Chapter 10 - Asher
ASHER
Biting my inner cheek, I listen as my parents debate the holidays, as they do every year. We’re at Olive Owl, sitting inside where the fire is cozy and the wine is the perfect tingle on the tongue, and I attempt to focus on the charcuterie board, but it fails.
“I just thought for one year, we could get a tree with a little more oomph.” My mom motions with her hands, her dark hair flowing.
I’m going to assume she is talking about the lack of needles on the tree.
Even as an adult, I try to make it for their tradition of picking out a tree.
The schedule normally doesn’t allow it, but this year there was a small window.
My dad grins as he takes a sip of his white wine. “You are just going to go on ornament overload before adding the menorah tree topper. The tree is only the base, we’re fine.”
Sometimes, I get the impression that he picks out the ugliest tree on purpose. A sort of tongue-in-cheek method of teasing my mom.
My mom brings her hands together and smiles as she seems to look off into the distance.
“I still remember the moment when we were searching for a tree and your dad only realized that I was part Jewish when I informed him how I decorate to incorporate Chrismukkah. Funny, right? We were already married, and he didn’t know—”
“I know, I know. Married for convenience. Fell in love here. Had me and then decided I was a decent child, so then decided to try your luck with another and got a wild child instead. Yep, heard the story many times,” I unenthusiastically list because I hear this story every year.
My dad chuckles, amused. “Now, now, Shaw isn’t exactly wild, just…
a little unruly at times. Also, let your mom enjoy this day.
She bought a bucketload of new ornaments at the winter market out in the suburbs then decided she would take photos of dreidels in funny places to frame and hang on the wall near the tree. ”
This all sounds on brand for her. I wouldn’t expect anything less.
I’m lucky that they are laidback people. Despite having money, they remain grounded. Sometimes I wonder why I can be a little uptight. It’s not from them.
She swats his arm as she smiles ear to ear. “Hey, this is the one time of year that isn’t boating season where you leave business at the office. That’s why you’ve been so happy today picking out a tree. You did it at record speed, so it must have been love at first sight.”
“Or I wanted to finish that part of the day as quickly as possible,” he mumbles, and my mom gives him her warning eyes.
“Why don’t you two stop quarreling about a tree that will die in two weeks and ask your son how he is?
” The fact that I’m volunteering my demise is beyond my comprehension, but I have got to start somewhere.
I can’t stay too long, as the team is having a morning skate before our last game before the break.
My mom’s dark red lips stretch. “You are completely right. My first-born child deserves all of our attention.” I smile tightly at her.
“What else is new with you? We’ve only talked hockey since we dragged you across the tree section of the farm.
I love this place. You know your dad and I used to visit here on weekends—”
I cut that right off and wince. “Don’t need the details again.
Especially in the course of ten minutes.
I’m still getting over being traumatized due to your attention to details.
” Even I’m able to make a joke out of this.
I’m already getting a little worn out from how happy my mom is right now. It’s a good thing, but it takes energy.
My dad shrugs and smirks. “I never ask about your dating life, but if I did, then we would merely suggest this as a top-notch location for booking a room.”
I shift uncomfortably in my chair and stretch my neck as this might be my entry point, although only kind of. “Well, my dating status is… well… uhm… may be changing.” My voice squeaks.
My mom instantly plants her elbows on the table and rests her chin on her palms. “Do tell.”
“You see…” What to say?
“Oh, I recognize that woman.” My dad ignores me and peeks over my shoulder.
My sight whips to the corner where Gracie just walked in, stopping because the man next to her just got pulled to the side by an employee.
I assume he is her brother because I notice a few facial similarities, although his hair is darker, and seems like the guy in the photo at her place.
Shit. Her eyes briefly meet mine, and I see a glimpse of panic for a second.
I’m not supposed to be here. It was chopping down a tree and then maybe a drink before rushing on out.
Instead, my parents convinced me to stay longer, and my stomach was growling for cheese and crackers, anyhow.
