AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Pot roast and mashed potatoes. I’m trying a new recipe, but if you want a snack, I have some leftover deviled eggs from the ladies at work. We had a potluck for Janice’s baby. She’s due in a few days.” I nod as if I know who Janice is and dig around in the fridge for the eggs.
I must eat them too fast because my mom pulls the tray away from me and frowns.
“Did you not have any food today? You’re acting like some wild animal,” she scolds, and I pout until she hands the tray back.
“I forgot my lunch today,” I mumble with my mouth full, and she rolls her eyes but goes back to the sink to peel the potatoes. I finish the eggs, bring the dish to the counter, and shuffle over to help her with dinner.
She’s sober today and seems to be in a good mood. I don’t want to upset her, though, so we keep our chat to the weather, weekend plans, and Gray moving back home. Soon dinner is ready, and I’m almost finished setting the table.
The doorbell rings, and I drop the forks on a plate and head to answer it, not expecting to see Dom and King standing there.
“Oh, hi,” I say with surprise, and they give me matching grins. “What’s up?” I ask as my mom comes to join me at the door. She seems nervous but keeps a tight smile on her lips.
“Boys, I haven’t seen you in quite some time,” she says, and Dom hands her something that looks like a pie.
“Practice was canceled, so we thought we would swing by and see if Gracie wanted to hang out,” Dom says, and I immediately nod. I look at my feet as I know I’m blushing, but I have been starved for companionship from kids my own age.
My mom sighs, and I look up at her. I know my eyes are pleading for her to say yes. She gives me a quick nod, then leaves the room.
“Come in, boys. Let me grab two more plates. You came on a good night,” she mumbles as her back faces us.
Dom hands me a flower that King was holding behind his back, and I give him a huge smile.
“Are we at a hugging stage yet?” I ask because I really want to. King laughs and opens his arms for me, and I give him a quick one. Then Dom does the same, and I repeat. I can’t keep the smile off my face, and as I turn to let them inside, I feel a pang in my chest.
“I’m happy you guys decided to come over. After dinner, do you maybe want to play a game or watch a movie? I’m not sure if y'all have a curfew.”
King starts to laugh, and Dom shakes his head. “We can hang out. Do you still have the game room in the basement?” Dom asks, and I nod.
“Uh, yeah, but I haven’t been down there since… Mia,” I say quietly, and they nod in understanding. I didn't mean to bring the mood down, so I’m thankful when Gray walks in, stopping when he sees us.
“Hey, guys, what’s up?” he asks before fist bumping King and Dom. “How’s it going? How’s the team?” He peppers them with questions about their season and other things I am completely lost on.
We move into the kitchen, and I take a seat at the table. My mom rolls her eyes at their conversation, but she smiles, and I notice the now-open bottle of wine that’s half gone. I act like everything is fine, not just because we have company but because I don’t want to set her off.
I don’t like the person she is when she’s been drinking, and she and my dad seem to be fighting a lot lately. I can tell it’s even stressing Gray out.
Let’s just hope we can get through a meal tonight without a plate shattered against the wall or tears.
King
Mr. Rose arrives, and we all sit down to eat, but I notice the tension clouding the table. Gray and Gracie eat quietly, and Mrs. Rose keeps chugging her wine. I glance at Dom, but he doesn’t seem to be paying attention. He’s staring at Gracie with a stupid grin on his face.
Gray keeps looking at him, and I know he can tell something is going on. I thought Dom was crazy when he suggested we pick up Gracie’s favorite pie and swing by her place, but I’m glad we did.
I’m looking forward to later when we won’t have her family hovering. I was shocked to see Gray here. I thought he would have been at home with his wife. I hope he’s not planning to crash our movie date.
“Dinner is delicious. Thank you for including us,” I say to Gracie’s mom, Christine, and she gives me a big drunken smile.
“You’re such a sweet boy, not like that friend of yours,” she says with a sneer. Gracie chokes on her bite of food, and Gray’s eyes widen.
“Mom,” he barks as he gently pats Gracie’s back. Her mom rolls her eyes and mutters under her breath. Gracie pushes her chair away from the table and stands, grabbing her plate.
“We are all going to go watch a movie. Thanks for dinner. It was delicious,” she says, and I grab my plate and stand. Dom scoops another helping onto his plate and a roll before following our lead.
When we leave the kitchen, Gracie turns to us. “I’m really sorry about that,” she mutters, and I give her shoulder a squeeze.
“Don’t worry about it. So, what movie are you thinking?” I ask her as she opens the basement door and flicks on the light on the wall.
