“You don’t have to knock like a stranger, come on it.” She pulled the door back and motioned with her hand.
“Thank you.” I walked inside and hugged her.
“Lucy will be home soon, but let’s talk for a few minutes.” She broke from our embrace and walked towards the living room. “You look so much happier than you did the day you left.”
“I am happy.” I followed her into the living room and took a seat on the sofa. “Happier than I’ve been in a very long time.”
“So, how are things with Abby? Are you still sleeping on her couch?” My mother tilted her head to the side.
“No.” I shook my head back and forth. “I’m actually staying with someone else—someone you know.”
“Oh?” She raised her eyebrows in surprise. “Who?”
“Do you remember Harlan Yancy?” I pursed my lips together, nervous about the explanation I was going to give.
“Yeah, of course. You’re staying with him and his wife?” She nodded and shrugged. “They’re good people. Why there, though? Why not just come home if you’ve turned things around?”
“They’re not together anymore.” I drew a breath of hesitation. “He’s living with one of his friends now, a guy named Gabe.”
“Hmm, I don’t remember anyone by that name. Was he one of your father’s friends too?” She seemed to be processing the information and her eyes squinted.
“No, he’s—my boyfriend.” I slowly exhaled, waiting to see if she freaked out.
“Wait, you’re involved with someone and you’re living with them?” Her mouth opened in surprise. “Kacey, you haven’t been gone that long.”
I did my best to explain things to my mother. I could see the concern on her face, even after I explained how good Gabe was to me. She seemed happy that I was in a better place emotionally, but she didn’t fully accept the fact I was living with someone that I was involved with romantically. It was a good thing I didn’t tell her the entire truth. She would have probably tried to have me committed. We finally reached common ground and she agreed not to pass judgment, as long as I was careful. She had been there through the entire breakup with Chad, and was afraid I was rushing things with Gabe. I understood her concern, but I was committed to my choices—even the ones I didn’t tell her about.
“Kacey!” I heard Lucy’s voice behind me and she nearly tackled me when she hopped on the couch.
“Wow, you’ve grown!” I wrapped my arms around Lucy and smiled. “You’re shooting up like a weed.”
“Are you back? I’ve missed you so much!” She pulled back from the hug and grinned. “I didn’t touch anything in your room, I promise!”
“No, I’m not coming back home to stay, but I promise that I’ll visit all the time.” I grabbed her for another hug. “I’ve missed you too.”
“Can I come visit you when you’re not visiting me?” She squirmed out of the hug. “That way it would be like we were together all the time!”
“Maybe not all the time.” I stifled a chuckle. “But Gabe has asked that you two have Thanksgiving dinner with
us.”
“Gabe?” Lucy looked perplexed. “Who’s Gabe?”
“He’s your sister’s boyfriend.” My mother’s tone was tense.
“Boyfriend? You’re not in love again, are you? Love is—oh, I’m not supposed to say that part around Mom.” Lucy glanced at my mother and looked back at me.
“Yeah, why don’t you forget that entirely. I was in a bad place then. You definitely shouldn’t have been listening to anything I said.” I looked at my mother and mouthed an I’m sorry.
I decided to stay for dinner. I really did underestimate how much I missed my family. Just being with them and being happy was an amazing feeling. Somewhere between spaghetti and garlic bread, my mother agreed that she would join us for Thanksgiving. I believe Lucy was the most excited one of all. The holiday season would bring complications, but I didn’t want to spend it apart from the ones that mattered most. Gabe and I could pretend to be a happy twosome and Harlan could play the role of our roommate. That was a lot easier than the truth. I finally felt like I had everything I needed to put the past behind me entirely.
“Thank you for dinner.” I stood at the door with my stomach full and a smile on my face.
“You’ll come visit us tomorrow?” Lucy looked up at me and grinned.
“I can’t come by every day, but I promise I’ll see you soon.” I leaned down and hugged her.
“Take care of yourself.” My mother put her hand on my shoulder and then pulled me in for a hug. “I love you, darling. If you ever need me, I’m here.”