My mom swings her gaze to her side. “Yeah, she was at one of the games. We briefly chatted over her mother’s design skills. You know, I even took their family photos when she was a baby. Grace, yep, that’s her name.”
“Gracie.” It pops out of my mouth, and they both look at me. “Her father is a major sponsor,” I explain.
“Ah, that’s why she was there,” my father notes before perusing the board for his favorite cheese.
However, my mom takes it upon herself to wave her hand in the air.
It grabs Gracie’s attention, and she seems to doubt that the attention is for her.
She even searches around her for someone else, anyone else.
Reluctantly, she says something to her brother who is in conversation with the staff.
Gracie throws on a smile that only I would recognize as fake as she walks to our table.
She has got to notice my face full of nerves because I feel my cheeks hurt and my body has a racing heartbeat.
“Hello,” she politely greets my mom.
“It’s good to see you again. You know, I forgot to tell you last time at the game that it’s a small world. I took your baby photo with your parents all those years back.”
Gracie seems surprised and strangely steals my attention because it feels like the twilight zone.
“What a coincidence.” Gracie laughs nervously deep in her throat.
“Do you have a few minutes? Sit with us. I would love to gush over your mom’s upcoming spring collection. I notice more designs are from you.”
Gracie’s eyes search mine for a clue of what to do, but my mom holds her friendly smile, and I know Gracie is too kind not to be courteous.
She swallows and returns the unnerving smile as she pulls out the spare chair. “They are. I only have a minute or two. I need to check on my cousins. They have a new horse.”
“I’m not one for horses.” My dad is a man who loves to sail; farm life isn’t for him.
Scooting my chair over, Gracie slowly sits down. I notice how tense she is, and her lips press tight as she still attempts to smile.
“How lovely that you are here,” Gracie says, making conversation.
My mom grabs the wine bottle on the table to top up her glass. “Always. It’s tradition, and my son managed to take some time to actually take part in holiday cheer.”
“Mother, you morph Christmas and Hanukkah together with a goal to outdo yourself on the creative front every year. Remember when you set up that elf along with this Mensch that always sat on a bench. You put them together on a beach in Hawaii, with sand on the kitchen table one holiday season?” I deadpan.
She waves me off. “You were ten and it was cute.”
Gracie tilts her head to the side and quirks her mouth as though she thinks it’s an adorable idea. “Sounds like my mom and dad. We had a dreidel drinking game the year I turned 21 and ended up playing pin the carrot on the snowman at two in the morning. Memorable, I guess.”
My mom glows with joy. “Another Chrismukkah family. I love it. See, Asher, relatable.” She winks at me, and I know what’s crossing her mind.
Gracie notices too. But the moment dies down, and an odd silence floats around us. It’s indescribable.
“Well, I’m sure you want to catch up with your family, and I don’t want to keep you long.” I give her a route to escape.
She glances at me before returning her awkward smile to my parents.
“Yes. Horses and cousins.” She swallows.
“I’m sure I’ll see you a lot more.” Oh no.
“I mean, at the games and all.” Maybe a save.
“Not like there would be any other reason.” This doesn’t feel good.
Gracie can ramble, and I fear we are entering that dangerous territory.
“I’m pregnant.” It spills out of her mouth, and she immediately freezes from her own astonishment that the words just escaped her lips.
“Did I really just say that?” she whispers to herself.
“Yep,” I confirm.
Well, here we are.
“Congratulations.” My mother hasn’t connected the dots yet. However, the silence and Gracie’s visibly rapid chest begin to cloud the table.
I feel my face tighten, and my jaw flexes side to side in my best attempt to gather composure for what is about to come.
My mom notices, and her smile wilts as she tries to dissect what’s happening.
Ah, hell.
She swings her gaze to me and then back to Gracie and returns to me. “Oh.” It comes out mundanely. It takes a few moments before her entire appearance changes with her eyes turning into saucers. “Ohhhh.”
My mom totally gets it now.
