Page 27 of It Never Happened
I chuckle at her explanation, and they both look shocked to see me as I round the corner.
“Jack. I didn’t know you were here,” January says with a tone while staring right at Courtney.
I smirk, and Lief just shakes his head.
“Come in, come in, get out of the cold.” Courtney ushers everyone into the living room. “However you got here, I’m glad you did. How are the roads?”
“Not great, but we wouldn’t miss tonight for anything.”
“I’m glad you guys are here. I was afraid no one would come, and we'd be left with all this food.”
“It will be fine. We’ll all be back tomorrow for more.”
Lief carries two big bags over to the tree, and January says, “Jack, help Lief with the presents, Joey, take Lily and play in your room for a little. I’m going to help Courtney in the kitchen.”
“In other words, you're taking her in there to talk about me,” I say while staring at January.
“Exactly.” January ushers Courtney into the kitchen.
Lief laughs as the girls leave the room. “How long have you been here?”
“Just since yesterday. Joey was afraid I wouldn’t get here with the snow and didn’t want me to miss Christmas. I have to say, he had a great idea.”
“Yeah? How's it going? Did you tell her yet?”
I shake my head. “No, we talked a bit last night, but I didn't get that far.” When there is no response, I look up from placing the packages under the tree. “What?”
“You slept with her!” he hisses out.
“So? She’s my wife. I’m allowed to do that.”
He clicks his tongue. “Jack, you need to tell her you guys are still married. Don’t trick her, it’s not going to go over well. Trust me.”
“I plan on it tonight. It’s Christmas Eve, and I promised Joey he’d have the best Christmas ever. That includes waking up as a family once again tomorrow.”
“I hope so, Jack. For your sake, hers, and Joey’s. But don’t keep her in the dark. And what about work?”
“I spoke with my assistant earlier. Things are under control. And I’ve been emailing the junior partner, feeling him out, and he’s interested and I think he’s ready. Itcould be as early as New Year’s that things get wrapped up.”
“That quickly?”
I shrug. “I already had a few things in motion before coming here.”
“You’re that serious, huh?”
“I am. I can’t miss any more time with them.”
Lief pulls me in for a hug. “I’m glad to hear it, man. And I'm glad to have you back, both in town and in my life.”
“Me too, Lief. I’m sorry for missing out on those years with you too, years when you needed me the most. But I’m here now, and it’s time to make it up to everyone.”
“You better take an ad out in the paper to make your announcement.” He laughs.
“Oh please. I’m sure it’s already running through the gossip train in town. They’ll all just have to get over their issues with me. I’m staying, and they can kiss my ass.”
“The only one kissing ass around here should be you, Jack,” January snipes out as she and Courtney walk back into the living room.
“January, be nice,” Courtney chastises her halfheartedly while handing me and Lief mugs of hot chocolate.
