Six months later…
Noni’s giving us both a look of reproof. Her severe glance is fleeting, but ultimately she agrees with Sofie—that is, she agrees with Sofie’s opinion on my choice for carry-on, and not with Sofie’s scoffing.
I draw in a deep, long breath. “But just this very summer the both of you thought Strawberry Shortcake was okay,” I say, blinking rapidly until I shoot them a wide-eyed look.
“Oh, sweets,” Noni replies with a meek laugh. Her arm encircles my waist, hooking a finger in a belt loop of my dark blue jeans. “Sure, for Maine, sweetheart, but this is England. England is classy. You’re going to be meeting your boyfriend’s family for the first time. That’s no place for Shortcake, honey. Shortcake stays here.”
“They’re not
that
fancy,” I say testily. “Alec and I speak to them all the time through Skype.”
“But Prince Harry over there booked you on first class! I don’t think British Airways even lets kids on with Strawberry Shortcake luggage. By the way, what the hell is he doing out there?” Sofie watches the source in question critically from the living room window.
“I don’t know. Praying to the Canadian Gods or something.” I kneel slightly over a suitcase, dragging its zipper round. “He’s disappointed about his first Christmas in Montreal. He can’t get over the fact that there’s still no snow on the ground.”
“Well, tell him to mind his own business,” Sofie rebukes, pausing for only a split second because that’s really all Sofia-Marie can manage. “And will you please dump whatever’s in that inane suitcase of yours and use my carry-on. Besides, I’m sure that huge tote you lug around can fit whatever you need.”
Noni totters over to the console in the hall. “Come on now, my silly geese.” She slides an ottoman out from underneath and her legs give way. Slumping down, she releases a blissful sigh. “Sit with me for a minute. We’ve lots of time before your dad picks you up for the airport.”
“So?” Sofie eyes me, reading my mind as she rests against the wall. “This trip is kind of different from your last, huh?”
I look up from my luggage, feeling more relaxed than I thought I could be. With Mom living with Dad in his three-bedroom house, she has her space, and he has his. It actually works. “I never imagined our trip to Maine and her meltdown would come to this, but—”
“But now you can live the life you’re meant to live,” Sofie interjects.
“Now, I can live my life the way I’m meant to live it,” I say, my voice an octave lower. I shake my head, disbelieving that again Sofie was right all along.
“Exactly,” Noni tacks on.
Sofie moves to pick up my coat. She proffers my plaid scarf with it, suggesting a truce perhaps, or closing the subject of the carry-on. “I can’t believe your mom gave you one of her Lady Danger lipsticks for Christmas,” she says.
I lean in over the console to brighten my lips before dragging the peacoat on. My red mouth boosts the grey and red plaid in the scarf, and I think I’ve managed to look smart and casual in a fitted white shirt with black stripes.
“Red to match shortcake.” I smirk and pucker my lips. “Hot or not?”
“Hot!” they declare.
“Wait!” Sofie shrieks.
I give her a quizzical look.
“I saw an opened bottle of Pinot in your fridge.”
I draw a second ottoman out, sit next to Noni, and I take her hand in mine. “So, I’ll call Daddy once we land, and I’ll call you when we’re settled.”
“I’d like that, Sweets. Did Sofie tell you? When she drives me home, later, she’ll call Jason, you know, so I can see him on her telephone.”
“FaceTime?”
“Yes, that’s it.”
“Noni, do you have a crush on Jason?”
“Don’t you know? I have a crush on all young men!” Noni leans back, bursting into laughter. She clutches me for support, quieting her merriment into my shoulder.
I tilt my head to meet Noni’s. “I love you.”
“I love you more, Sweets. I love my silly geese,” she says, pulling Sofie in as she approaches with a bottle.
Sofie kisses the top of her head. “Glasses,” she says before breaking free.
Alec pops his head in. “Love, your Dad’s arrived. Best we be off.”
Trying to subside her escaping laughter, Noni curls her lips in. Her slender shoulders joggle from suppressed giggling. Wine had been a good idea while we waited.
“Right, then,” Alec says upon entering. “A piss up with your grams.” He attempts a stern expression. “I’ll have to carry you down to Sofie’s car, Noni, once I’ve stored our luggage in the boot.” He leans in to smack my mouth with a kiss.
Noni collapses into laughter. “A piss up!” she repeats.
“You British people are so weird,” says Sofie. “Why don’t you just say we’re having drinks?”
“Hey!” I grumble. “Leave my guy alone.”
“Thanks, love.” Alec winks.
Noni’s hand immediately slides onto my knee, squeezing it as she bats her eyes. “Am I the only one who really loves when he does that?”
Sofie and I exchange a confused, flabbergasted glance. Noni’s face is flamed, bringing us into a state a shock before we dissolve in laughter.
Acknowledgements
This story of mine has a lot to do with beautiful men championing women, so on that note I thank my husband, Carlo, first and foremost. I admit, I’ve a hard shell to crack, but without his presence and back-up, I’m just a lost soul. Due to my children, I managed to complete this book as they accommodated me with an invisible door—sound effects provided by their father—when they let me tap away at the keys in my own little world. Thank you for supporting my truth, and I promise to embrace yours. Speaking of support,
All of These Things
has had its own cheerleader from its conception. Giselle, you give ego-boosts like no one else can! I am forever grateful. I must express sincere appreciation and gratitude to my Beta readers and to my mother for her endless enthusiasm. AOTT was plucked from a reserve of stories with all of you in mind. Melissa, thanks for letting me pick your brain, and I’m appreciative of my cousins Sabrina and Anna Maria for their ardent feedback. I thank the very keen, very sharp, Rebecca Heyman, for her constructive advice, and my editor, Jennifer Jaquith for being a guiding light. I’m convinced there’s a magic wand with Jennifer’s name on it somewhere. AOTT has been a blessing in disguise for so many reasons, namely, getting to know my little sister better. Katia, your well of creativity and vision manages to surprise me over and over. Thanks Anthony Nardelli, for helping me visualize what this book could look like. I need to acknowledge those who have continuously (but subtly) explored the topic of my writing, imperceptibly nudging me to share my secret with the world: Klaudia and Terry—mission accomplished. Huge thanks to my book club—a saving grace from the humdrum and chaos, and a circle of ladies I now can’t live without. Thanks for giving me a hand with bringing AOTT into the light. In a nutshell, a HUGE thanks to every encouraging, kind-hearted acquaintance and/or relative I’m lucky to know.
-A.