same look that usually has her touching my cheek with her finger.

It seems ridiculous to be upset, but I’m pissed. Pissed at the weather, the airport, and the fact that my mom won’t be here for a low-key Thanksgiving.

“I know. I was looking forward to it. That’s all.”

She tilts her head and smiles at me, the way she has my entire life. “Why don’t you call Chris?” Mom suggests. “I’m sure they’re doing something for the holiday. No need to hang out alone.”

I know my dad is cooking—I turned down that invite because I wanted to spend time with my mom.

“Yeah, don’t worry about me,” I reply. “I’ll figure something out. Let me know any updates with the flight, okay?”

We exchangeI love you’sand I hang up. Shortly after that, a message comes in.

Clayton

hey bro

making sure you have plans for tomorrow

---