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“I see.” Sebastian had an uncanny ability to read people. If I had really wanted to put Gabriel through the litmus character test, I would have introduced him to Sebastian. But we never got that far, did we?
“What’s this bastard’s name? Maybe he needs a lesson in how to treat a lady.”
And that was exactly why I didn’t want to say anything to the big brother who had championed my causes my entire life.
“That’s not necessary, but thank you for having my back, as always.” I smiled weakly through my pain. “I’ll get over it...him, I mean. I guess the good thing is, he wasn’t around long enough for me to really get attached to him.”
I believed my words, but they still hurt because I was lying. I was already attached to him, but this was a reminder that sometimes, the things you want the most always seem to be just out of reach.
“But you did, didn’t you?” Sebastian asked softly. This was what I had wanted to avoid. “You fell for him...and you fell hard. That’s okay, Suzie. It happens to all of us. It fucking sucks when it doesn’t work out, but we all have that one...the one that got away...or the one that should never have been a part of our life to begin with.”
His voice took on a curious note, one I had never heard him use before. He wasn’t speaking just as a big brother. Personal experience softened his words...an experience he had never shared with me.
“It might not feel like it now, but chances are, he’s not the one. If he is, it’ll happen. He’ll show up one day...maybe he’s been locked in a dungeon or got temporary amnesia,” Sebastian tried to lighten his tone, “but if the two of you are meant to be, it will happen. If not...let him go. Save yourself the heartache.”
“It’s not that easy,” I whispered defiantly.
“I know,” he whispered back. “God knows, I know. Sometimes, fate puts the wrong one in our path for a reason.”
“Fate’s a bitch,” I sniffed, fighting to keep from crying.
Sebastian laughed softly. “Isn’t she? Come on. Pack your bags. I’ll personally come and get you. I’ll tell Elizabeth there’s been a change of plans - we’ll have Thanksgiving at my place. Some fresh mountain air will do you good. A nice fireplace, fresh snow, some s’mores...I don’t know why you like living in the city, anyway.”
I rolled my eyes. It was a conversation we had practically every time we got together, but right then, the idea of a cozy family holiday in the mountains sounded exactly like what my spirit needed. As big as the city was, it felt claustrophobic. I had even started avoiding my usual haunts because they reminded me of Gabriel. Oh, I’d get back to them some day. He didn’t have the right to control me like that, but I didn’t know how I’d react if I went to The Coffee Spot one Friday morning and looked up when the little bell rang to see him walk in with that sexy swagger of his. My stomach twisted every time I saw a commercial on television for the Rockefeller Center tree lighting. He couldn’t possibly keep his promise now, not after ghosting me for nearly a month. I needed something else to focus on. I could crawl away to the country to lick my wounds until they healed and come back stronger than ever so that when...or if...I ever saw Gabriel Calegari again, I’d face him with dignity, not heartache.
“How soon can you get here?” I asked eagerly.
“Tomorrow morning.” He chuckled softly. “Be ready by ten.”
––––––––
MEMORIES ARE CREATEDdaily, but sometimes, they’re not the ones you expect. My brother had a talent for many things; picking out pristine real estate was one of them. His Adirondacks estate was beautiful in autumn when the leaves changed, and the rusty colors of fall were on display. With Sebastian’s floor-to-ceiling windows and stone fireplaces in nearly every room, the change from autumn to winter weather was breathtakingly showcased. Light snow fell almost every day, providing a stunning backdrop for our holiday. Sebastian kept a fire going all week long while the smell of our meals made me wish the four of us could always live like this. Canned soup and spaghetti were fine when I was by myself, but once I was with my family again, I reacquainted myself with cooking some family favorite recipes I hadn’t enjoyed making in years. My mother and Elizabeth had arrived a few days after Sebastian and I did. The only person not there was my nephew Darion. He had to work and didn’t have enough time off to run away to the mountains with us.
Elizabeth grumped at Sebastian for not getting involved.
“You could tell them to let him have the time off. It’s Thanksgiving,” she whined.
Sebastian stood his ground. “Yes, it sucks that he’s not here, Liz, but he’s a grown man and he has responsibilities. He accepted the internship. Not many people in the world get a week off for Thanksgiving. He needs to grow up. If I make calls on his behalf, he’ll never figure it out on his own.”
I reminded Elizabeth that if she weren’t a private nurse, she probably wouldn’t be able to join us, either. She had made arrangements when she started her position to split the holidays with her co-nurse, which meant we wouldn’t see her for more than one day this Christmas.
“Trust me,” Sebastian added. “I know the people he’s working with. They take care of their people. He’ll eat like a king for Thanksgiving.”
Elizabeth smacked him with the dishtowel she had been using to wipe the counter. “That’s not the point. It’s not about the food. Imisshim. He’s working hard. I never get to see him anymore...” Her voice trailed off as she turned her back to us and started loading the dishwasher.
Sebastian and I looked at each other. Elizabeth’s sudden display of emotion was uncharacteristic. My older sister rarely discussed her feelings with us. We didn’t even know she had gotten divorced five years ago until the papers were signed and the divorce was finalized. In fact, it was unusual for her to even hint to Sebastian that she wanted his help.
“You’ll see him for Christmas,” Sebastian said. “I’ll make sure it happens.”
Elizabeth answered with a nod, not looking up from her chores until I elbowed her and pushed her aside so I could help. She laughed. “Why don’t you go set up the game?” she ordered Sebastian over her shoulder. “I feel like whippin’ some trivia ass.”
“Trivia ass?” Sebastian repeated, shaking his head. “Now that’s a new phrase. Mom, Liz said a bad word...” His voice trailed off as he walked out of the kitchen to join our mother in the living room.
“You kids be good!” Mom hollered, playfully using the same phrase she had used while we were growing up.
“But Liz saidass...” Sebastian grumbled.
I smiled at Liz while the words “be good” echoed in my heart with new pain.
