Chapter 29 Evan
TWENTY-NINE
EVAN
This trip is going to be great. I’m looking forward to being with our families for Thanksgiving.
We flew to New Jersey late Tuesday night after Isaac’s practice and spent all morning sleeping.
We get to stay until Friday night, but that means taking a late flight and not getting home until after midnight.
His coach wasn’t happy about him missing two practices, but he allowed it so we can check on Aiden.
Since we grew up about an hour from each other, Isaac rented a large house from Tuesday to Sunday on the beach in Cape May for our families to enjoy. It’s less than a four-hour drive for both families, which isn’t too bad. Hopefully, Aiden won’t be too uncomfortable during the ride.
I wish we had more time, but at least we get to see them, and they can enjoy the house for a couple of extra days.
I think he rented the house more for Aiden than anyone else.
He will be in casts for several more weeks and might need another surgery on his leg.
We talked to him a few days ago and he’s going stir crazy.
He can’t work or go to school, and other than doctors’ appointments, he’s been mostly confined to the house.
My parents came in yesterday afternoon and checked us into the house, bought groceries, and made sure everything was ready for everyone else to arrive.
Isaac’s family will be here in a few hours.
Owen has to work until one then they’ll make the drive to Cape May.
The area is full of Victorian houses, pristine beaches, a promenade with shops and restaurants, a zoo, fishing excursions, and more.
We came here once when I was a teenager and I fell in love with the area.
When Isaac suggested it for our family vacation, I was on board without hesitation.
Nerves ate at me on the drive from the airport.
I didn’t know what to expect when I introduced my parents to Isaac.
They have always supported me and even when they knew Mike wasn’t right for me, they were civil to him.
Mom and Isaac hit it off right away. They were laughing and joking in the kitchen as she fed my man a plate of cookies she baked while waiting for us to arrive.
Dad and Isaac enjoyed a snort of bourbon on the balcony while I showered.
After Isaac disappeared upstairs for his own shower, my parents let me know how much they like him. It caused my heart to soar.
The house Isaac chose is a beautiful three-story Victorian with six bedrooms and four bathrooms. We made sure our parents got the two bedrooms with private bathrooms. Aiden, Isaac, and I are sharing a bathroom and Owen and the girls are sharing one.
We put them in the two bedrooms on the third floor.
Isaac also made sure he found a house with an elevator so it’s easily accessible for Aiden.
He’s in a wheelchair since the cast on his arm goes almost all the way to his shoulder keeping him from being able to use crutches.
It’s after twelve when Isaac finally wakes up.
I haven’t been up much longer and other than saying a quick hello to my parents and grabbing a cup of coffee, I haven’t been out of the room.
I was still exhausted when I woke up about an hour ago, but couldn’t fall back asleep, so I’ve been sitting in the chair by the window, enjoying the ocean view, sipping on my coffee, and reading a book.
I can’t remember the last time I finished a book.
It’s been months, maybe close to a year.
Mike didn’t allow such frivolousness in our relationship, and I’ve been too busy between work and Isaac to think about reading.
The murder mystery I started when my parents were in town is sitting unfinished on my dresser.
“Good morning,” Isaac’s sleepy voice calls from the bed.
“Good morning.” I set the book down and walk over to the bed, kissing my boyfriend. “Can I get you some coffee?” I offer.
“Yeah, thank you.”
“I’ll be right back. We can enjoy it on the balcony.”
Mom and Dad are in the kitchen working on lunch preparations when I get downstairs.
“Is there any more coffee?” I ask.
“I made another small pot. I thought you and Isaac might need some more after getting in so late,” Mom replies.
“Thank you. We are so freaking tired. Isaac’s awake now, so we’ll be down in a few minutes,” I tell them after fixing two mugs of coffee for us.
“Lunch will be ready in about fifteen minutes, but don’t rush. It will keep until you two are ready.”
“Thanks, Mom. I appreciate you cooking for us. We’ll be in charge of clean up.”
“You will do no such thing. You are on vacation.”
“So are you and you aren’t going to spend your vacation taking care of all the cooking and cleaning.”
“Okay,” she reluctantly concedes. I give her a quick kiss on the cheek then rush upstairs.
Isaac is in the shower when I get back. I’m tempted to join him, but I feel a little awkward doing that with my parents right downstairs. Instead, I bring the coffee and a large blanket to the balcony and wait for him to join me.
