Total pages in book: 103
Estimated words: 100661 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 503(@200wpm)___ 403(@250wpm)___ 336(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 100661 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 503(@200wpm)___ 403(@250wpm)___ 336(@300wpm)
“April 23rd.”
“Playoff season,” said Joe to no one in particular.
“If you need anything, Mabel, you come to us,” Nick said gruffly, his eyes still on the screen.
“I will,” I said. “And both of you will be welcome to see the baby any time you want. Family is the most important thing in the world.”
“We feel the same,” Nick said.
Coco rose from the couch and held her arms out to me, and I stood up to embrace her. “It’s going to be okay,” she murmured, rubbing my back. “We’re here for you.”
I wanted to thank her, but my throat had grown painfully tight. Her hug felt so good, so maternal, so soothing. She smelled like fabric softener and something vaguely floral. I fought back tears, because I didn’t want them to think I was upset or scared.
“Can I ask for your mom’s email or number, Mabel? I’d love to send her a little note,” said Coco.
“My mom passed away when I was two,” I told her, “but I’d be happy to give you my dad’s email. He raised me. And he’s recently remarried to a lovely woman named Julia—I can give you both emails.”
Coco’s eyes were shining as she nodded. “That would be wonderful.” Then she swept me up into her arms once more, holding me even tighter. When she finally let me go, Nick was there with his arms open, and I let myself be scooped up against his warm, solid chest.
Releasing me, Nick kissed my cheek. “This is your home now too,” he said. “Come see us anytime. You’re family.”
“Thank you,” I said. “I appreciate that.”
I caught Joe’s eye, and he smiled at me, telegraphing a silent message. See? I told you it would be okay. They already love you.
My heartbeat quickened.
We stayed a little while longer—Coco and Nick insisted I eat a little something, so I said yes to some homemade cookies and herbal tea. I answered a lot of questions about my family, my job at the historical society, my travels over the course of my career, and my favorite kinds of foods. Coco took notes on everything, which made me laugh.
Finally, Joe said we’d better get going, so we said our goodbyes. His parents came out to the driveway and waved us off, Coco blowing kisses and Nick giving a wave, one arm wrapped around his wife. As Joe backed out, I watched Nick pull Coco close and kiss her forehead.
“Your parents are wonderful,” I said as we got on the road. “And they seem so happy together. How long have they been married?”
“Like thirty-five years or something?”
“Wow. That’s incredible. They’re still so in love.”
“Yeah. I used to hate it as a kid. They were so embarrassing. Always touching each other.”
I laughed. “But it’s sweet. I hope I have that someday, don’t you?”
He shrugged. “I haven’t thought about it much.”
I remembered how he’d scoffed at wedding traditions and figured he wasn’t much of a romantic. Funny, given how romantic his parents were.
We got on the highway, and I dozed off, the fatigue of the day settling deep in my bones. Joe had to wake me up. “Hey.” He tapped my leg gently. “Home sweet home.”
“Oh.” I picked up my head, pain shooting through my neck because it had been at an odd angle for over an hour. “God, did I sleep the whole way?”
“Yes.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Don’t worry about it. You need the rest.” He yawned. “And it’s late.”
I checked the clock—it was after eleven. “It is late. I feel bad you have to drive all the way home now. What time is your flight?”
“Six. But I have to return the rental car first.”
“Do you want to stay here? Then just get up early and go?”
He hesitated. “I do have my stuff with me. Do you have an extra bedroom?”
“Yes, but it’s set up as an office right now. My couch is super comfortable, though. I fall asleep on it all the time.”
While he was considering the offer, he yawned again. “Fuck. I didn’t realize how tired I was.”
“Just crash here,” I said, unbuckling my seat belt. “Otherwise I’ll be worried about you on the road tonight, and I won’t sleep, and then you’ll have that on your conscience.”
“Are you sure this doesn’t break any rules?”
“I’m positive. We’re friends, right? And it’s totally cool with me if a friend wants to crash on my couch.” I held up the plastic container Coco had given me. “Especially when that friend’s mom sent me home with cookies.”
He turned off the engine. “Okay. Then I’ll stay.”
We got out of the car, and Joe grabbed his bag from the back seat. My heart, which clearly had not gotten the message that this was a platonic sleepover, sent out frantic beats that pulsed in other places.
My cat greeted us in the front hallway, and Joe knelt down to pet her. “Hi, Cleo.”