Page 130 of Come Back to Me

“As mothers, part of our job description includes worrying about our kids 24/7. I worry about Noah and Lizzie every second of every day. We want to make sure you’re okay. We care about your health and safety. Grayson, you’ve been taking care of your mother for most of your life. Let your mom beyourmom.”

Since I’ve known Grayson, he’s always taken care of Dana because she’s his mom, but he puts other people's needs before his own. He’s been like this since we were kids. His heart has space for everybody.

“You’re right. My mom told me how she wishes I had a better childhood and all about how I had to grow up fast. I’ve got to let her do her own thing and be her son.”

I chime into the conversation. “You are her son. I think what Laura’s trying to say is exactly what your mom said to you. Focus your energy on school, basketball, and your friends. Channel that anxiety into something you love, and don’t let it fester.”

“When did you become so wise?” he asks, smoldering at me.

“I’ve always been wise. You just forgot.”

He looks like he’s about to say something, but he doesn’t. He flattens his lips, nodding his head.

“Since Thanksgiving is coming up, I want to ask you if you’d be able to help me cook?” Laura asks Grayson.

The second Laura sayscook, Grayson’s dark brown eyes sparkle with pure excitement.

“Oh, definitely, but I’ve been helping you every year for a while now. Why are you asking me now?”

“You have, but I figured I’d ask because I don’t know if you’re going to be busy with other obligations.”

“Screw whatever obligations I could have then. It’s Thanksgiving break, and you taught me most of what I know about cooking. I’ll be there.”

“How about you, Violet? What are your Thanksgiving plans?”

“I usually buy a pre-cooked dinner from one of the restaurants in the area close to school and chill at the apartment. Sage goes home to spend time with her family.”

“Not anymore. You’re coming to our house this year,” Laura insists.

“Oh, I don’t want to impose or anything.”

“You wouldn’t be imposing on us one bit. And I’m sorry it took me so long to ask you to join us. I should’ve asked you when you started working at the store and every year after that.”

Trying to get a read on Grayson, I can’t find any emotion on his face. He just seems…quiet. It’s almost as if he’s waiting to get a word in.

“You must have so many people to feed already,” I say. “Don’t worry about it.”

“Noah, Lizzie, Dani, Celia, Dana, and Grayson. You’re a part of the family, Violet. You always have been.”

“You should come. I know Lizzie would love to see you. Plus, I’d like to have you there with us. Most importantly, you can’t say no to Laura Kaplan,” Grayson adds.

I inhale and exhale. “Okay, I’ll come.”

Laura claps her hands together. “Awesome!Well, it was nice chatting with you both, but I have to get back to work. Busy day today. I’ll see you on Monday, Violet.”

“See you Monday!” I raise my voice.

As I look around the store, my heart swells with pride and joy from all the customers browsing our selection.

There’s a group of teenage girls in the young adult section, a trio of college girls in the sports romance section, and a woman in her thirties scanning the contemporary romance section. The sound of laughter bounces off the concrete walls and travels its way outside of the store.

“I hope it’s okay that I’m going to Thanksgiving at the Kaplans’.”

“It’s more than okay.” He clears his throat. “Speaking of holidays, what are you doing for Halloween?”

“My plan is to binge-watch a bunch of movies and eat candy. Why?”

“I was going to go to the party the team is throwing, but after the victory party they had last night, I’m thinking of changing my plans. Do you want some company?”