“No, you’re supposed to say ‘Hello Colin. I just can’t seem to make it a single minute without hearing your voice.’” He’s right but that’s not what I want to know.
“Cut the crap, Colin. You’re supposed to be in Colorado. Are you?” There is a silence that I let stretch until he finally gives in.
“No. I decided not to go this year. It just didn’t sound as appealing as it used to. Thought I would just spend a quiet day here then catch up on some work.” Think Maggie before you say it. You don’t need this headache, just keep your mouth shut.
“I want you to come here for Thanksgiving. I have plenty of food.” Ooh, didn’t think about it even for a second.
“No, you have plans.”
“Colin, I just told everyone that. Can you get down here by first thing tomorrow morning?”
“Umm.” I’m sure he’s trying to overthink everything. I have turned him down several times for dinner after all, but I can’t just let him be alone for Thanksgiving. It doesn’t feel right.
“Look, this is a one-time take it or leave it offer. I suggest you take it. I’m a damn good cook.”
He laughs. “How can I say no to that invite. I’ll be there bright and early. I guess I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“I guess you will.”
“Bye, beautiful.” I hang up as panic begins to set in. Holy shit! What have I done? The next couple of hours are a tornado of activity. I run back out to the store for ingredients for a pumpkin pie. When I return, I put the turkey in a brine before making the pie. Next comes baking the cornbread for dressing.
When all of the cooking is done, I quickly pick up my house. It’s after ten before I drop onto my couch to watch the evening news. At least I think that’s what’s on. I can’t get my head wrapped around the fact I willingly invited Colin into my house. Isn’t that how it starts with vampires?! I had sworn to myself I wouldn’t see him unless it was unavoidable.
I finally manage to drop off sometime around midnight. I told Colin to be here first thing in the morning, but I’m not sure what time that technically is.
When I manage to open my eyes the next morning it takes me a few minutes to realize there is too much light in my bedroom. Jumping out of bed, I grab my phone, checking the time. I forgot to set my alarm but at least I was only half an hour past my intended start time. Rushing to the kitchen, I start the coffee pot. Sipping at my coffee, I prep the turkey for the oven.
Hearing the doorbell, I freeze with my cup halfway to my mouth. Crap! I’m not even dressed yet. Opening the door, my eyes land on a freshly washed, perfect looking Colin, a bottle of wine in one hand, flowers in the other. I have to remind myself it is not okay to just jump him on my front porch.
“Good morning, beau…” He trails off when he sees the state of my appearance.
“I overslept.” I say as he steps into the house. “Here.” I give him my coffee cup, “coffee is in the kitchen. I’ll be back in a few minutes.” He watches me, amused as I run off down the hall. Turning back around, I jog back to the door where Colin still stands. “The flowers are beautiful. Thank you.” Returning when I’m finished dressing, I find Colin looking at the pictures in my hallway.
“Is this your mother?” he ask, looking at a photo taken when I was in elementary school.
“That’s us standing outside this house. That was taken right after we moved in.” He stares at it for a few minutes before commenting.
“You have the same hair,” he says.
Laughing I tell him, “I took after my father except for the hair. Maybe her eyes a little.” He tucks a stray lock of my hair back behind my ear. Ducking, I start working my hair into the hairband I wear around my wrist.
“Sorry,” Colin mumbles before moving to a picture of a happy young couple.
“That’s my mom and dad before I was born.”
“Oh yeah, I can see the resemblance to your dad. Are you close to him?”
“My dad died right after I was born.”
“God, I’m sorry. I think I knew that too.” He shakes his head, concern on his face.
“It’s fine, I don’t remember him. My mother always kept this picture in her pocket, so when I repainted the hall, I had a bigger copy made to hang here.” Colin continues to look at the pictures while I head to the kitchen to check on the turkey.
“This is a great kitchen,” Colin says behind me, making me jump. “When was this house built?”
“In the early 1920s. I’ve been trying to slowly restore it to that era. I figure, if I can get the house done, I can then start collecting better furniture.” He smiles as he looks around the kitchen.
“It suits you,” he says.
