Page 163 of For I Have Sinned

“No. I didn’t want to tell him until something was set in stone,” she explains. “It’s just, after everything that happened, I want to be closer to you and him.”

My heart swells at hearing his mom not only want to be closer to her son, but also to me. Ever since we met in the hospital, she has become the mother I’ve always wanted. She constantly made sure I was okay and getting enough rest throughout my own recovery. Lillian showed me more love in the hospital than my own mother did her entire life.

“He’s going to be so happy.” I feel the tears lining my eyes.

She gives me a warm smile and asks, “When do you start your new job?”

“The head of Ortega Publishing told me that she wanted my focus to be on mine and Alex’s recovery.” I blink away the tears because I don’t want to cry. Not tonight. “They assured me that there will be a position open when I’m ready. So most likely after the holidays.”

I still couldn’t believe that after all this time, they are willing to give me a job. Not only a job, but my dream career. They called Stanley Publishing and demanded all the books I worked on so they could see my qualifications. With a little bit of negotiation and probably some yelling, Monica sent it over, and I knew that her finding out her rival was hiring me just pissed her off.

After reviewing my work and speaking with some of my former coworkers, Ortega decided that the Editor-in-Chief position was a perfect fit for me.

“After all these years, I’m so happy you are finally getting your dream.” Amelia beams. “I’ll still go and give that bitch Monica some hell.”

“It’s fine. Her being angry that I got a job at Ortega is enough.”

“If you say so.” Amelia shrugs.

We continue talking for a few minutes before our girl time is interrupted by Alex. “I’ve been sent in to summon all of you. Dinner is done, and the table is set.”

As we get up, Amelia snatches the unopened bottle of wine that was left on the coffee table to bring with her. Once we are in the dining room, I take in the red tablecloth, which features a fall-themed runner down the middle. Pumpkins are splayed out down the center with bowls of food placed between them. The plates are cream-colored with three fall leaves in the center and a gold charger plate beneath them.

“Did I do well?” Alex whispers, sliding his arm around my waist.

“It looks great,” I look up at him to see a proud smile lining his face.

He pulls out a chair for me and then sits down to my right. To my left, Esther takes her place while Amelia sits across from me, and Lillian sits across from her son. Vince and Archer are at the head of the table, of course, and give us the okay to start digging in.

We pass bowls and plates around, piling the food high as we make small talk. At the first bite of food, a groan of satisfaction can be heard around the table, and Vince’s eyes light up with gratification.

“I think you missed your calling to be a chef,” Amelia tells him, shoving a piece of turkey in her mouth. “All of this is so good, Vince.”

I chime in. “You really outdid yourself.”

“You know me,” he shrugs nonchalantly, then throws a wink down to where Asher is sitting. “I’m just good at everything.”

Asher chokes on the wine he’s drinking, triggering a coughing fit. Once it has subsided, Vince smiles his way as the rest of us laugh and continue to eat the delicious home-cooked meal.

All of our plates are cleared, dirty dishes sit around the table while we sit back in our chairs and drink another glass of wine.

Doctor Allen arrived mid-meal and took a seat next to Lillian. Being around us all in the hospital for so long, he understood our dynamic, and tonight just proves how well he fits in with the group. And how good a fit he is for Lillian.

As the chatter around us quiets down, Vince suggests, “We should go around and say what we are thankful for this year! I’ll start. I am thankful for Asher and the ability to live in this house together. I am also thankful for my best friends, especially Celine.”

Amelia gasps. “Uhm, rude!”

“She’s been through so much shit. I’m thankful that she can be here with us tonight.” Vince reiterates. “And Alex, I’m glad that you are able to be here with us.”

“Thank you,” Alex says with a dip of his chin.

“My turn!” Amelia begins. “Of course, I am thankful to have a job that I love and to be in good health, but what I’m most thankful for is to be celebrating with Celine, Alex, and Esther tonight.”

So much for not wanting to cry tonight.

Tears well in my eyes as Esther begins to speak.

“I’m thankful to have met Celine, even if it was in the convent. Before you showed up, I was numb and going through the motions. You being there gave me my spark back. I’m also thankful to be alive and to have met all of you. Friends that feel like the family I’ve always wanted.”