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“So, what does Chase need to do?” Blake asks as he pulls two cups from the cabinet and sets them down on the counter, as he goes about making their coffee.
“Nothing. I was telling him how I needed to cut out all the junk food before we head back home. Coach is going to kill us with drills, and I need to be ready.”
“Nah, I think you’re fine, babe. You stress too much.” Blake picks up the cups once he’s done and steps over to the table, placing one down in front of Chase, then kisses him on his forehead.
I love how Blake loves my brother. My fear is Chase is going to let his anxiety of what others think get to him, and he’s going to lose Blake. But no matter what, I’ll be there for my brother.
We all look up when we hear scuffling feet coming down the hallway. A few seconds later, Ginny turns the corner. She’s wearing a pair of my boxers and one of my shirts. She’s taken down her hair and put it back up in a messy bun and she has on a pair of Santa slippers she picked up on one of her shopping trips. They look ridiculous on her, but she swears they’re the best purchase she ever made.
“Please tell me you have a cup for me.”
“Of course we do, Little One. Take a seat beside Carter and I’ll get it for you,” Blake tells her before jumping up and getting a cup for her.
She shuffles around the table, dropping into the seat beside me, and lets out a little huff.
“What’s wrong?” Seems like that’s the question of the day.
“Just tired,” she tells us, but I know there’s more. I have since last night.
“Are you excited for Christmas?” Chase asks as Blake sets her cup in front of her and then returns to his spot, reaching out and taking Chase’s hand in his.
“Yes, and no,” she says solemnly.
“We feel the same way. This is our first Christmas not being with our parents.” I give her a smile. “But it’s been amazing meeting you. I’ve been thinking about it too. Maybe we can keep in touch with you after our holiday is over.”
Her eyes go wide and I think I’ve hit what’s bothering her.
“That sounds good,” Ginny replies, but I catch the pain in her voice, and the lack of enthusiasm at the prospect of more.
“So, what time are you abandoning us for your best friend?” Blake asks jokingly, lightening the mood in the room.
“As soon as I’m done with coffee. I didn’t intend to sleep so late. She has a whole day of activities planned for us.” She laughs just as she takes a sip of her coffee, causing her to choke a little.
“Any activities that need three strapping men to accompany you?” Blake once again asks, a devilish grin on his face.
“Unfortunately not. But I’ll be here tomorrow evening, so we can celebrate. I got you all gifts, but I want to give them to you myself so I can see you opening them. That’s the best part about Christmas to me.” She gives us all a smile, but it doesn’t fill her face or have any real happiness behind it.
“Guess I’ll just have to suffer through with these two. At least they’re nice eye candy.” Blake gives Chase a wink before leaning over and kissing him deeply.
God, I hope the two of them make it. If not, it’s going to rip our happy family apart.
“I think that’s a good idea. We got you gifts, too. We can open the ones from each other in the morning, then have dinner and open gifts with you tomorrow night,” I tell her.
She helped me pick out a gift for Chase and I can’t wait to see him open it tomorrow.
We spend the rest of our time at the table in silence as we all find something to eat. Well, those of us who hadn’t already had cereal. They drink their coffee, while I opt for some orange juice.
A bleakness seems to have overtaken all of us, except for maybe Blake. He’s smiling from ear to ear like the cat who ate the canary. Blissfully blind to the confusion Chase is having over returning to school, and the hesitancy in Ginny to commit to past Christmas.
Ginny’s the first to speak, pulling us all from our stupor. “Well, I’m going to get dressed and schedule a Lyft to come and get me.”
“We can take you, Pixie, it’s not a problem,” I tell her as I start to stand.
“No, that’s okay. Stay and relax.” She stands from the table and heads out of the room.
The three of us look at each other and I know we’re all asking the same question: Why doesn’t she want us to take her home or even know where she’s staying while she’s here?
It’s about ten minutes later when she comes out, and it doesn’t escape any of our attention that she didn’t just change. Ginny’s packed her bags, and it appears to be everything she brought over on her initial night here.
