24. Gracelyn
CHAPTER 24
GRACELYN
I must’ve fallen asleep waiting for Mack because next thing I know, weak sunlight’s spilling through the window above his bed. He’s lying next to me, one strong arm wrapped around my middle holding me close. His light snore tickles my cheek with each exhale.
I shift a tiny bit and he flexes, locking his arm around me.
“Hey. You fell asleep on me last night.” His voice husky with sleep, the deep tenor vibrates against my neck and an excited shiver dances up and down my spine.
Now that he’s awake, I stretch my legs, waking up my entire body. “Sorry about that. I tried to stay awake, but I guess I was too exhausted. Did you have a fun night with the guys?”
“It was okay. Would have rather hung out with you, to be honest.”
My heart flip-flops. “Really? That’s sweet.”
Lifting my face to his, I’m light and tingly all over.
I could really get used to this.
“Listen—” He traces lazy circles over my skin, the motion lulling me into a Mack-induced stupor. Calm, relaxed, malleable.
“My parents invited us for Thanksgiving. To the house in Augusta.”
Every muscle tenses and my throat instantly dries up. “What? Really? You told them about us?”
Mack’s eyes flick to mine. “Yeah. I mean, your mom knows all about us.”
“What have you said? And what did they say?”
“I said I’m seeing someone. My mother asked if it was serious and I said yes. Then she invited us to the house for the long holiday weekend.”
“Oh.” There’s a shit hovering on my tongue, but I somehow swallow it down.
“So—what do you say? Are you game?” He stares at me with an intense gaze.
“I—um…” I flick my eyes down at his bedspread, heat flaming my face. “Um…I’ve never met anyone’s parents before. I mean, in like, an official capacity. Of course I’ve met parents before…” I panic-babble, words gushing out of me.
Mack presses his lips to mine, stopping the verbal mania. “It’s fine, I’m sure it’ll be good. And I don’t care about before. All that matters is now.”
Relief washes over me and I take a deep breath. “I have to talk to my mom about it. Because I don’t want her to be all alone for Thanksgiving.”
“Of course.” He squeezes my hand. “Let me know by tonight, though, okay? My mother’s a little uptight, to put it mildly. She’ll want everything to be perfect for us. And apparently that takes time. Or so she says.”
I laugh, wondering for the thousandth time how this is my life. Mack, in all his gorgeousness, wanting to spend his time with me.
Nights, weekends, holidays.
Introduce me to his family.
He strokes my cheek, kissing me softly down the line of my jaw, and I know this thing between us is real, not something I dreamed up or imagined.
And for the first time in my life, I’m really and truly happy.
I want to stay like this forever.
* * *
Mama Reynolds does not take my Thanksgiving defection well.
“What do you mean, you’re not going to be here for Thanksgiving? We’re always together, every holiday!” Clutching her necklace, she twists and rubs the bright orange glass beads. “You’re going to leave me here, all alone?”
Her face crumples, dark red lips turning down, and I can’t help but notice the resemblance to a sad clown.
“Mama, I’m sorry.” Guilt tugs at my gut. I hate the idea of my mom being alone on a holiday. But I really want to be with Mack. “I know we always celebrate together. But it’s only for a few days…” I pat her back, trying to soothe her and take some of the sting out of the situation.
She’s not having it.
Shaking her head, she worries the beads faster.
“Fine, Gracie. I understand. Eventually you’re going to have to live your life. Leave your old mom behind. I didn’t think the day would come so soon, but here we are.”
Soon? I’m thirty years old, for fuck’s sake.
But now’s not the time to argue over the details.
“I’m sorry, Mama. I’ll be home for Christmas, promise.”
“Yeah, yeah.”
I lean over and give my mom a hug, trying to convey all my emotions in one simple gesture. This woman has given me everything she has, everything she possibly could, and I am grateful, truly.
But I do need to live my own life. And now feels like as good a time as any to start.
Pulling back, I grip her shoulders. “Have Thanksgiving at Layla’s. Or with your friend Rose. I’m sure you’ll be able to find someone to spend the day with.”
She tsks. “Maybe. I’ll probably sit home and eat a frozen dinner in front of the TV, watching football. The holiday isn’t important without family.”
Geesh. Nothing like going heavy on the guilt.
“I’ll ask around and see what we can work out for you, okay?”
“Sure.” Her tone’s flat, and she’s obviously still upset. I hate that I’m letting her down, but I know in my heart that going to Augusta with Mack is the right thing for me.
“I’m sorry, Mama.”
“Aww, Gracie. It’s okay. Don’t be sorry. You go and have a fun time with your boyfriend and don’t worry about little ole me. I’ll figure it out—I always do.”
Now it’s her turn to give me a hug, wrapping me up in her warm embrace. Just like she used to do when I was a little girl. My nose tingles and tears prick the backs of my eyes, but I blink them away.
I’m being ridiculous. It’s one holiday, not the rest of my life.
But it could be.
The thought electrifies and terrifies me at the same time.
“I’m sure his family will be lovely. Make sure you don’t fall in love with them, though, okay? I don’t want you moving to Augusta.” Mom flicks her worried eyes to mine, her brow furrowed.
“Mama. It’s one weekend. I’m not moving in, promise.”
“I’m holding you to that, Gracie girl. Because we have a salon to run. And I’ll never find a better business partner than you.”
I pop a hand on my hip, cocking a brow. “Only business partner? Not daughter?”
She throws her head back, laughing, and tension seeps from my body.
Everything’s going to be okay. We’re still us. Me and my mom.
“Daughter goes without saying. So—let’s talk about what you’re doing with your hair…”