Page 121 of Time to Shine

“What kind is this?” Casey asked as he poked at a chunk of cheese with a breadstick.

“It’s still smoked gouda, same as last time you asked,” Brooke said.

“It’s good.”

“You said that too.”

Casey frowned at his wineglass. “Am I drunk?”

“Yes, sweetie,” Mom said. “Would you like some water?”

Casey nodded. “Landon told me to drink water.”

“He’s a good influence.” Mom got up and went to the kitchen.

“Where is Landon?” Casey asked.

“He’s outside with his parents,” Grandma said. “If it wasn’t so cold, I’d be out there too. It’s some view.”

“Maybe I should go out there,” Casey said. He stood, but Brooke tugged him back down by his hand.

“I think they’re having a talk,” she said meaningfully.

“About what?” She stared at him so hard that for a moment she reminded him of Landon. “Ohhhh. About us.”

Grandma laughed. Casey wasn’t sure why.

Mom returned with a pitcher of water and a stack of glasses. She poured him a glass and handed it to him. “Drink.”

Casey drank. It was really good water. Cold and clean tasting. “Thanks.”

“Maybe that will keep you from spilling your terribly kept secrets,” Mom scolded.

Now Casey was really confused. “What secrets?”

Brooke started laughing too. Wait, was everyone laughing?

“All right, I’ll say it,” Dad said. “You and Landon. You’re an item, right?”

Oh no. Landon was going to kill him, but he couldn’t lie to his parents. Not directly. “I mean, yeah.”

Mom fist-pumped and said, “Yes!”

“He’s way too good for you,” Brooke said fondly.

“Oh yeah. Way too good,” Casey agreed.

“So we can all stop pretending those two aren’t a couple?” Grandma said. She raised her glass. “Thank goodness. Life’s too short for that nonsense.”

Casey knew she was thinking about Grandpa. This was their third Christmas without him, and it still felt strange. He smiled at her. “You’re right, Gran.” He refilled his water glass and raised it. “To not wasting time.”

Everyone toasted that, and as Casey took a big gulp of water, he silently gave thanks for his awesome family.

“So, does that mean I can share a room with my boyfriend here? Because, full disclosure, I was gonna sneak into his room anyway.”

“God above, Casey,” Dad said in his gruff hockey voice. “We don’t need to know everything.”

“Sorry,” Casey said, though now he had an even better reason to sober up.

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