“I should go,” Beth says.
“You should go,” I say at the same time and we laugh, the tension that was building falls away.
“You go do what you came for. Tomorrow, I’ll come talk to Joe and come see you. If that’s okay,” I look closely at her face to see if there’s any hint of reluctance.
Her eyes twinkle and she grins as if joy has hooked itself to the corners of her mouth.
“I can’t wait. Joe likes to cook, too. It’ll be fun. Let me give you my address.” She look around, and then turns back to face me with a sheepish smile on her face. “I don’t have anything to write with.”
I hand her my phone. “Put your number in and I’ll call you in the morning to get your address before I head over. And I’ve got a surprise for you so I hope you’re not busy Sunday night.”
She frowns, and I’m so happy to see that contrary, but amazingly familiar expression, that I laugh.
“It’s a good surprise, I promise.”
She laughs too and then lifts up to pull me into another hug. She whispers in my ear, “You are the best surprise of my entire life. I love you.” And then she lets go and walks away.
I watch her go and don’t let myself notice how good her ass looks in that dress.
The More The Merrier
BETH
“You’re a nice young man. Too many tattoos for my taste, but your generation is different,” Joe says by way of his final parting as Carter and I get ready to leave.
He called this morning as promised and was here at 1pm on the dot. Joe made his famous chili and cornbread. Carter brought him a bottle of Johnny Walker 18 and a coffee table book on the history of music in Brooklyn.
He was born in Park Slope, which is very different from Crown Heights, where Joe lived as a child. But it’s clear that they both love the city they call home and in minutes, the skeptical, slightly mistrustful vibe they were giving each other is gone.
“So, you’ve got a helmet for her?” Joe asks him and Carter nods obligingly as if it’s the first time he’s asked. And not the fifth.
“And you know she has work tomorrow, so, I’m sure you won’t be getting her in too late,” he says, his voice still stern.
When Carter first arrived, he said, “Now, I know you’re famous and all son, but in my house, we’re just regular humans. If that girl is smiling, you’re always welcome. But if you do anything to turn that smile upside down, you’ll find out why the called me Low Blow Joe in my day.”
I was amazed that Carter didn’t laugh. Instead he nodded solemnly and said “Sir, if I turn her smile upside down, I’ll take whatever punishment you decide is fitting, because I’ll deserve it.”
He’s feeding Joe’s misconception about our relationship. Part of me knows I shouldn’t encourage him. But there’s a part of me that just wants to enjoy pretending that he’s a guy coming to take me on a date.
I’ve held his hand a lot tonight. It’s just friendly, though. Sure, I don’t just randomly hold hands with my other friends. But, I don’t have any other friends like Carter.
I’m playing with fire and if I don’t stop, it’s going to burn me.
When he’s close like this, I get all of the impulses and urges I used to. I won’t act on them. But, I’m not sure what to do with the fact that I want to.
“So where ya off to?” Joe asks.
“It’s a surprise,” Carter says with a cheeky smile.
“Ah, she doesn’t like those,” Joe says with a frown that warms my heart.
He’s such loving man.
I hate that his family doesn’t try harder to come see him. Their loss has been my gain, because he’s the closest thing to a father figure I’ve ever had. I love the way he fusses over me. He’s been nice to Carter, but made it very clear that his good regard is conditional on my happiness.
“I know. I’m taking a chance that this’ll be one of that’s an exception.”
“Well, you both be careful. This is the last Sunday before Thanksgiving and you know people are going to be impatient and quick to anger in traffic and in the stores.”
Carter’s smile falls away and he swallows audibly.
“What’s wrong?” I ask, my concern ratcheting up when he opens and closes his mouth a couple of times but still doesn’t say anything.
“I know this is…is maybe too soon,” he looks so nervous and I’m afraid he’s about to say something about our past…a past I haven’t shared with Joe.
“Well, if you’re worried about that, maybe you can just wait and ask later,” I stand to take empty glasses to the kitchen.
“No, young man, say whatever it is that’s on your heart,” Joe urges.
Carter lets out a shaky breath and I keep my back to them, stacking the glasses into the dishwasher with trembling hands.
“I was hoping that maybe you would both like to join my family for Thanksgiving on Thursday,” Carter says in a rush like he couldn’t wait to get the words out.
My heart skips a whole beat, and tears spring to my eyes. Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday. But since James died I haven’t been able to celebrate it. I realize that neither Porsha nor Joe have mentioned it either. Porsha isn’t American so I understand, but…I look at Joe.
“Do you have plans?” I ask.
Joe’s smile doesn’t falter, but his eyes get that haunted look he always wears when his family comes up.
“I’m hoping to go get my son, I would invite you into but I don’t know if there’ll be room in car. Joe says and my heart constricts.
I hope I get to meet this son and this ex of his so I can punch her lights out for all the disappointment she’s been responsible for causing Joe. I know he’s not going to get to pick him up. Not for Thanksgiving or any other weekend. And I’m not letting this wonderful man spend that day alone.
“Are you sure your family wouldn’t mind?” I ask, watching Carter closely. I know how spur of the moment he can be and I want to make sure he’s not committing them to anything that will make it an awkward day for all of us.
“My mother has been asking about you, she’s determined to have you back at her dining room table. She bought a loft in Tribeca and she’s cooking. It’s just us, but they’re all excited to see you.”
I perk up, my nerves forgotten.
“Even Jack?” I ask, a mischievous smile on my lips.
He chuckles and rolls his eyes skyward.
“As excited as he can be about anything, I guess,” he says with a dry smile.
I clap, excitedly.
“Of course, can I bring Porsha? She’s my roommate, but more like family.”
He nods.
“The more the merrier. Joe, I’d love it if you’re able to join us. Beth is family, and so are you,” Carter says. Hearing him call me family squeezes it in a way that doesn’t feel good.
It’s true in a way it wasn’t before.
In a way I don’t want it to be.
“Then, I’d love to. Tell your family thank you for the invite.”
“I’ll send a car around to pick you up,” Carter says and stands up and walks over to get his coat.