“We’re pregnant,” I clarify.
My father looks between us all and lifts a shoulder. “Okay.”
My mom brings her hand up to cover her mouth, but her smile is too wide to cover. “You’re pregnant.”
“Shh,” I hiss and scan the room.
Gracie appears panicked as she searches my face for an answer to her plea of what to do.
“Her family has no clue,” I whisper.
My parents nod gingerly in understanding.
“I’m sorry, it just came out,” Gracie apologizes to me in a hushed tone.
“Surprising. But great news,” my father whispers. He is too casual for this earth-shattering moment, but that’s just him, unless it’s a business deal that he needs to be cold-blooded for.
“I didn’t realize that you two were dating,” my mom leans into the table to ask quietly.
Gracie and I both look at one another and shrug. “It’s not exactly…”
My mom raises her hand in the air to stop us. “Say no more. I got it,” she whispers. “When is the baby due?” she mouths.
“July. It’s still early in the pregnancy,” Gracie loudly whispers.
“We get it. Lips are sealed,” my father assures her in a loud mutter.
My mom reaches out to touch Gracie’s arm on the table.
“But this is a Hanukkah and Christmas gift rolled into one. On the first night, too. You know, isn’t it great how Hanukkah falls with Christmas week this year.
July is a good month. She’ll be the right size for cute baby holiday clothes next year.
Just squeeze her little cheeks,” she coos in a loud whisper that I’m sure the table next to us could hear.
I shuffle my chair closer to the table. “Here comes the crazy. Only two minutes in and you’re planning out our kid’s future. And we don’t know if it’s a girl.” My hushed voice is sharp with frustration.
My mom is not impressed with my comment. “Excuse me for being excited for the fact that I’m going to be a grandmother, and I still look smoking, so I won’t be one of those old-looking grandmas.” She’s returning to her shouting mutter.
Gracie runs her fingers through her hair and claws her sides. “We look like idiots talking like this. I see my brother puzzled over in the corner as he observes,” she utters to me.
Sliding my gaze over my shoulder, I see her brother talking to a waiter, but his eyes remain fixed on our table.
Whipping my sight back, I feel my eyes enlarge. “Can we keep this news at our table? I didn’t plan on anyone from Gracie’s family murdering me today,” I say tightly.
My dad has a serious face when all of his attention lands on me. “Don’t be silly. They need you alive. For the baby and all.” He has an undertone of humor. What the hell is this conversation?
“If you will excuse me, I think I need to leave. I’m sure Asher can finish this discussion,” Gracie says in a low voice and gives me a weak smile.
I touch her hand as she stands. “They will keep this all under wraps, don’t worry,” I promise.
She nods like she believes me before she looks at my parents. “I’m sure we will get to know one another a lot more now.”
“Of course. We’ll have dinner when things are a little calmer.” My dad provides logic to this conversation.
As Gracie turns, my mother speaks up. “Ginger. Lots of ginger. Oh, and send me photos.”
I roll my eyes. “Run, Gracie, run.”
She walks away, but I feel heavy eyes on me. Turning in my seat, I face my parents.
“Well, this is news.” My dad’s neutrality is appreciated, proven by the fact that he cooly inspects the glass of wine he is holding.
My mom leans back to rest against the chair, and she crosses her arms. “Huh. I didn’t see this coming, but…” She shrugs. “Mazel tov. Now, will you pass the bread?” She too has returned to earth as though the last five minutes didn’t happen.
I’m relieved in one way. Another item off the checklist of preparing for the shift our lives are about to take.
Drifting my gaze to the entrance of the room, I see Gracie looking tensely at her brother, and I hate saying it while she’s stressed, but she is glowing and still beautiful.
She survived meeting my parents, and that gives me comfort that she and I can be a team.
The kind that has nothing to do with hockey, instead our personal lives.
The part of life that actually matters. A career is temporary, but your relationships with others are forever.
We’re connected, and it’s up to us to figure out in what way.