Okay. I’ll see y’all in a few.
I don’t reply back. Instead, I put my phone in my duffle bag. Austin raises his eyebrow. “Was that your mystery woman?”
“No.” I laugh. “I didn’t even remember her name. Why would she get my number?”
“Good point.”
We walk out to my truck and I almost cringe as he sits where Tamilyn sat just last night. I turn up the radio and drive straight to my parent’s house. The front door is open and I walk in to find them both packing things up to bring them to the Hudsons. Not like it’s that far—we’re literally a few houses down.
“Hey guys, I’m glad y’all are here. Do you mind running to the store for me? We just need a few more things. Actually, I need you to go to the liquor store too.”
“Yeah, Mom. You have the list?” I kiss her on the cheek as she produces a small list. She hands over her credit card.
We just walked in, and now we’re walking out just as quickly. An hour later we return from the store and bring everything into the Hudsons’ house with a multitude of bags in our hands. We set them down immediately begin helping situate things.
Dad barks out orders and has Austin go help the men get the pit ready while I help Mom inside. “So how is everything going with Austin?” she asks.
I raise my eyebrow, wondering what she’s trying to imply. “It’s good.”
“And with Tamilyn?”
I look around to make sure Austin isn’t around. Mom hands me a bowl and a bag of potatoes. “What do you mean, Mom?”
“It’s just a question.”
“Everything is good.” I keep it short and sweet. I’m not trying to get all emotional with her right now.
“Okay, I’m just asking.”
“Hey, Ruston, Tamilyn should be here any minute now.” Tamilyn’s mom, Barbara, greets me.
“Hey, Barbara, nice to see you again.” I walk up to her and wrap my arms around her. She hugs me back tightly.
“You’re treating my daughter right, aren’t you?”
I raise my eyebrow, wondering what she’s talking about. How did I get sucked into being with the women? “She’s my best friend. Of course.”
“You two just need to get over yourselves and be together,” she says as she begins seasoning the meat sitting on the counter. My mom nods in agreement, and I shake my head.
“You two are something else. First, she needs to realize she wants me instead of Austin, so until then, I can do nothing.”
“Finally, one of you admits it.” Mom claps her hands together. “I think we’ve been waiting for this day.”
“Well, keep waiting. The day isn’t here yet.” I finish peeling the potatoes.
“Hey, guys, I’m here.” Tamilyn comes walking into the kitchen. Thank God she’s here. Maybe our moms will stop acting like a bunch of cackling hens now. Her eyes light up as they lock with mine. She sets the bags down and hugs her mom, my mom, and then finally me. I cling to her tight and breathe in her sweet scent. She breaks the hug and asks what she can help with. She walks to the refrigerator first and grabs two beers and hands one to me. Our fingers touch and my heart swells. To try to pull my mind from it, I pop my beer open and take a big, long sip.
I turn and lock eyes with my mom. She just raises her eyebrow, and I silently plead with her not to say anything. She doesn’t. I’m ready for more people to begin showing up so her main focus won’t be me and Tamilyn.
Dad comes in and grabs a tray of meat. Tamilyn catches a glimpse of Austin and walks outside. My head hangs in shame but I know I haven’t lost just yet. I’ll keep patiently waiting.
A voice comes from nowhere and I turn to see Garrett and Lance walking toward the kitchen. Austin must have invited them. Either way, I’m glad to see them.
“Hey, Ruston, thanks for the invite. I don’t know if you met Raegan.” Garrett introduces her to us. They brought their new baby, and my mom runs over and starts all that mushy baby talk.
“Hey, man, no I haven’t. Nice to meet you, Raegan. Your son is adorable.”
“What’s his name?” Barbara asks out of nowhere. Good Lord, these women just navigate to babies.