What now? He texted me at 10 pm that night.
I pictured him curled up on a chair, Poppy close by. The room dark and his phone glowing, lighting up his face.
I wanted to ask you the same thing. I replied.
It’s almost Thanksgiving. He said. I giggled out loud.
Yes it is. What are your plans? I replied.
Going to see my grandmother early in the day. My uncle invited me to his girlfriend’s house, but I have a lot of packing to do.
Well if you want to come spend it at my Aunt’s, I’m sure you’re more than welcome. I threw my phone onto my bed after I sent that text, very nervous to see the response.
A few minutes later I brace myself before checking to see if he replied.
You really mean that? It read.
Of course. I replied. A few minutes passed and I waited for Luke’s reply.
Count me in. I picked up my pillow and screamed into it. A few seconds later Gia pushed my door open.
“Did you just scream?” She said quietly, yawning.
“What are you doing up?” I asked. She climbed up onto my bed.
“Dad snores.” We both laughed.
“Did it go good with Luke?” She asked, crawling under my blanket and curling up next to me.
“Yes. He wants to come for Thanksgiving.” I said. Putting my phone on my side table and cuddling up with Gia.
“That’s so exciting Sutton.” She said in a sleepy voice. “I like him.” She added before closing her eyes.
“Me too,” I replied pulling my sister in tight. Nothing but the sound of her soft breathes surrounding me.
The next morning when I woke up Gia was still in my bed. I leaned over and grabbed my phone off the nightstand. It was 9 o'clock and there were three unread messages from Luke.
Let me know what I should bring.
Sweet dreams Sutton.
Heading home with Poppy now.
Good morning Luke. I texted back quietly hopping out of bed, hoping not to wake Gia up. I walked into the kitchen where my dad and Aunt Helen were sitting at the table. Aunt Helen scanned the newspaper in front of her and my dad sipped on a cup of coffee.
“Good morning Sutton.” My dad said. I walked over to him and he planted a kiss on my forehead.
“Good morning Aunt Helen.” I said with a smile. She gave me a subtle wave.
“Where’s mom?” I asked.
“She’s still in bed. This is the latest Gia and she have slept in months. Let them enjoy it.” I felt a little bad about that. I knew it probably had a lot to do with me.
“I invited someone to Thanksgiving,” I said grabbing a piece of bread and shoving it into the toaster.
“Full House this year.” My dad mumbled. “Shane and Reagan are staying. Ronnie and his family are joining us.” Aunt Helen sighed.
“My first year not grabbing a crappy turkey dinner at the airport too.” He added picking up his coffee to take a sip. He winced a little bit then opened the sugar bowl with a clink filling up another heaping spoonful of sugar and dumping it in his mug.
“I invited Luke,” I said just as my toast catapulted out of the toaster into the air.
My dad took another gulp of his coffee and choked a little bit. I wasn’t sure if he had added too much sugar or was shocked by what I had said. “Oh yeah, what does he think about that.” He said, clearing his throat.
“He wants to come,” I replied, hoping to ease his clearly nervous mind.
“Oh great.” He replied. “Maybe he can help me figure out deep-frying the turkey.” My dad said licking his lips. “But run it by your mother first.”
I nodded. “Will do.”
A little while later my mom and Gia strolled into the kitchen.
“I slept great in Sutton’s bed,” Gia announced stretching.
“I actually got a good night’s sleep too.” My mom said cheerfully. “Now for a day full of Thanksgiving prep!” She smiled at Aunt Helen who smirked back at her.
“Hey mom, can I talk to you for a second,” I asked as she poured her coffee into a mug.
“Of course sweetie.” I grabbed a blanket and she followed me into the backyard where we sat at the picnic table.
“Wow it’s warmer than I thought.” She said looking around the yard. “Is everything okay sweetie?” She grabbed my hand and squeezed it.
“Yes. Everything’s great. I just wanted to run something by you.” She nodded urging me to continue.
“Could Luke join us for Thanksgiving?” She started grinning.
“Of course honey! I love Luke! So I’m assuming yesterday went well too? How did his dog make out?” This was the most enthusiastic I had seen my mom in a while and it made me beyond happy.
“Yes. We talked and long story short, we seem to be on the same page. I really want to get to know him as much as I can before we go home.”
My mom nodded. “Just be careful sweetie. He seems like a great guy but we’re only here for a few more days and I don’t want you hurt.”
“I will mom.” I said pulling her in for a hug.
I spent the day in the kitchen with my mom, Gia, Reagan and Aunt Helen. My dad and Shane sat planted on the couch watching the NFL channel. They promised to be in charge of the turkeys the next day and even to do the Thanksgiving dishes.
I texted
