Page 99 of Just One Season
“Maybe.”
“She’s going through a midlife crisis,” Atticus says matter-of-factly.
“I’m only thirty-three.”
“A one-third life crisis?”
“You’re only a few years behind me, brother.”
“Four years! That’s a lifetime.” Atticus pretends to look deeply offended.
I groan and can’t help but laugh.
Kellen watches our banter and chuckles.
After the boys head out for their drink, Mom and I finish up in the kitchen and sit on the couch to chat about the details of our lives. When I’m falling asleep on the soft cushions, she leads me to my room and tucks me in like I’m eight years old again.
I text Kellen from the warm, comfy bed.
Me
Hope you’re having fun! Good night
Kellen responds immediately, like he’s watching his phone instead of living in the moment with my brother.
Kellen
Good night, my turkey. Sorry we couldn’t hang out tonight
Me
No problem. Have fun with Atticus, chicken
Me
Oh, see that? Yours is a food and mine is an animal but both can be either
Kellen
I smile and fall asleep with my phone on the pillow next to me.
CHAPTER 27
Gobble Gobble
LUCY
Thursday, November 28
This day has been so good.
We all got up to help Mom cook the Thanksgiving meal, served around noon so we could drive up to northern Virginia to see our father later today. There was way too much food, and Mom had picked up pumpkin, apple, and vanilla creme pies at a bakery in her small town. Kellen stole a kiss in the pantry while Atticus was helping Mom do dishes, and I ran my foot up his leg under the table while we ate dessert. He smirked, and I couldn’t stop smiling.
Now we’re walking into the restaurant to meet Richard, and I’m filled with dread. Why do I even care what my father thinks? When I left for Colorado, it all seemed so important. But spending time with Kellen and his family made me realize that’s what’s really important.
Richard already thinks the world revolves around him. By fake dating Kellen just to make him mad, I pretty much confirmed that.
Everything feels different now.
