“Sneaky—I love it. Rod is working in the office today instead of at home, so if you’re available to pick me up, that would be great. I know he’ll leave if I ask him, but he’s already given up so much for me.”
“I am ready, willing, and able to come break you out of prison and take you on a whirlwind adventure.”
“A whirlwind adventure along the fourteen miles between Emory and Paces Ferry Road?”
“Exactly. We’re both far too comfortable at home to go anywhere else. I’m walking out my front door right now. I’ll see you in a few minutes.”
We disconnect and I drive to Emory, thinking about her fortuitous release from the hospital just before the holidays. Isa’s favorite present will be having her mother home again.
When my phone rings again, I half expect it to be Juliana, asking where I am and threatening to walk the rest of the way to meet me. I wouldn’t blame her. I’m not a very good patient, either. But it’s not who I thought it would be.
“How’s my best friend in the entire world?” I ask as a greeting.
“Your BFF in the whole world is wondering why she hasn’t heard from her BFF in a week. Do you have an explanation for this abandonment?”
“Do you mean other than being extremely busy at work, completing documentation on twenty students before the end of the quarter, and helping Juliana with Isa after school? Not really.”
“Fine. The whole helping Juliana thing is your only saving grace. Work is never an excuse to avoid me, though.”
“I’m not avoiding you, yet. Are you and Kevin still driving to Florida with me for Christmas at my parents’ house?”
“Try to stop us. You know I’m not going home to my family for the holidays, even though Kevin is still pushing me to introduce him to them. He’s not as adamant about it as he was at first, but the underlying tension is still there whenever we get around the subject.”
That breaks my heart for her because I know how hard that meeting would be for her, and for him, even if he thinks he can smooth it over.
“Maybe you should try meeting them at a neutral place for the first time. Somewhere public, with a lot of people around, so they’re less likely to act foolish.”
“I’m not convinced even that would work. If you remember, they weren’t too thrilled you were my best friend. I fully expect an all-out war when they find out I’m dating Kevin. For now, spending time with your family will have to do.”
I remember exactly how her parents reacted the first time I went home with her after school. They didn’t believe she should mingle with anyone outside of their specific race, even as friends. Her siblings were much more welcoming, though.
“If nothing else, you know my family will welcome you both. We’ll figure the rest out later.” My parents have all but legally adopted her, anyway.
“About family, I have a huge favor to ask of you. Don’t be mad at me.” Her lengthy pause makes me nervous. That’s not like her in the least.
“Spill it, Tracy.”
“Rod and Juliana always have Christmas with Kevin and his family. Kevin doesn’t want to leave them alone this year, especially with Juliana’s health issues. What do you think about inviting them to come with us?”
Now it’s my turn to be silent, speechless, shell-shocked.
“Daisy, are you still there?”
“Uh, yeah, I’m here… just processing what you’re asking of me.”
“Look, I feel terrible for even suggesting it, but Rod and Kevin have been best friends almost as long as we have. If there was any other way, I wouldn’t ask. But even I can’t leave them here alone while we’re all together for the holidays. Is there any way you can put the past behind you and invite him?”
For Tracy to ask, I know it’s vitally important to Kevin. Then I pull up to the hospital and the nurse wheels Juliana out to my car. One look at her face and I know what I have to say.
“Invite them. It’s fine. I’ll talk to you later, okay?”
“Okay. Thank you, Daisy. You’re the best.”
We disconnect just as the nurse opens the door to help Juliana sit in the front seat. She’s lost weight since I last saw her, and she didn’t have any extra to spare then.
“Hey, stranger.” She smiles as she climbs into my car, and her face lights up as I pull away from the curb. Her signature quiet strength is still there.
“Hey, yourself. It’s good to see you again. Were your ears burning? I was just talking about you.” I glance over at her with my eyebrows raised.
“Yeah? What about?”
I fill her in on Kevin and Tracy’s request, then ask if she’ll join us.
“A big family Christmas? I’d love to come, if you’re sure you don’t mind our intrusion.” Her fingers grip mine and appreciation swims in her eyes, along with the unshed tears.
“You could never intrude. My parents love having company, and you know I think the world of you and Isa. Spending Christmas with you will be a treat for me. Three more won’t be a problem.”
“I can’t wait to tell Isabelle. She’ll be so excited.”
We talk about our plans the entire ride to Rod’s with her growing more excited by the minute. I jokingly tell her I think she’s more excited than Isa will be. But then I’m immediately proven wrong when we walk inside and she shares the exciting news. Rod is waiting in the wings, listening while propped up against the doorframe.
The excitement of being home, making Christmas plans, and playing with Isa tuckers her out, so Louise helps her into her pajamas then into the bed to take a nap before dinner. I turn to leave, but Rod’s hand on my arm stops me.
“Are you sure you don’t mind us going with you? I swear I didn’t put Kevin up to
