Page 22 of Cabin Mate

Mom sighs on the other line. “Can you ever just answer the phone normally?”

I laugh. “Where’s the fun in that?” She doesn’t answer. “So, how's the most important woman in my life?”

“I’m good, sweetheart,” she says, and I can hear the smile in her voice. The most important woman title always perks her up. “I’m calling to see if you’d like to invite Molly to family dinner tomorrow?”

My face falls. Over the years I’ve carefully kept Molly all to myself. Partially because I’m a selfish pig and don’t want to share. And also because if they saw me with her, it’d be obvious to them that I have feelings for her.

Don’t get me wrong; I love my family and how close we are … but the downside is that they know me too well. I’ve contemplated asking Molly to come with me on holidays since she doesn’t have family nearby, but I always decide against it. Thankfully, she spends most holidays in Massachusetts or Vermont. When she’s in Kansas over a holiday, Hope and Layla always invite her to go with them.

“Uh, sure I could … but why exactly?”

“Well, it’s just …” her voice cracks with emotion. “Madden and Odette will be in D.C… and David and Isa are abroad…” she sniffles. “The table is going to feel so empty without everyone. It’s just so hard watching my children move away.”

I frown. Diane Windell isn’t a crier … She's strict, tough-love, and critical. I’m not sure if she’s faking it, but the idea of her crying breaks down my defenses quickly. “It’s weird without them for sure. I’m sorry, Mom.”

She sniffs again. “It’s okay. I just thought if we invited some more guests, the table would seem full, you know?”

“Yeah, okay … I’ll ask Molly.” I’ve made it to my truck now and lean against it with a resigned slump.

“Oh, wonderful!” she says in an excited tone, but her voice still sounds a little shakier than I’ve heard it in a long time. “We’ll see you tomorrow then?”

“Yeah, of course. Love you, Mom.”

“Love you too.” Her voice sounds steadier now, and I hear crinkling. I wonder if she’s breaking into her secret stash of chocolate. She stores it inside the crockpot in the kitchen cabinet. “Oh, and Brooks?”

“Yeah, Mom?”

“Please don’t move away.”

I choke back a laugh. “I can’t. My company is here.” And where my company is, Molly is also.

“Thank goodness for that. See you tomorrow.” She hangs up, and I wish I could give her a big hug.

Unlocking the driver-side door, I climb inside the truck and turn the key in the ignition. I immediately blast the air conditioning. Yes, it’s December. But our office is mostly women, and for some reason, they’re always cold. They keep the heat up so high, I practically roast there all day.

I enjoy the feel of the AC blowing in my hair before deciding it’s in my best interest to secure my mom’s dinner guest. I type out a text to Molly.

Brooks: Hey schmoopsie poo! I think it’s time you meet my family. *GIF of Kip from Napoleon Dynamite saying, I guess you could say things are getting pretty serious*

Molly: Um, what?

Brooks: My mom invited you to family dinner tomorrow.

Molly: *GIF of Jennifer Lawrence receiving an Oscar* Wow. I’m truly honored.

Brooks: You should be. *GIF of men in suits rolling out a red carpet*

Brooks: But seriously, are you free tomorrow? Around 6?

Molly: I don’t have any plans! What should I bring?

Brooks: I want to say nothing, but then I know you’ll stress about what to bring. So, how about a bottle of wine?

Molly: *wink emoji* You know me too well.

The next evening, I stop by Molly’s house to pick her up for family dinner. I walk up the familiar creaky steps to the wrap-around front porch, and her front door whisks open before I can knock.

“Are you sure it’s okay I’m coming with you?”