Page 75 of Our Long Days
Attendance at familydinners isn’t out of necessity. It’s good for the soul. My safe space. Memories plaster the walls, love and laughter ingrained deep in the foundations.
My mom’s home cooking, spending time with my niece, and winding my brothers up is a routine I missed while traveling. It can be tricky getting us all under one roof, but tonight, it’s a full house. Except for Aly and Booth, of course.
Oh, and my lumberjack.
Dex won’t be back until tomorrow, leaving his usual seat to my right vacant.
It didn’t seem that long ago we were celebrating Pat and Jo’s engagement, and tonight, all eyes are on Graham and Quinn. After collecting the keys to their first home together, my brother popped the question. No doubt, they’ll be exchanging vows soon.
“It’s a fixer-upper, but that’s what we love about it,” Quinn says, excitement brimming from her as she describes their new home to the table. She turns to Graham, grinning widely. My reserved middle brother stares at her lovingly, completely besotted with our little baker.
“A nice big kitchen for you,” Graham adds. “And it’s only a street away.”
Quinn squeezes his arm and aims her smile at Pat and Jo. “Our kids will practically be neighbors."
“If it’s Graham’s kid, they’ll be playing inside with their abacus,” Patrick teases, earning a middle finger from Graham.
“Be nice,” my mom chastises. Then, her attention turns to me. “Florence, you haven’t told us how the job is going. How is Dex treating you?”
I still. Garlic and rich tomato waft up my nose as the forkful of pasta bake pauses an inch from my mouth. “Dex treats me…fine.”
“Fine?” Patrick echoes. “He better be treating you better thanfine,Flo, or I’ll be having words with my best friend.”
It’s a joke, one everyone finds amusing, but all color drains from my face while my cheeks scorch simultaneously. Everyone is oblivious.
“Oh, that reminds me. Did you receive a letter from Dexter’s insurance with the effective date of coverage? Once the paperwork is submitted, you can arrange the doctor’s appointment.”
My mother doesn’t have a mean bone in her body, but she does have a big mouth.
One she currently has her hand clapped over, eyes wide.
The table goes quiet.
It was never my intention to hide my ADHD for so long. I wanted to understand it more myself and be prepared for all the questions my brothers would fire my way. Cat’s out of the bag now.
“What appointment?” Graham asks worryingly.
“Are you sick?” Concern etches Patrick’s face.
Lottie taps my shoulder, tears clinging to her lashes. “Are you dying?”
“Oh my god!” I protest and scoop my niece onto my lap,soothing her. “You’re all so dramatic.” Exhaling slowly, I address the room. “I have ADHD.”
There are a mix of reactions around the table.
Quinn surprises me by speaking first. “A spicy brain. I love it.”
Johanna smiles from across the table. “That’s why you’re so creative.”
My chest swells with emotion. Less distressed, my brothers exchange a look.
“I didn’t know you were being tested.” Patrick’s tone is off. Since our dad passed, he struggles not being in the know.
“Don’t make a big deal out of it. I’ve had my suspicions for a while and was diagnosed before I went backpacking.” I shrug. “Mom’s insurance is more expensive, so I moved to Dex’s.”
“Two years ago? Flo, that’s not responsible.” Patrick sets down his silverware. “Does this explain…”
He doesn’t need to finish his sentence. Ire replaces the wholesome sensation. Sensing the shift in the air, Lottie wriggles off me and tiptoes over to Jo.
