Page 64 of Sleepless November (Sleepless November Saga 1)

By the time the two of us get dressed, I can smell breakfast cooking from downstairs. John must be making French toast. He knows it’s my favorite. If I only eat a little, I should still be able to stay under my calorie limit.

Holden and I make our way down, saying good morning to both John and my mom and taking a seat at the kitchen table.

“So, Holden, how do you and Kayleigh know each other?” My mother asks.

“We met at school.” He answers. “We had the same sociology class last semester.”

She hums in acknowledgement as I glare, mentally willing her to stop talking. Thankfully, John finishes cooking and serves breakfast. Holden and I thank him as we each take a bite. It’s mouthwatering.

“This is delicious, sir.” Holden compliments.

John smiles politely. “Please, son, call me John.” Holden grins happily. “Do you two have any plans before your flight tomorrow?”

I nod, finishing chewing before I respond. “We’re going over to Emily’s.”

Holden looks at me, surprised by what I have planned. I hadn’t gotten a chance to mention it to him yet, too wrapped up in the surprise of him being here. Still, I’m excited to see her. She’s been my best friend since we were seven.

“Well, that sounds fun.” John says, making conversation. “Will you be staying here tonight, Holden?”

He looks a little uncomfortable. “Well, I’d like to, but I have no problem getting a hotel room if you’d rather.”

“Nonsense.” John waves dismissively. “You’re always welcome.”

Holden smiles triumphantly. “Thank you. I appreciate it.”

John begins to question Holden, asking about hockey and Holden’s fraternity – trying to get to know him better. Apparently, John used to be a member of a frat while he was in college. When Holden starts to tell him the story of how him and I got into a prank war with Caleb and Jason, I break into laughter.

“Wow, Kayleigh, I think that’s the first time I’ve seen you smile since you got here.” My mom remarks before turning her attention to Holden. “You must make her very happy.”

I smile at him as he looks at me with warmth and fondness in his eyes. He puts his hand over mine and squeezes lightly.

“Well, I try to. Your daughter is amazing and deserves the best.”

WE ARRIVE AT EMILY’S shortly after 1pm. Her mom immediately hugs me, having not seen me since before I left for university. I return the sentiment. She’s been more of a mother to me than the one I have. At one point, when I was younger, her parents were going to let me move in. Unfortunately, my mom said no. It was more important for her to pretend like she was mother of the year.

After talking to Emily’s mom for a little longer, and introducing her to Holden, we head upstairs to my best friend’s room. I knock once before opening the door and peeking my head in.

“Em?”

She stands up from her bed and walks toward me. “Since when do you knock?”

Once I see she’s decent, I open the door and step in, pulling Holden along with me. Her eyebrows raise as she looks from me to him and back again.

“Emily, this is Holden – my boyfriend.”

As they say hello to each other, I bask in the way that sounded coming from my mouth. It’s the first time I’ve said it out loud. The thought causes a wide grin to spread across my face.

Emily hugs me tightly, telling me how much she missed me. You see, her and I had originally planned to go to college together. We had the whole thing planned out. We were going to be roommates and take all the same classes. Unfortunately for me, she ended up getting a full ride to Yale on a soccer scholarship. Free Ivy League school definitely trumps best friend.

I wasn’t upset about it. I’ve always been proud of her and happy for all her successes. What kind of friend would I be if I wasn’t? Not a very good one, that’s for sure.

The three of us spend the day watching old home videos from when we were younger and sharing stories. At one point, I’m laughing so hard that I’m crying – holding my stomach because it hurts, but in the best way possible. Holden listens happily, sharing his own stories at times as well.

Shortly before we’re about to leave, Holden gets a phone call. He excuses himself and steps out of the room to answer it.

“So, uh, what the hell?” Emily asks me.

“What?”

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