“I brought drinks too,” he pointed to the cup holder.
“You’ve thought of everything.”
He grinned, his dimples showing. “Of course. What road trip would be complete without snacks and hydration?”
“It’s only a three hour drive, that’s hardly a road trip.”
He raised his brows at me before flicking his gaze back to the road.
“It is when you’re a guy and you’re hungry all the time. Now hand me the Cheetos.”
I handed him the bag, and he started munching.
Between bites, he said, “And since this is a mini road trip, I think we should sing at the top of our lungs to every song on the radio.”
“I can’t sing,” I warned him.
“Neither can I,” he flashed me a smile, orange flecks of Cheetos clinging adorably to his lips, “so it will be perfect. One of us won’t outshine the other.”
“Alright, fine,” I agreed, not wanting to dampen the happiness between us.
He turned the radio up and we started singing.
I had to admit that it was pretty fun, even if we were both horrible.
Life should be filled with more of those simple moments, where for a few minutes everything is perfect.
***
Cade parked his Jeep in the driveway of the two-story brick home. It looked exactly as when I left, just a little more festive. My dad had hung the multi-colored lights and wreaths dotted every window.
My hands shook with nerves, but I didn’t feel like running away, which was good. This was my home and I’d been wrong to think it was anything but.
Cade glanced at me, but didn’t say a word.
He was waiting for me to make the first move.
I couldn’t help glancing to the right, where beyond the stretch of field lay Brett’s house. We used to run through the fields as children, laughing, scraping our knees, and enjoying life.
I placed my hand against the window and closed my eyes. If I thought hard enough I could hear his laugh as we fell and rolled around in the tall grass.
I startled when I felt the slight pressure of Cade’s hand on my knee.
I looked back at the house and without saying a word slipped from the car.
Cade followed me as I trekked up to the front door, his hand hovering comfortingly at my waist. I could’ve gone in through the garage, or used my key at the front door, but it didn’t feel right. They didn’t even know I was coming.
I felt horrible for not coming home for Thanksgiving, and not calling enough.
I’d been a lousy person and I had a lot of making up to do.
I raised my arm and pressed my finger to the doorbell. Even from the outside I could hear the loud ringing.
I held my breath as I waited.
I heard footsteps approach the door and I reached for Cade’s hand. He gave mine a reassuring squeeze and I knew everything would be okay.
The door opened and I looked straight at my mom. She gasped, “Rachael! Is that really you?”