“What are you reading?” Isaac’s voice startles me. I didn’t hear him come up behind me. “Sorry. Did I scare you?” he asks with a laugh, joining me on the small outdoor couch and pulling part of the blanket over him. It’s freaking cold out here. I guess I am getting used to the heat in Miami.
“A murder mystery I found on the shelf in the bedroom. It’s been a while since I read a book.”
“What about the one you got when your parents were in Miami?” he asks.
“Didn’t finish it.” I shrug.
“And we never went to the bookstore. We’ll have to do that one day soon.”
“Oh, yeah, I forgot we talked about doing that. I do enjoy reading, but I never seem to find the time.”
“That’s because we are always so busy,” Isaac deadpans.
“Don’t you mean we’re always getting busy.”
“Something like that.”
“Why did you stay up here reading?”
“I didn’t want to leave you alone, but I felt kind of creepy staring at you.”
“You didn’t have to wait for me. You should have spent that time with your parents.”
“I went down for a few minutes when I first woke up, but I was still really tired. I figured I’d enjoy the peace and quiet.”
“Smart. It’s going to be loud in here in a few hours.”
“I can’t wait!”
Isaac’s family pulls into the driveway with horns blaring to announce their arrival and I love it! Growing up in a quiet, reserved home, I am surprised at how much I love the chaos that his family brings.
“Uncle Isaac! Uncle Evan!” Katie squeals, jumping into Isaac’s arms then rushing over to me for a hug. Kennedy isn’t as loud, but she runs to both of us for hugs. It melts my heart when Katie calls me uncle. I don’t know where that came from, but I’ll take it.
It takes a few minutes for Jose and Gloria to help Aiden out of the van and into his wheelchair. After he is settled inside, the rest of us unload the two cars. Katie and Kennedy take their bags and run up two flights of stairs to seek out their rooms. I’ve never seen two more excited kids.
Thirty minutes later, introductions have been made, cars are unloaded, and bags are unpacked.
Mom and Gloria are in the kitchen with a glass of wine, discussing tomorrow’s feast. Aiden is situated on one couch with his leg propped up.
The rest of us are enjoying a snort of bourbon.
Aiden is still taking some meds that won’t allow him to drink.
He’s handling everything better than he was a week ago when Isaac and I talked to him.
He was pretty down then but is all smiles today.
Isaac was right to book this place. The change of scenery will be good for Aiden.
“What time should we plan to eat tomorrow?” Mom asks, walking into the living room with Gloria.
“Either during halftime of the first game or before the four-thirty game,” Isaac responds.
Mom stares at him like she doesn’t know how to respond to that. My parents aren’t football fans and don’t understand the importance of Thanksgiving games.
“Why don’t we have it ready around two and we can watch the game while we eat,” Gloria suggests.
Everyone agrees, even my parents. I guess Mom realizes she’s outnumbered with this bunch.
“Who’s playing in each game?” Dad asks. I appreciate him showing interest in something the Flores family loves.
“Packers/Lions at twelve-thirty, Cowboys/Giants at four-thirty and Bills/Saints at eight-thirty,” Isaacs rattles off.
“It’s a packed day. Can’t wait to watch my Giants kick some ass,” Aiden cheers.
“Ew, you’re a Giants’ fan?” I ask.
“Yeah, you gotta problem with that?” he asks in his best mobster voice.
“A little. Why aren’t you a Dolphins’ fan?”
“I am, but they aren’t playing tomorrow.”
“Good point. What about you, Owen? What’s your team?” I ask.
“Other than the Dolphins, which we all hated until Isaac got drafted, I like the Texans by default because Dad loves them and then the Jets.”
“We’re all Texans and Jets fans except Aiden. It’s always the youngest who’s gotta make things difficult,” Isaac adds.
“What can I say? Giants over Jets any day. I stick by Dad and watch the Texans, too.”
I don’t disagree completely. The Giants definitely have a better overall record, but I’m not a huge fan of either. I don’t watch the games except for the Dolphins and if it wasn’t for Isaac, I wouldn’t even go to every home game.
Watching our families talk about the Thanksgiving games and witnessing how well they mesh, causes a lump to form in my throat.
This is everything I need – the man I love and our families blending as if we’ve known one another our entire lives.
If the past few hours are any indication, by the time the weekend ends, Mom and Gloria will be best friends.