“It was fun.” I step on the second stair.
“My family really loved you.” She’s on the third step.
“I liked them.” We’re both on the landing, standing in front of the door.
“Now you know what a Turkey Stuff is.” She tucks her short hair behind her ear.
“Yep. I crossed off a bucket-list item I didn’t even know I had.” I shoot my hands into my pockets.
“I think they’ll go easier on Justin tomorrow, so that’s good.” She fidgets with the button on her coat.
“That’s the point.” I nod three times in a row.
We stare at each other, smiles fading into more awkwardness as we both run out of things to say.
The front door swings open, and Justin stares at us with furrowed brows. “What are you guys doing?”
My shoulders lift. I have no answer.
“Hey!” Summer leaps into his arms, and he hugs her back this time—we’re talking full arms wrapped around her body in a bear hug.
I hang my head, walking past them inside the house. I kick my shoes off in just enough time to glance up and see Summer greet him with a kiss on the lips.
“Somebody’s in a good mood.” He smiles as he pulls back. “Things must’ve gone well.”
“My family loved you!” she says, taking off her coat.
Technically, they lovedme,but that wasn’t the point of the evening, so I don’t bother correcting her.
Justin throws his hands out like he’s the man of the hour. “I knew my plan would work.”
It’s annoying that he’s taking all the credit for Summer’s happy mood.
“And guess what else?” He slings his arm around her shoulder, leading her to the couch.
“What?”
“I’m done with my work for tonight, so we can relax and watch a movie together.”
“Really?” Summer beams up at him.
“Yep.”
I’m annoyed again, but not for me. I’m annoyed on behalf of Summer.
If Justin has time to hang out, why didn’t he go to the party himself and then come home and work? Oh, yeah, because she’s not a priority in his life.
They sit down on the couch, cuddling into each other.
“Did you get the turkey all stuffed?”
“Yeah, do you want to see pictures?”
I flick my eyes to them while I scoop myself a bowl of ice cream.
Summer points to the picture on her phone. “That’s Erin and Tommy and their girls, Cora and Berkley. My nieces weren’t interested in the turkey, just my nephews.”
I didn’t get to hang out with Cora and Berkley that much tonight. They were in the living room, playing dolls. I’ll have to get to know them better next time.
