Chapter 9
Manny
Very few moments in my life have made me as anxious as meeting Daisy’s family.
My heart pounded as I walked in and found every pair of eyes fixed on me, like they were ready for blood.
But the second I started talking about her—about what she means to me—the nerves eased.
There was no way anyone could object to what we have.
“I’m so grateful you’re here, Manny,” she tells me as I help set the different dishes on the table.
“I’m grateful you said yes,” I say, and that gorgeous smile I love curves across her lips. “When do you think is a good time for us to head out?”
“You stole the words from my mouth.” She grins, already guessing what I had in mind. “Maybe after we help clean up in the kitchen we can say our goodbyes. My family doesn’t do much after dinner.”
I nod, relieved. Thank God we won’t be stuck here much longer. My body aches to get her alone, to have her tight little body under mine.
By the time we finish, the sun is setting. Turkey, veal, three kinds of stuffing, a full salad bar, and the best pecan pie I’ve ever tasted—but nothing compared to the company.
Once the last plates clatter in the sink, I roll up my sleeves and let the warm water run.
“Manny, what are you doing?” Daisy’s mom rushes in, eyes wide.
“Just rinsing before putting them in the dishwasher.”
“Absolutely not. You’re our guest of honor.” She flutters her hands to shoo me away.
I stay firm. “Please—let me help. This might be our first meeting, but I’d like to think I’m more than just a guest.”
Her expression softens as the meaning sinks in. She squeezes my shoulder. “Thank you, Manny. I’m so grateful my daughter met you.” Then she turns to pull out stacks of holiday-themed Tupperware.
“I can’t remember—when is your son coming back?”
At the mention of Tommy, I can’t help but smile. “Sunday night.”
An idea sparks in the back of my mind, making this already perfect Thanksgiving feel even brighter.
Daisy grabs our jackets, and I steal a grateful kiss.
“Oh, are you leaving already?” her mom calls. “Everyone, to the living room!”
Just as I reach for Daisy’s hand, my phone vibrates in my pocket.
A text from Gio lights up the screen.
Gio: Hey, brother. How did it go? We’re all heading to our place for a quick cap off. Are you joining us? Ruin is dying to talk to Daisy.
Miles: Puff, not just Ruin. I want to know how it went… and I’m not talking about meeting her family.
River: That’s their private business, Miles. But in all honesty, I hope you all can join us. Your new relationship was the main talk today. I can’t wait for these gossiping assholes to get all the details so we can move on.
Xander: Move on to what? Your very single life?
River: For fuck’s sake, just come over to Gio and Ruin’s, Manny.
I laugh out loud at River’s grumpiness. Daisy tilts her head, puzzled, so I pass her my phone. Her giggle is soft and amused, and when she looks up at me with those dove eyes I adore, my chest goes warm.
“Is it okay if I reply?” she asks, lips curving with mischief.
I nod, grinning. “Be my guest.”
Manny: Hey boys, Daisy here. Yes, we’ll be on our way soon. I can’t wait to talk to my girls. Any chance Carly and Mia can join too? I know they don’t have family in the area.
Gio, Xander, and Miles reply within seconds.
Gio: Of course! I think Ruin already texted them.
Xander: Oh you’re trouble, Daisy. I knew I liked you! I’m glad Manny finally asked you out.
Miles: Fuck yes! I hope you guys are already on your way. River’s broodiness is hitting epic proportions.
River: I hate you all. But if that’s the way we’re playing… Gio, is Penny around? I feel like we should invite her too.
Miles: *middle finger emoji*
Daisy arches a brow as we read the text thread together. “Penny?” she asks.
I shrug, just as confused. “No clue. Last I heard, she and Miles were getting along well as they work on that project together.”
Daisy hums thoughtfully, eyes narrowing. “Then why’s River bringing her up? I’ll have to ask the girls to see what’s up.”
I run through the last few conversations I’ve had with the guys. Now that I think about it, Miles hasn’t been going out much lately. I figured it was because he was dead tired from that project he’s working on with Penny, on top of running his business.
But maybe there’s more to it than I realize.
I keep that thought front and center on the way to the Bianchis’, determined to check on Miles when we get there.
Merlin: What’s this chat about? And how come I was just added? Thank you old brother for inviting me. *turkey emoji*
Miles: Oh, baby bro is here. Did he finally get the balls to ask Meadow out?
Xander: Merlin! Welcome, welcome. This chat is for adult conversation and heavy topics only. I hope you’re ready.
Merlin: You guys know I’m 22, right?
River: And he says it with pride. Cute.
Miles: LMAO, I love my family. Thank you Riv for adding him to the chat.
Merlin: I’d let you know I could give you two a class about how to flirt and land a woman. But I don’t think you’re ready for it.
Gio: Anyway, back to my original text. We’re heading to my place. See you soon, Manny. Yes?
Manny: Yes, we’ll be there soon.
After one too many family pictures, Daisy and I say our goodbyes, leaving with the promise of bringing Tommy soon. Her mom is determined to ask him what he wants for Christmas.
My heart is as full as my belly. This has been, without question, the best Thanksgiving of my life. The only thing missing was Tommy.
Maybe next year, I’ll ask his mom to trade Thanksgiving for an extra week next summer to even things out. Because there’s no way in hell my boy won’t spend Christmas in Azalea Creek—with us.
In our home.