The entire plane ride, my stomach was in knots, and not because of the ride itself. Ash was picking me up at the airport, just like old times. I wasn’t sure if I was prepared to see him, and I wasn’t even sure what that meant. I landed and immediately called him.
He picked up. It was the first time I’d heard his voice in months. “You remembered my number this time.”
“Yeah, I did,” I replied.
“I thought you wouldn’t. I mean, I know people from the west coast are kinda airheaded,” he joked, repeating our first conversation.
“I thought that people from New York were kinda impatient, but you seem to be good at waiting,” I said, my voice dripping with innuendo.
“I’m at the east gate again. I’ll see you soon.”
We hung up. Tears rolled down my cheeks, and I wiped them away. I was so overcome by emotion, and all I cared about was seeing him again. It was like he and I were in a separate universe, and nothing had changed at all since we last saw each other.
I saw him. He wasn’t as tanned, and his hair had grown back. He had a lot of facial stubble. He honestly looked depressed, timid almost. I had never seen him like this. He was still gorgeous, though, and his arms looked a bit more muscular. I knew he had a full-time job, so that was probably the reason. I stopped, watching him. Like there was some crazy pull between us, he looked over and saw me. He smiled his perfect white smile and started walking over to me. I dropped my rolling bag and ran to him. He picked me up, twirling me in his arms. He held me close to him, nearly squishing me in a hug.
“Nice to see you, sis,” he joked.
“Nice to see you too, bro,” I teased back.
One of the security guards strutted over to us impatiently. “You have to get your bag, miss, and then you must both clear the area. You can’t park here this long,” she said.
We were so excited to see each other that I’m not sure either of us even really heard her. He helped me with my bag and put it in the trunk. I got in the passenger side of his car, knowing very well to strap myself in securely.
“So,” he began.
“So,” I finished.
“Who’s the soccer guy?” he asked.
“Someone I briefly dated. Nothing major.”
He looked relieved. “Good.”
“Are you still with Jen?”
“We were never really officially together or anything, but she’s with this other dude,” he said.
“Nice.”
He began driving, and we were silent. It wasn’t an awkward silence. It was a natural one.
“I heard you’re working full time,” I said.
“Yeah. I’m about to graduate from an apprenticeship program, and then the world is my oyster.”
“I only have a half a year left after this. I’ve taken most of the classes I need to graduate.”
“Nice.”
“How’s my mom been?”
“She loves married life, and she’s been cooking up a storm. She’s really happy you’re coming for break.”
“I was nervous. I’m not going to lie. I’m glad you don’t hate me.”
“I think missing someone a lot softens any blow.”
“Very true,” I agreed.
He put on some music, and we hummed along to the tune. Everything felt so natural between us, and the relief of seeing him made me feel a bit less hurt about Jen. I didn’t realize how much I missed him until I was finally in his presence.
“How’s Sarah been?” he asked.
“She’s good. Her soccer coach is super strict, though, so it’s hard for us to have a lot of fun.”
“He sounds like a tool,” Ash said.
I laughed. “I almost forgot about your blunt honesty. I missed that, too.”
We pulled up to the house, too quickly as usual. “I don’t think I missed your driving though,” I said with a sheepish smile.
The front of the house was decorated with Christmas lights and decorations. My heart sank, because it reminded me of the way our old house was when my mom and dad were still together. She’d decorated it the same way.
“I’ll get your bag. Go see your mom.” I was impressed. He seemed a lot more mature than when I last saw him.
My mom wore an elf hat and a red apron, very into the holiday season as always. “Hello, sweetie!” she said, giving me a warm hug.
“Hi, Mom.”
Gary was in the den, sipping some eggnog. He waved to me with a warm smile. “Welcome home, Amy.”
I really liked Gary. He was great to my mom and always really supportive. I felt lucky. It would suck to hate your own stepdad. I wished my relationship with Ash could be as simple. Maybe then we could enjoy a drama-free holiday.
“I’ll take your stuff to your room,” Ash said.
“Thanks!” I responded, flashing him a big smile.
“How was your trip?” Mom asked.
“It was a lot easier to fly this time. I think my body is getting used to it, finally.”