Page 46 of Crash and Burn

Vinny hugged Amelia and said, “Hey doll. Glad ta see ya here.”

Amelia looked so happy and relieved to see all the warm welcomes. She said, “Hi Vinny, good to see you two again.”

Then Carter gave her a hug. “Hudson still hasn’t scared you off? This is good.”Idiot. He always had something to say, but he wouldn’t be Carter if he didn’t, and I love him like a brother for it.

Bianca called to Amelia from the kitchen, “Amelia…come on in here!” Amelia gave me asorry, butI’m being summoned to the girlslook. I let go of her hand and immediately missed it.

I didn’t know what the girls were talking about, but I watched them out of the corner of my eye as I talked to Vinny and Carter. With the greetings out of the way, Vinny handed me a drink, and said, “So…this is good, right bro? I mean, you and her here, together, for Thanksgivin’, holdin’ hands and stuff…” Vinny didn’t beat around the bush.

“Yeah, man. It’s good. I don’t know what it is. I don’t know what we are, but we’re enjoying each other’s company. I apologized for ghostin’ her.”

Vinny laughed. “So you sorted your shit out, yeah? Good, I’m glad.”

I nodded and took a drink of my beer. Vinny looked troubled and asked, “I know it’s a touchy subject, but what about that prick? Anything? Has he left town?”

I gestured with my hand for him to keep his voice down. “It’s been weeks and nothing else, so I don’t know if he’s gone or not. I hope so. I mean, if seeing me and Donnie willing to escort him out wasn’t enough to let him know Amelia is protected, then he has some sort of fu...um...death wish.” I saw one of the kids run by, so I tried to watch my language.

Carter looked at us said, “She doesn’t need to worry about him. What an idiot showing up like that.”

Vinny took another drink and said, “Look, she’s got all of us, so if he thought she was in this town alone, he’s gonna have a rude wakeup call if he shows his face again.”

Glad to know they had my back, I added, “Yeah. I tried to reassure her I would protect her no matter what. Just do me a favor and don’t say anything to her or in front of her. She’s embarrassed by it. I know...I know...she shouldn’t be, but she is.”

Lex yelled for everyone to go to the table, “Kids! Let’s go. Time to eat. Everyone, let’s sit.” The kids came running to sit at their little table while the adults broke their huddles and headed to the big table. Amelia came over to me. I laced two of my fingers with two of hers in an almost full -on hand hold. It felt more intimate than just holding hands. I led Amelia to two chairs at the end of the table and pulled one of them out for her to sit. She looked flattered. I sat next to her and waited for Lex to speak.

“OK. Everyone ready?” She looked down at the kids. Cammy, Lilly, Gianna, and Angelo, were sitting, staring up at her. Around the table, Amelia and I, Carter and Lex at each end, then Cole and Darla, and Vinny and Bianca.

“Y’all know I’m not big on saying a whole prayer, but what Iwillsay is that I’m grateful for each of you. The past few years have been hard, and this is the first year that feels somewhat normal. I’m so glad to see the people I love sitting around this table. I’m grateful thatlovehas brought a new face to the group. Amelia, welcome to our chaos.” Everyone laughed. “I will cherish every day that I have with each of you.”

I dropped my head for a second. We knew what Lex was saying, without saying it. She was thinking of Devina. We all were. I cleared my throat and asked, “Can…can I say something?”

Lex raised her hand, palm up, with a warm smile and said, “Of course, Hud. Floor’s yours.”

“I…this isn’t easy for me. I know you all know that. But um…thank you. Thank you for not giving up on me. Thank you for welcoming Amelia to the “chaos” and thank you for just being who you are.” I cleared my throat again and turn toward Amelia slightly. Her eyes look curious and concerned. “Amelia, um…thank you. I’m glad you’re here.” I couldn’t say much more than that because I felt like if I did, I’d start getting choked up.

Vinny stood up. “Hey, ya know I love each of you. I’m grateful for my babies and I’m grateful for my amazing wife.” He looked down at Bianca, who looked slightly uncomfortable but smiled.

“I’m grateful for all you do for our family,” he said.

Vinny sat back down and grabbed Bianca’s hand, kissing it. I could tell there’s still some desire in her to make things work. I knew they were separated, but I didn’t think she had given up on them yet. I could see it in the way she looked at him.

Lex spoke up again, “Does anyone else want to say anything before we eat?”

Darla chimed in. “Ijustloveyou guys. That’s all.”

Cole sarcastically came in with, “Awwwww baaaabe.”

We laughed as Lex said, “Alright alright, let’s eat everyone. Enjoy!”

*

Dinner was perfect. I hated to say that because I didn’t want to jinx anything, but it was a great holiday. Amelia leaned over to me and whispered, “How are you?”

I thought about it.How am I? Fucking amazing.Reign it in, Hudson.

I leaned into her so I could whisper back, “I’m good. I’m happy. How’re you?” I grabbed her hand, bringing it to my lap, waiting for an answer.

She looked at me with those eyes again. I continued rubbing her hand and leaned in saying, “If at any time you’re ready to go, we can go.”

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