“Get your own woman,” was his response.
I sat up, checking to make sure Liam hadn’t broken his record and was already coming down the hall. When I saw I still had time, I told my brother, “That’s actually why I’m calling…”
“Oh yeah?” Cal said, his voice full of interest.
“Yeah, I’m finally with Gwen,” I said, unable to keep the grin off of my face.
“Like, really with her?” he prodded. Cal had listened to me talk about Gwen a lot. First, when I realized I liked her as more than just a friend, and then on many a drunken night, when I called to wonder woefully what I had done wrong. So he knew the significance of my statement.
“Yup, really with her,” I replied, then told him everything. “Ever since we came home from Brock and Tori’s shower, we’ve been inseparable. It’s great, Cal, better than I’d ever even imagined.”
“And you guys worked through all of your shit?” he asked, a hint of concern tingeing his excitement.
“Yeah, for the most part,” I replied, unwilling to bring up the stuff from high school that I knew Gwen still needed to face, especially over the phone.
“Well, that’s great, brother, I’m really happy for you.”
“Thanks, man, I’m happy too,” I admitted, then asked, “Hey, you know about Gwen’s showcase coming up, right? Are you coming?”
“I’m not, Craig, but the gang is definitely coming in full force. Shelly really wanted to go with Gabs and Sasha, so I offered to stay back with the kids. Scott and I are going to get together and start showing them how to play poker,” Cal joked with a laugh. “I wish I could be there, for Gwen, and to finally see the two of you together, but I want to give Shelly her getaway.”
“That’s cool, Cal, I understand. I’m glad everyone else is coming out though, it will mean the world to Gwen. You should see some of the stuff she’s showcasing, though, brother, she’s off the charts talented.”
“I’m sorry to miss it, but give her my love, and tell her I’ll be at the next one.”
I looked up and saw Liam coming down the hall, and said to my brother, “Will do, man. I’ve got to get going, but I’m glad I caught you.”
“You’ll be home for Thanksgiving, right?” he asked before signing off.
“Absolutely.”
“Okay, see you then. Love ya, Craig.”
“I love you too, Cal, see you at Thanksgiving.”
Chapter Twenty-Seven ~ Gwen
Present Day (20 years old)
My body was thrumming with nerves and excitement. The day that I’d been working toward since the moment I first held a camera was finally here, a showcase of my photographs. My own exhibit.
I wandered the room, critically eyeing the setup of my prized possessions. The black-and-white photos hung proudly on the stark-white walls of the gallery, and I felt myself becoming choked up as my gaze landed on each piece reverently.
“Everything looks beautiful, Gwendolyn,” Mr. Harris, the owner of the gallery, assured me. “I’m about to open the doors, are you ready?”
I gave him a
small smile and nodded, fighting the urge to turn tail and run in the opposite direction. Instead, I made myself stand still as he walked to open the doors.
People started flowing in, and my heart began to patter normally again. People had actually shown up, I wasn’t going to be left standing in a stark room of my photos all alone.
My mouth formed a genuine smile when I noticed my sister through the crowd, and when I saw what she was wearing, I had to laugh.
We looked almost identical with long maxi shirts, sandals, and flowing tunics; the only difference was that her hair was loose, and mine was in a long braid that fell over my shoulder.
“I’m so glad you came,” I gushed when she got close enough to pull me into a hug.
“Of course,” Gaby replied. She pulled back and looked me over. “I drove up with Mom, she should be in any moment. We carpooled with TJ, Sasha, Brock, and Shelly. Cal and Scott are on kid duty.”