Chapter Twenty-Eight Decision
Things went back to normal—better than normal, because my workload dropped off after those two projects ended, and he was done filming with Jack. He was looking for work, but he wasn’t crazy busy, which meant he got up with me in the morning, and he was home in time for dinner.
I told my therapist I was engaged and how well things were going for Eddie and me.
Life was good, and it was because Eddie was with me.
But one thing still bothered me, apart from me not being able to sleep in the dark or take my clothes off in front of him.
I figured those would happen in time. This new thing I needed to deal with now, though it scared the hell out of me.
I came home from therapy one evening and found him watching TV. He must have been able to tell from my expression something was up because he turned off the TV.
“I told my therapist we got engaged.”
“Yeah?” he said.
“I talked it over with him, and I made a decision. I want you to come to Timmins with me for Christmas.”
“Have you come out to your parents yet?”
“No. I’ll do that beforehand because if they’re going to be a problem, I don’t want you to have to deal with them.”
“What about the stuff with your uncle?”
“I’m not going to tell them about that till I get there, and it’s going to be hard, which is another reason why I want you there with me. Will you come?”
“Yeah, of course.”
I didn’t know if I’d expected him to say no or if he’d made other plans, but the relief I felt was almost crippling.
“You want a hug?” he said.
“Yeah.”
It made so much difference knowing I wouldn’t be alone.
“You’re cold,” he said.
“You’re warm.”
I held him for a long time before I let go.
“Okay?” he said.
“Yeah.” I ran my hand through my hair. “I always feel wrecked after therapy.”
I looked at the kitchen, but I didn’t have the energy to make us dinner.
“I can order pizza,” he said.
“Sounds good.”
I hung up my coat and sat on the couch while he ordered.
“It’ll be here in twenty minutes,” he said, setting his phone on the coffee table. He sat right beside me and put his arm around me.
I’d had a husky when I was a kid, and she’d seemed to know when I was sad and needed cheering up. He reminded me of her. I rested my head on his shoulder.
“I’ve never introduced anyone to my parents before,” I said.
“No?”
“I didn’t date in high school, then I was here for undergrad. Timmins is hours away, and none of my girlfriends lasted till Christmas.”
He stroked my arm. “Did any of your girlfriends introduce you to their parents?”
“No. I’ve never had a serious girlfriend apart from my first one, but we were only together for four months. You’re the longest relationship I’ve ever had.”
“Guess your parents can’t compare me to your exes.”
“There’s no competition, Eddie.”
As if there ever could be.