Page 71 of One Foggy Christmas
“Yeah, but I thought you hated him.”
“I don’t hate him.” She folds one of my sweaters and tucks it into a drawer. “I just don’t know him.”
“Neither do I.”
“Since you invited Nash here”—invited is a generous way of saying it—“we might as well try to get to know him a little better.”
I’m not sure I like this change in my mom. It was easier knowing I had people on my side who were one hundred percent okay if I just walked away from my life in Chicago and all the people in it. No questions asked. Who’s going to drive the getaway car now?
“I am trying to get to know him.” I scoop up one of the pillows on my twin-sized bed and hug it to my chest. “For example, I learned this weekend that Nash has no family besides one cousin he’s close with…andme.”
My mom and I share a look, neither of us saying out loud what we’re both thinking.If my memory doesn’t come back, can I really abandon this marriage if I’m the only family Nash has?
“I’ve met his cousin, Lindy. She’s very nice.”
“You have?”
“She spent a lot of time at the hospital.”
I can’t let my mind wonder about Lindy. I’m not ready for more people expecting me to remember them and then being disappointed when I don’t.
“At least Nash has one person he’s close with.” My mom uses her hip to close the top drawer. “Dinner is ready downstairs. I made potato cheese soup and even left out the broccoli just for you.”
“That sounds amazing.”
She places my suitcase on the top shelf in the closet. “And for dessert, homemade cinnamon rolls.”
I smile as she walks out of the room.
Thisis home. Not Chicago.
I can’t believe I ever abandoned this place.
NASH
“Wow,you rolled out the red carpet for me. Christmas dishes for dinner tonight?” Sadie traces the edge of her soup bowl.
“It’s a special occasion.” Jay smiles. “You’re finally back home where you belong.”
A coded statement from my father-in-law, but I keep my thoughts to myself.
Sadie’s eyes skip to me like she heard it too. “I know everyone says it’s been a long time since I’ve been home, but it doesn’t feel that way to me.”
“Too long.” Lynette holds the pan of cinnamon rolls in front of me, offering up seconds.
“No, thanks. I’m stuffed. That meal was delicious.”
Sadie tilts her head to the empty chair across from her. “Where’s Tate? He’s usually good for third and fourths. I thought he would be here or at least call to talk to me by now.”
Annie’s chair scrapes the wood floor as she stands. “I’m tired. I think I’ll head upstairs.”
“So soon?” Sadie’s eyes follow her.
“Yep.” Annie keeps walking, not looking back.
“What was that about?”
Jay and Lynette exchange glances, and I know what’s coming, what made Annie hurry and leave the dinner table. Jay told me earlier they would address the Tate situation after dinner. I wish I could save Sadie from this moment, from experiencing the pain all over again.
