Chapter 13 Josie
JOSIE
I couldn’t focus on Killian and what he’d said or done. It was time for Thanksgiving, and I practically spent sunup to sundown in the kitchen at the Inn.
I finally felt good enough about my pie, especially since Killian left me a note telling me it tasted incredible.
I glided into Thanksgiving with a confidence that I’d been desperately missing.
“Josie, this is incredible.” Vivian held her clasped hands to her face.
We stood in the doorway to the dining room and watched as people enjoyed the dinner. The room was full, and chatter filled the space.
“We did it.” I felt a weight lift off my shoulders.
“You did it.” Vivian and Amber both said at the same time.
“No, no. This was a team effort.”
“If you call me serving the plates of food you cooked a team effort, then sure.” Vivian joked.
I laughed, then turned my attention to Amber. “I couldn’t have done this without you. None of this.”
“Oh—” Amber started, but I shook my head.
“No, I mean it. And I mean more than just cooking. You gave me a piece back that I didn’t realize I was missing.
I couldn’t imagine cooking in this kitchen without my mom.
The idea of it terrified me, and honestly, broke me a bit.
But the moment I met you, I knew you could help me.
And you have. It’ll never be the same as it used to be, and I don’t want it to be.
It is incredibly important to me to have you here cooking with me. ”
I saw Amber fight back tears, which only led to mine falling. I pulled her in for a hug, something I normally didn’t initiate.
Once the dining room emptied, we finished cleaning before finally sitting down to eat.
Vivian had apparently invited Killian to join us without telling me, so when he showed up in the kitchen, I nearly dropped the plate I was filling.
“What—what are you doing here?”
“I always spend Thanksgiving with Vivian. I don’t have family here anymore.”
I narrowed my eyes at him, trying to read between the lines. Where had his family gone, and why did he stay behind? He worked an hour away in Plattsburgh. So what was holding him here?”
“Is there a problem with me being here?” His tone was nervous.
“No, no. I was actually going to bring home some leftovers for you, so it’s better that you’re here to experience them while still fresh.”
Killian gave me a warm smile as he walked up next to me.
I handed him the plate, but as he took it, he slipped his hand over mine and held still. I swore I even felt his finger caress mine before he pulled away.
“Thank you.” His voice had shifted, now deeper and only meant for me to hear. “I can’t wait to have more of your pie, too.” He flashed his eyes at me, and I actually felt my face grow red.
“Are you blushing, Josie?” He smirked and slipped his free hand across my lower back.
“No, no!” I answered too quickly.
“Mmhm.” He nodded, like he knew something I didn’t.
“Shut up and go eat your food.” I nudged his stomach with my elbow, but he didn’t budge.
“I think I want another roll.” He leaned in front of me to reach for the rolls. It would have been insanely easier for him to just go around me, but I knew he was doing this on purpose. Especially with the way he kept his eyes on me the entire time, making sure his face was within inches of mine.
“They are one of my specialties.” I quipped, not knowing what else I could say.
Without another word, Killian found his way to the table with the rest.
“Hurry up, Josephine!” Vivian called out to me.
I cleared my throat and made myself a small plate. When I got to the dining area, I saw that the only open chair was right beside Killian. Not just right beside him, but our legs would practically be touching with the way the table was set up.
I shimmied my way into my seat.
“That’s surely not all you’re eating.” Vivian gave me a motherly look.
“Um, yeah. If I eat too much, I’ll get sick. I’ve been working all day.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll get her to eat more.” Killian playfully nudged my arm with his.
I just rolled my eyes at him as everyone began to dig in. While they all devolved into conversations, I sat there with nerves filling more of my stomach than any food.
Why was I so nervous?
Who was I kidding? It was Killian. It was the way his leg was pressed against mine. It was the way that anytime I caught him looking at me, he’d just smile. It was the way those looks and smiles made my heart jump.
I felt like present me was betraying past me, yet it didn’t feel wrong.