Page 57 of Catalyst

Even though my parents moved into this house after Nolan moved out, Mom still managed to make this kitchen the gathering place, as well. It’s the most welcoming spot in the entire house, which is more of a testament to my mom instead of the room.

I walk in to find my mom grinning at Ellie as she tells Ellie some story, waving her hands in the air as she talks. Ellie sits on the opposite side of the island from my mom, her wide smile lighting up her eyes.

Mom notices me standing there and pauses her story. “Come over here and give me a hug.”

I oblige, wrapping my arms around her small frame. Cindy Ellis is a tiny thing, and growing up, we loved to tease her about how quickly we outgrew her. She still somehow managed to stop us dead in our tracks with one look. I think it was the only way she survived raising five kids without going insane.

“Now, tell me all about how you two met. I want to know everything.”

Ellie’s smile beckons me over. I sit on a stool next to her as Mom settles back on the other side of the island. The laughter and chatter of my siblings filter into the kitchen, and for some reason, it makes me relax.

Mom starts in on her interrogation, asking Ellie and me every invasive question she can think of about our relationship. Thankfully, Ellie takes it all in stride.

“I hope he’s not too cranky toward you in the office, Ellie, dear. I know he can be a bit of a bear sometimes,” Mom teases.

“There were a few speed bumps in the beginning, but he’s a little less of a bear now.” Ellie winks at me.

“I was pretty growly this week. I’m surprised she’s even willing to be around me right now,” I say.

“I’m sorry about all that article mess, Adam. It’s just straight bullshit if you ask me.” She tilts her head toward Ellie. “Sorry for cursing, Ellie. I’m not normally a potty mouth, but this situation warrants it.”

“I agree.” Ellie nods.

“What’s the latest?” Mom asks.

“Nothing, really. Jessica is working with our lawyers to start a defamation suit, but most of what was printed was true. I did date Sasha, just not when she was an escort. We’d have to prove that she wasn’t an escort back then, and the likelihood of her confirming anything is less than zero. At this point, we’re just weathering the storm.”

“Are you going to put out a statement?”

“We’re working on drafting one. It’s not easy to put into words how we feel about this article.”

“Well, let’s move on to something more fun, then. Yeah?” Mom smiles.

“I hear I’ve gained a new daughter around here.” Dad’s voice enters the kitchen before he does, and I grin at Ellie. Dad has always acted like our friends are his own children. He’s been the surrogate dad for many kids, and it’s no surprise he’s already willing to adopt Ellie into the clan. He doesn’t even know about Ellie’s awful parents. He just welcomes anyone who wants to be a part of the family.

His salt-and-pepper hair is styled, and his button-down shirt and khakis are freshly pressed. Something about him dressing up for dinner tonight when he normally wears a ratty T-shirt makes me love him all the more.

“Dad, this is Ellie Lancaster. Ellie, this is my dad, Steven.”

Ellie holds her hand out to my dad, but he ignores it to pull her into a hug instead. He squeezes her around the shoulders, and Ellie relaxes into the hug. When they pull away, I catch a sheen of tears in Ellie’s eyes that she quickly blinks away.

Dad walks around the corner of the island to give me a hug, as well, before moving toward Mom to kiss her on the cheek. “Supper almost ready?”

“Just about. Waiting on the bread to finish baking.”

“Fantastic. I’m going to go say hi to my grandson. See if he’s willing to share his mac ‘n’ cheese with me.”

“I don’t know, Dad. Nolan and I are already going to fight it out for a share.”

“Then I better sweeten the pot.” Dad grins and takes off for the living room.

“Is there really only enough for Noah?” Ellie asks.

“Oh, no, honey. I make two full casserole dishes of the stuff. But Nolan could probably eat an entire one on his own.” Mom shakes her head.

“And has on multiple occasions,” I add. “We just like to tease Noah because he loves Mom’s mac ‘n’ cheese.”

“The little turkey uses it to his advantage, too. Did I tell you that he got your father to buy him a remote-control car the other day if he promised to share?” Mom grins.

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