"What are you talking about?"
"Last June when he stayed at my condo, he left his SUV parked out front. I told him to park down the street, but of course he didn't listen and my fiancé's cousin drove by and saw it. He asked around town, and people who were at the bar that night told him I went home with your brother."
"And your fiancé's just finding this out?"
"He found out a few weeks ago and now it's over between us. All because of your stupid brother."
Nash smiles. "Guess you should be more careful next time you decide to cheat on your fiancé. I gotta get going." He holds up the ice. "Wouldn't want it to melt."
We walk off, leaving her there in the potato chip aisle.
"I feel sorry for whoever ends up with her," Nash says, as we're driving back to the house.
"Are you going to tell Jake what she said?"
"Nah. I'm sure he's already forgotten about her."
"Do you know if he's going out with anyone?"
"Austin said Jake's got his eyes on some girl he's working with on the Victorian."
"She works construction?"
"She's a carpenter. My dad said she's really good. She specializes in intricate carvings, which is exactly what we need for the Victorian in order to replicate some of the original woodwork."
"Has Jake asked her out?"
"Yeah, but she turned him down."
"Maybe she has a boyfriend."
"Jake asked around and found out she broke up with her boyfriend last spring. He heard she's been single ever since. If Jake wants to go out with her, he'll have to put in some real effort. A smile and some cheesy pick-up lines aren't going to work this time."
"How about Austin and Bryce? Are they dating anyone?"
"No. They're both out there dating but it's nothing serious. Bryce is still hung up on Jen. He can't get serious with anyone until he gets over her."
"He should just date her. Or is she still dating that grad student?"
"No. That ended. She's single again. You'll meet her at Thanksgiving. She always spends holidays with us at my dad's house."
"I'm invited to Thanksgiving?"
"Of course you're invited. And I'm going to invite Lou. I don't want the guy alone on Thanksgiving."
We pull into Nash's house and I laugh when the truck fires off its signature sound. Nash and I go around back and find his dad manning the grill and his brothers on the deck, snacking on chips and beer.
"You guys done playing football?" Nash asks as he fills the coolers with ice.
"We're just taking a break," Bryce says. "Callie, you play football?"
"No, but go ahead and play. I'll stay here and watch."
"Nash, you're playing," Jake says, grabbing the ball and tossing it at him.
He catches it. "Then hurry up and get your asses out there. It's almost time to eat."
The four of them go out on the lawn and Nash's dad joins me on the deck, sitting next to me.
"So how's it going, Callie?" He gives me that wide, friendly smile that looks just like Nash's.
"Great! We got perfect weather today for the party. And those ribs you're cooking smell really good."
He turns his chair more so he's facing me. "How are you feeling about moving back to Chicago next week?"
Nash told his dad what happened to my family and how I've struggled the past year.
"I'm a little nervous," I say. "I haven't been back there since the funeral."
"It may be hard at first but it'll get better. It just takes time. When Barb died, I couldn't sleep in our bedroom for almost five months. Nash had moved out by then so I slept in his room until I could get myself together enough to go back to my own room."
I like how he talks so openly about this. He's just like Nash that way. They're both open and honest and not afraid to talk about the hard stuff.
"It really took five months?" I ask.
He nods. "I don't know how much Nash told you about that time, but I really struggled after she died. I wasn't even able to work. Just a few years earlier, I'd help Nash deal with losing Becky, and yet when it came to my own loss, I couldn't take my own advice. I was so shocked when Barb died. I wouldn't let myself believe it. It took months for me to finally accept that she was gone."
"I know what you mean," I say looking down.
"Despite what people say, there aren't any rules or timelines for grieving. You do what works for you." He sets his hand on my shoulder and I look up at him. "The best advice I can give you is to not do it alone. We're all here for you. Anytime you need us, you just ask."
I smile. "Thanks."
"Dad," Austin yells. "When's the meat going to be done?"
"Probably in a few minutes," he yells back. He chuckles. "Those boys never stop eating. I better go check on the ribs." He gets up and returns to the grill.
"Is this where the party's at?" I turn and see Lou coming around the side of the house.