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And my grandmother as the latest addition.
We’ve grown to a number that requires eating in the backyard. The setup isn’t too bad. Despite the slight chill in the air, our group is comfortable around an old rusty fire pit. Plus, Summer keeps carrying out trays of steaming food from the kitchen. This seems to be her happy place. Making people smile.
I’m glad to also see a grin on Jamie’s face as he talks to Mama Al about her year in New York City. Paige also adds in her take on Manhattan, the three of them leaning their heads toward each other. Meanwhile, Luna dispenses nutrition advice to Craig, and the high school athlete dutifully types out notes on his phone.
Dash looks my way, giving me a smile and a nod.
Wasn’t too long ago the two of us lived in this house alone, back when our only concerns were making it through the day and paying rent on time.
I didn’t realize then how starved we both were for something more.
Something like this.
“Brownies!” Summer announces, appearing at the top of the steps again with a baking dish. “The mix is from a box, so if you don’t like them, blame Betty Crocker.”
No one complains. Especially not me. How could I when I’ve got chocolate on my tongue and the view of my librarian sauntering in front of me, acting the hostess.
As she passes within reaching distance, I snake an arm around her waist. Summer squeaks, then chuckles as I pull her into my side
“Don’t wash the dishes,” I whisper before pressing a kiss to her shoulder. “That’s on me.”
Summer smiles down at me. “Teamwork. I like it.” Then she bends at the waist to plant a firm kiss on my lips. When she steps away a second later, I grumble in protest, which only has her laughing again.
“I promise I won’t clean! I just need to cover the food and put it in the fridge.”
As she walks away, I could swear she sways her hips more than usual. Tease.
I love it.
“You’re happy, then?” Mama Al appears beside me, settling into the folding lawn chair to my left.
“What?” I heard her. It’s just, that question is kind of deep. For me anyway.
I was unhappy for so long, it’s just what I know. A state of being I’m most comfortable in because it’s familiar.
Am I happy?
How will the world shift if I admit that I am?
And is it something I can count on lasting?
Admitting that I’m happy might tempt fate. So instead, I shrug.
My grandmother smiles anyhow.
“You know, you’re a good man. Not many people are willing to open their doors to those in need.”
Another shrug. “He’s a good kid.”
“Don’t sell yourself short.”
I grind my teeth, not knowing what she’s looking for from me. “If Dad had kicked me out for having a boyfriend, I don’t know what I would’ve done.” At Jamie’s age, I dated a lot of different people. Girls, guys. Then there was Tess, who didn’t subscribe to any gender. Dad never said anything bad about any of them except for Rhett, who left cigarette butts in our backyard. Dad said that guy wasn’t allowed at our house again until he learned how to properly dispose of his litter. I grumbled about it but broke up with him the next day. Truthfully, I didn’t enjoy making out with a guy whose breath smelled like stale smoke.
“You would’ve survived. At least until I came for you.” Mama Al sips her wine before adding, “Even if I hadn’t—which I would have—you would’ve figured it out.”
She’s so confident. And yeah, I probably would have. Only, I’m betting my methods would’ve landed me in prison a few years earlier.
“A kid shouldn’t have to worry about surviving.” Across the fire pit, far enough away that Mama Al and my conversation is slightly private, Luna deals cards from a deck I’m guessing came from my grandmother’s purse. Mama Al spent a year working in a Las Vegas casino.
