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“I should go.” I step away from him and walk over to Patty and Kevin. We hang out on the floor and catch up. Quinn and Hunter walk over to us, and we chat. A server comes over and offers us champagne. I usually don’t drink at all, but I feel like having one glass will take the edge off.
Hunter tells us how he’s playing hockey for U Mass, and Kevin gives him some tips. Quinn then complains she doesn’t want to hear about hockey anymore. I have to say I agree with her, but I keep my thoughts to myself.
Flynn has bought some inflatable net with little hockey sticks and a puck. It’s clearly for indoor hockey.
“Do you want to play hockey with me?” Crew asks Kevin. My heart sinks because whenever Kevin comes to visit, my son soaks up all the male attention.
“I’d love to, little man,” Kevin says. “Do you know how to play?”
“I’ve played in gym class in school,” Crew explains.
Then he and Kevin are playing floor hockey.
“I’m sorry. Is it okay with your mom? There’s a party going on, so this can’t be ideal,” I say to Patty.
“Relax.” She places a hand on my shoulder. “If Mom didn’t want him to play, then the game wouldn’t be here.”
I find her words reassuring. Then she leans in. “Holy shit, are you okay?” She’s referring to Liam.
No. I’m losing my shit.
“Everyone come for dinner,” Myles calls.
I take Crew by the hand, and we walk over to the long table covered in beautiful dishes and flower arrangements. Sometimes I feel like I need to pinch myself because I don’t believe this is my life. I’m happy. I love my son. Sure, I hate my job and feel lonely in an empty bed at night, but that seems like normal people problems.
“You can sit here with Crew,” Flynn says, and she points at a chair next to Patty.
“Thanks so much,” I reply. And my son and I take a seat.
“It’s nothing, sweetie. I need both my children to get their game together and find a special someone. I don’t want to be a hundred when I’m a grandmother,” she jokes.
“Seriously, Mom,” Kevin chides. “You have plenty of time until you’ll be a hundred.” He kisses her cheek.
“Yeah, Mom. I’m too busy with the residency. I can’t think of babies,” Patty deflects. “I only have eyes for Crew.” She takes hold of my son’s finger, and he smiles up at her. Liam is sitting across from us and, even though the table is wide, it’s completely unnerving how he watches me.
We enjoy a great meal of stuffed turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, and cranberry sauce.
“What’s turkey?” Crew whispers. I’m thankful he doesn’t announce his question to the table. I pass him a piece, and he takes it, chews it, and spits it out.
I blush, and when I look up, Liam is watching us from across the table, a small grin on his lips.
Crew smiles back at him.
After the meal, we hang around the table, making light conversation. Crew is already tired, and he leans over and puts his head on my lap. Running my fingers through his hair relaxes us both. When dessert is served, he perks up.
“I want one of everything,” Crew tells me.
“Too much sugar late at night isn’t healthy,” I warn.
“But dessert is the best part of the meal,” Liam cuts in, and then he winks at Crew.
“See, Mom, he’s a big boy, and he says dessert is good,” Crew tells me.
I give Liam a crooked grin.
“Do you like chocolate?” Liam asks Crew.
Crew bounces his head up and down as he says, “It’s my favorite.”
