Page 56 of The Hookup Situation

I still don’t fully understand his reasons for keeping us a secret, and I’m realizing more and more how much I want us to be something other than fuck buddies, or friends with benefits, but the last thing I want to do is pressure him into something he’s not ready for, and he seems scared, for whatever reason, to take what we're doing any further, so for now, I’ll wait. Who knows, maybe some time apart for Thanksgiving will be good for us. Except that I’m already missing him, and I was really looking forward to introducing him to my family and spending sometime with him in a different environment, including him in all of our traditions.

I sigh and pull the covers back, climbing out of bed and heading for the bathroom and a shower. I think Chris is still asleep but I’m pretty sure he’s leaving today too.

I finish showering and dress in jeans and a T-shirt with a volleyball on it that says, “If you want a soft serve go get ice cream.” It’s old, since my parents got it for me a few years ago for Christmas, but I love it.

I eat some cereal and drink some coffee, then head into my room to pack. It doesn’t take long since most of what I need is back home.

I think about texting Jackson to tell him I’m heading out, but decide to get my things in my car first, so I slip on my coat and shoes, grab my suitcase and head for the door.

I see Jackson’s car still in the parking lot, buried under the snow, and assume that means he’s still around somewhere, or that he took an uber to the airport, which would make sense. But I thought he would at least say goodbye.

I sigh as I pop the trunk. I’m reaching for my suitcase when I hear, “Am I too late?”

I turn and see him standing there, holding his own suitcase and looking as sexy as ever in his dark jeans and black peacoat, with fresh make up on, and combat boots on his feet. I can’t help the smile that splits my face, because we all know that stuff about spending time apart being good for us is a load of shit I made up to make myself feel better. He’s here.

I grin. “You’re coming?”

He smiles back. “If I’m still invited.”

“Definitely still invited.” I heave my suitcase into the trunk and he moves closer, lifting his suitcase and setting it inside along with mine.

“I should have said something,” he says, hands shoved in his coat pockets. “Told you what I was doing. I was kind of undecided, I guess. I woke up and decided to go but then I got back home and started thinking maybe I shouldn’t, and I’ve never been at someone else’s house for Thanksgiving before. I mean, I’ve never been invited, and I guess I’m a little nervous.”

I can’t help smiling even wider. He’s kinda cute when he rambles. I don’t think he gets flustered or nervous very often, and if he does he hides it well. Maybe this is a sign he’s getting more comfortable with me. I want to kiss him, but there’s a few other people in the parking lot now and I don’t know how he would feel about it, so I don’t. “I’m really glad you are here,” I tell him. “And my family is only a little bit crazy so hopefully you’ll enjoy yourself.”

He flushes and gives a small chuckle.

“Ready?”

“Ready when you are.”

“You’re okay with my parents probably knowing about us?” I check. “I won’t announce it or anything, and I’ll introduce you as a friend, but…”

He nods. “As long as it doesn’t get back to Rory and Lucy, and I don’t know how it could, we’re fine.”

I grin and we get in the car.

“Wanna turn on some music?” I ask as I pull out of the parking lot and head towards home. I don’t think I’ve ever been this excited about bringing someone with me before.

He pulls his phone out and plugs it into the adapter, and pretty soon, smooth jazz music is filling the car. It’s honestly really cool and I find myself enjoying it as I drive.

“So fair warning, my mom is kinda a lot, like in a good way, but she’ll be very chatty and probably asking a lot of questions. It’s her way of showing she cares, but if there’s anything you don’t want to talk about you can tell her, or just tug on your earor something and I’ll try to save you. She’ll also be insisting you eat like around the clock, so get ready. She’s always baking or cooking something.”

He laughs. “Okay.”

“My dad is quieter. He spends a lot of time in his recliner with Ginger on his lap, reading. Loves board games, though, so that’s one way to get him up. We’ll probably watch a fair amount of Star Trek. It’s kinda our thing when I’m home. We used to do it as a family at least once a week. They still do, but I like to join when I can. You don’t have to join though, if you don’t want to.”

“I would love to,” he says. “Your family sounds pretty amazing. Thank you for inviting me. I was kinda dreading going home.”

His admission makes my chest ache. “You’re not close to your parents, I take it.”

He shakes his head and looks out the window. I won’t be getting more than that, I guess.

“Ginger is your dog, I assume,” he says, looking back at me. “Unless your dad sits on his chair with another lady in his lap.”

I laugh. “No, she’s the dog.”

“What kind?”

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