I don’t bother calling him Andy because that’s not how they know him and they will think I’m talking about someone else.
Shannon breezes into the kitchen. “So what’s this about Drew coming?”
My sister is apparently still boy crazy. I don’t remember being that bright eyed every time a hot guy’s name was mentioned in a conversation. She was like this a few years ago and nothing’s changed. Mom says nothing while she continues to cut out Christmas shapes in the cookie dough when she pauses. I decide to clarify my words. “Drew and I are back together.”
Mom doesn’t acknowledge my words, only continues what she was doing being uncharacteristically quiet.
Shannon, on the other hand, goes for sarcasm. “Of course you are. I bet he’s giving it to you real good.”
“Shannon Forbes,” Mom warns. “Stop being sassy. Go upstairs and clean your room.”
She heads out and my brother walks in. “What’s going on?” he asks when he spots the fury on Mom’s face.
“Cate is shacking up with her boyfriend and doesn’t want to tell Mom.”
Eric shakes his head and does an about-face as I yell, “I am not shacking up with Drew.”
Shannon waves a dismissive hand and I’m left alone with Mom whose stewing on Shannon’s words or mine. I’m not sure. It could be both.
After agonizing moments, she finally says, “Are you sure that’s a good idea that you and Drew get back together?”
I’ve expected a reaction, just not that one. “Why?”
“Catelyn, you and I both know how hard everything was on you. Are you sure you can handle this?”
“Hard on me? I’m the one that ran. Do you not like him or something?”
She’d never indicted she had a problem with him. I don’t understand why she’s on my side and not his.
“It’s not that. He’s a fine young man. I’m just worried about you.”
“Don’t be. I haven’t been this happy since,” I wave a hand in the air. “Since then.”
I don’t tell her that I had the very fears she’s mentioned. I don’t want her to worry because Andy is great and he’s mine. Somehow, it will all work out.
Dad walks in and glances at us. “What’s with the long faces?”
I dive in headfirst and blurt, “I’m seeing Drew again.”
Dad’s reaction is far different from Mom’s. He walks over and places a comforting hand on mine. “I’m glad. Now I understand that smile when you walked in the door, not that I’m complaining. Any man can make my baby happy, is good enough for me.”
“Thanks Dad.”
Mom doesn’t say any more over the next few days. Shannon does her best to annoy me and Eric and I play video games as he tells me about making the basketball team. Dad and I get a tree the next day and as a family we spend the time decorating it. It feels good to be home and I haven’t felt that way in a while.
When I arrive at Jenna’s the next night, Ben is there.
“Catie Bear,” Ben says wrapping me in a hug.
I don’t correct him because Ben and I became best friends during all of the bad days that summer.
“Ben, I feel like it’s been forever since we’ve talked.”
“It has. And I hear you have news for me.”
Damn, Jenna. But I’m surprised she’s hadn’t spilled the beans so far.
“Drew.” I clear my throat because I’m more afraid of his reaction over my parents. “Drew and I are back together.”
He nods, not as all surprised. “Figures. I guess I’m the last to know.”
He gives me a look but it isn’t condemning.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t want anyone to know until we figured it out. I wasn’t sure if it would work. Plus, I wasn’t ready for the backlash.”
“Backlash?”
“I don’t want anyone mad because we’re together.”
“Why would anyone be mad?”
I stop and close my mouth for a second. “Isn’t it obvious? I walked away.” I amend that. “No, I ran. You were there. I wasn’t even sure he’d forgive me.”
“What would he have to forgive? You did what you thought was best at that time. No one blames you, Cate. Least of all me.”
I hug him and barely stop myself from crying. “I wasn’t sure how you and everyone would feel.”
He pats my back while I continue to hold him tight. He’s like my big brother as much as he’s Jenna’s.
“I’m happy for you, Cate. I’m happy for both of you. You deserve it.”
As much as I’m grateful he’s fine with all of it, I worry about him too.
“What about you?”
He pulls back and I can see the sadness in his eyes. He shrugs and tries to give me a playful smile when he speaks, but I know he feels some truth of his words. “I’m all alone here in Charleston now.”
I shake my head feeling like a mama bear that needs to protect her cub.
“That’s not true. You’ve got Jenna. And you can always come up for a visit. We would love to have you.”
He nods.
“By the way. I heard you’re bringing someone to the party.”
He shrugs. “She’s a warm body.”