Page 48 of Beautiful Beginning

I mumbled, “Thanks. And thanks for my gift.”

“Anytime. Promise me you’ll enjoy whatever it is the two of you have, and not put any crazy pressure on him to do more.” It was the sincerest I’d ever heard Monroe.

“Promise.”

ChapterTwenty-Two

Chaz

I never understood the obligatory dinner the day after Christmas. There was Christmas brunch the day before. We all gathered around the tree on Christmas. Spent the day eating and beingmerry.Then the day after we had to go down to my mom’s favorite restaurant and share another meal together. As if we weren’t all tired of each other already.

Of my family, I was the only one who hated every minute of it. I sucked it up and tried to plaster a fake smile on my face. One that wouldn’t let Mama know I despised spending that much time with them.

But then again, I came home. I could have found other reasons to stay away. I did like spending time with my parents, Carter too. I didn’t want to see as much of them though. Or for them to require mandatory fun.

Because Carter had his girlfriend home for Christmas, all eyes were on me at the restaurant. “Tell me again why you didn’t bring your girlfriend home…” Mom passed the basket of bread to me. “I would have loved to meet her. This could have been a little thing. Both my boys and their girls.” She gushed, “You know I’ve always wanted girls. And this is the best of both worlds.”

Carter’s girlfriend had a huge grin on her face. One that didn’t leave the entire four days. She rolled into the house with Carter full of enthusiasm, hugs, and cheer. I imagined that’s exactly how Journey would be if she were there. Full of joy. Mama would have loved every bit of it.

That morning texting Journey, I joked about the bliss Mama would sprinkle all over the restaurant that night. But Journey was a little late on her response. I knew the whole week was a little off for her. She explained being home was an eye-opening experience, but she didn’t elaborate.

“You might meet her at graduation,” I told Mama as I stuffed half a roll in my mouth.

That prompted her to say, “Oh perfect, that’s another five months or so. You plan to still be together?”

Carter looked off into the ceiling somewhere. Avoided all eye contact with Taylor sitting beside him. When we had a minute alone, he told me inviting her was a mishap. It occurred while the two laid between the sheets. The invite was something he blurted in the heat of the moment but instantly regretted.

“I mean I’m not plotting to end it anytime soon if that’s what you are asking.” I eyed Carter who still found a spot above him to stare at.

Our dad chipped in, “Of course not, son. The Brown men are better than that.” He stuck his chest out like he announced we were mighty warriors, or extreme athletes. Like not planning the end of a relationship made us men of honor.

“Right.” I grabbed another buttery roll. If nothing else, at least the rolls were fucking amazing. “I love these things.” I looked at the bar. “Anyone need a drink?”

Taylor surprised me when she offered to join. “I could use one.” She had a sheepish smile on her face. “Mind?” She asked Carter like he’d care if she got a little tipsy.

“Not at all,” he stretched his arms, “bring me a beer.”

Before Mama could complain I hurried away with Taylor close behind me.

As we leaned over the bar waiting for the bartender, Taylor asked, “So you have a girlfriend?”

I looked at her and nodded. “Yeah, her name is Journey.”

She stretched her eyes. “That’s an amazing name. Wow, I love that.”

I couldn’t imagine there was much Taylor didn’t love. The girl walked around dripping glitter, and dancing on rainbows. “Yeah, I like it too.”

“And you didn’t bring her because?” When I didn’t answer Taylor tried another approach. “It would be nice to have another family outsider here to talk to.” She looked over her shoulder. “Feels like I’m intruding.”

I felt bad for the girl. That quick, her glitter, sunshine, and fields of dandelions won me over. “I hope it’s not because of us. And nothing we are doing. Would hate to make you feel uncomfortable.”

She scrunched her nose. “Not that, but you know this time of year families have their traditions.”

“We have a lot.” I huffed. “Too many.”

“See. And I know nothing about them.”

I didn’t know what Carter planned to do with the girl when they returned to campus. I didn’t want to give her the wrong impression. False hope if he planned on avoiding her after. So, I only said, “Mama said it herself, if it was up to her she would have had daughters. I’m sure she doesn’t mind you participating in the traditions.”

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