Page 129 of Can't Get Over You
Aw, you know I love ya, kid.
No, Dad. I really don’t.
But it was no surprise that neither answered their phones. It wasn’t even a letdown—that was how accustomed she was to her parents not taking her calls. Sure, her mom was working, andher dad was very likely at a party telling a story. He probably had no clue his phone was ringing.
But that was the thing. Neither of her parents was thinking about her on Christmas Day. She pulled up the family chat.
Finlay: Merry Christmas!
She had to get her thoughts together, get the right tone so it didn’t sound like she was throwing a tantrum. She didn’t want to sound bitter or angry. Just speak from the heart.
Finlay: Mom, you said something to me the other day, about how I swapped one family for another. And I suppose it looks like that, but I really do care about Jude.
Ugh. You’re rambling.
No, actually, she was getting to her point.
Finlay: You said you know I need to be part of a big family, like that was a negative thing, but you know what? I want it so badly because I grew up with one that gave me the bare minimum.
Oh, maybe shewasa little angry.
Finlay: And now that I’m making Christmas magic for a little boy who’s not even mine, and being welcomed into a family I just met, I can see how very little you both did to make me feel special. I didn’t even need much. I certainly didn’t ask for much.
You know what? This feels good.
Finlay: In any event, I’m done making myself small for both of you. I’m done being convenient.
Oh yes. This is what I want to say.
Finlay: I love you both very much, but here I am, spending yet another Christmas with a family that’s not mine—no call from either of you, no real attempt to make plans. So going forward, if you want a relationship with me, the ball’s in your court.
She didn’t just hit Send. She punched it.
And damn, it felt good.
The laughter and conversation drew her back downstairs. The cinnamon-scented air made her stomach growl.
Even before she hit the living room, her dad texted back.
Dad: Heard. On my way. Text me the address again.
Well, look at that.That was all it had taken. She smiled.
My dad’s spending Christmas with me.
After a feast of prime rib, Yorkshire pudding, and roasted carrots and potatoes, Finlay sat back in her seat, Jude’s arm slung across her shoulders. She liked the way he kept his hands on her. It let her know he wanted her, was thinking about her.
They just fit, and she’d never had that with anyone before.
As always, everyone was laughing and having a great time. Especially Jude. He wasn’t acting like his usual dark and broody, observant self. Like he was an outsider.
“Someone’s wiped out.” She smiled at Cody, who was having a hard time keeping his eyes open.
“I’ll put him to bed.” Jude leaned over and whispered in the boy’s ear. “Hey, buddy. Need to close your eyes for a few minutes?”
The boy’s head wobbled in his attempt to shake it. “I want to stay here.”
“How about you stay here and close your eyes?”
