Page 63 of Someone Just Like You

“It’s notourlives I’m worried about. It’s theirs.”

“And it wastheirchoice to split.” She jutted her chin toward the bar. “I’m going to have one more glass of wine. Want one?”

“No, thanks.”

Nicole walked away, and I went in search of my mother, who had wandered off. Had she gone to find Dad to thank him for complimenting her eye makeup? Probably not, since she knew I’d made it up, but at least they would converse directly with each other and maybe bond over their precocious twenty-seven-year-old daughter’s attempt to “parent-trap” them.

Laura and Randy were hugging by the refrigerator. I smiled wistfully at the happy couple, despite the hollow feeling in my chest. I turned away from the private moment just as Laura said, “I sent Stacey to the basement for your beta blockers. Thanksgiving is not the time to stop taking your heart medication.”

Mystery solved. Mom was in the basement. An idea whirred in my brain. If I could get Dad…I scanned the room.There he is!

I marched over to where he was talking to Jude. “Dad! Would you mind grabbing another bottle or two of wine from the basement? Laura asked. I’d do it, but I really need to use the bathroom.” I shifted my feet for emphasis.

“I’ll go—”

“No!” I cut Jude off and looked up at my dad with soft eyes. “Please?”

“I’ll do it right now.” He patted Jude’s shoulder. “Good luck saying no to this one.”

I counted to two-Mississippi before following him to the basement, quiet as a mouse. When my father started down the stairs, I locked the door and shut it behind him. Then I leaned against the closed door with a satisfied smile.

Jude stood before me. “I thought you had to use the bathroom.”

“The feeling passed.”

He crossed his arms over his chest. “What are you up to, Mole?”

I chewed my lip. “I’m trapping my parents in your basement, so they’re forced to talk.”

His mouth quirked. “Seriously?”

“Yes! Remember all the times we were locked in there?”

He raised his eyebrows. “Sure do. And somehow we still hated each other when they let us out.” He sighed. “Are you trying to fix things again, like you did when you were little?”

“So what if I am? They’re my parents. How would you feel ifyourfolks separated after forty years of marriage?” I poked a finger at his chest. “I want them to be happy.”Happy and together.I slumped against the door.

“I’m sorry.” Jude stepped closer and put his hands on the door behind me.

I lifted my head to meet him for a kiss when the basement door crashed open and banged into me from behind. “Ouch!”

My parents pushed past us, utteringexcuse mes.

When the pain eased, the surprise set in. “But…how? The lock!”

Jude laughed quietly beside me. “I forgot to mention, the lock broke ages ago.”

“I couldn’t find any wine down there. Sorry, Squirrel,” Dad said with an apologetic shrug.

I rubbed my back. “S’okay.” Once he was gone and I was alone again with Jude, I lifted my arms and let them fall. “Best-laid plans.”

Jude’s eyes twinkled. “I have a better idea.”

“To reunite my parents?”

“No, to reboot our old basement episodes to an X-rated version.” He took my hand and led me down the stairs.

“I can’t believe…pant…we’re fucking…moan…in your…grunt…basement.” It was a few minutes later and I was against another door one floor down with my skirt hitched up, panties off, and legs wrapped around his hips.

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