Chapter 23
Chapter Twenty-Three
Sophie
The soft hum of conversation filled the living room as we all settled in after a fun day tailgating and watching the Blue-White game. Attending the game is a tradition Rob and I started while we were still dating. I’m grateful that despite the divorce, we can still be friends and put our family first.
I looked around the room, feeling a wave of contentment. Bobby was sprawled on the couch, recounting a funny story from the tailgate, making Tyler laugh so hard he nearly fell off his chair. Emily was on the floor with Courtney, scrolling through photos they had taken throughout the day. Rob was in the kitchen, mixing up a batch of his famous milkshakes, as if we didn’t eat enough junk throughout the day.
Since this is the second week in a row I’ve had my family all under one roof, I feel extra blessed. The fact that Rob is here too is like icing on the cake.
“Who wants a milkshake?" Rob called out, and a chorus of enthusiastic responses echoed back.
As Rob handed out the drinks, I took a deep breath, feeling a mix of nerves and excitement. Jamie and I had a significant conversation when we returned from Chicago last week. He expressed concern about Rob staying in the same house as me. Normally something like that would signal a red flag for me, but he wasn’t acting creepy or extra possessive, just concerned.
Aside from growing up with unfaithful parents, which caused a toxic family dynamic, Jamie has been burned by more than one woman. Which blows my mind honestly. I’m not a shallow person, but the man is gorgeous and sexy as hell. Add in the fact that he’s kind and amazing in bed, and he’s practically perfect.
I reassured him that any romantic relationship Rob and I had ended years ago, before the divorce even. If there was anything between us, we would have just stayed married. Now we’re basically just friends who co-parent.
He seemed to accept that, understanding that our family dynamic is unique but strong.
Rob approached and handed me a milkshake.
“You look happy,” he said.
“I am. It’s always good when they’re all together.” I took a sip of chocolatey goodness and looked up at him. “These moments are going to be less frequent the older they get.”
Rob nodded.
“Yeah, but they’ll always come home no matter where they go.” He settled onto the stool next to me. “They’re a pretty tight unit.”
“Yeah.” I took in a deep breath and let it out, trying not to think about the day I’ll be living in the house all by myself.
“So you mentioned that you were going to tell them this weekend,” he said. “Now’s as good a time as any.”
Since Rob knows about Jamie, I’d given him a head’s up. Thankfully he supported my decision. I nodded and looked over at the kids.
“Hey, everyone, can I get your attention for a minute?” I said, my voice cutting through the chatter.
The room quieted and all eyes turned to me. I glanced at Rob, who gave me an encouraging nod.
“I have something to share with you all,” I began, feeling ridiculously nervous. “When I went to Brooklyn to get my pole certification, I met someone. We’ve been seeing each other since then and it seems he’s going to be a regular part of my life, so I wanted to let you know about him.”
“Does this mystery man have a name?” Bobby asked.
“Geez, Bobby. She said they met at a pole studio. Maybe it’s a woman.” Courtney said.
He looked at me, his brow raised.
“Is it?”
“No, it isn’t. His name is Jamie.”
That led to more questions from Courtney, Bobby, and Emily. I swear, they’re more thorough than my parents were with guys I brought home in high school.
Tyler had been quiet through the exchange, just taking it all in. Which isn’t unusual for him. Still, I’d like him to say something.
“Any questions Ty?”
“One important one, but I’m not sure you’ll know the answer.”
“What’s that?”
“Who’s his favorite baseball team?”
I smiled.
“He’s a Yankees fan.”
“That’s all I need to know,” he said with what my father would refer to as a shit-eating grin on his face. Then his eyes rounded. “No wait. I have one more question.”
“Okay.”
“When do we get to meet him?”
Jamie
The familiar FaceTime ringtone sounded from my phone and I grabbed it off the table then swiped so Sophie’s face filled the screen.
“Hey,” she said, with a big smile.
“You look happy.”
“I am.”
“You had a good weekend?”
“I did.” She punctuated those two words with an exaggerated nod. “How about you?”
“It was productive,” I said. “Ed came with me to the White Plains house and we got the new kitchen cabinets installed and put the new flooring in the downstairs half bath.”
“Sounds like it’s really coming along. I’ll have to make another trip out there to see it before you sell.” Her mouth curled into a sexy smirk. “Since we didn’t make it last week.”
The plan was to head to White Plains after breakfast with the Booths, but we went back to my house first and got…distracted. By the time we came up for air, it was time for Sophie to head home.
“I’d like that. Mostly because I get to see you in person again.”
“Speaking of seeing me in person,” she said. “I told my kids about you over the weekend, and they’d like to meet you.”
“Oh wow.” I rubbed the back of my neck. “What did they say?”
She rolled her eyes and chuckled.
“That they want to meet you.”
“Sorry, you did say that.”
“Are you free to come to Scranton two weeks Saturday?”
There’s no need to look at my calendar. I know I don’t have any plans, and even if I did, I’d cancel them for this.
“Absolutely.”
“Do you like seafood?”
“Love it.”
“Perfect. Come to my house for the initial intros, then we’ll head to Hooked, our favorite seafood place. And if all is well, we can head back to the house to hang out after.”
“That sounds like a great plan,” I said, just as my phone alarm sounded. I shut it off. “Sorry about that.”
“Tuesday night dinner?”
“Yep.”
“I’ll let you go then.” She smiled. “Just be sure to mark your calendar.”
“Consider it done.”
“Talk to you tomorrow.”
After we hung up, I headed to the Booths’ house for dinner. Tonight we’re having spaghetti and meatballs with garlic bread. And, as usual, it’s delicious. Plus the house smells amazing.
As I dug into the delicious meal, Elliott's observant eyes caught mine.
“Why do you look so happy tonight, Jamie?”
I glanced up.
“What are you talking about?”
“You’re practically beaming over there.” Elliott arched an eyebrow, scanning the table. “Am I the only one seeing this? Jamie's practically glowing.”
Maggie intervened with a gentle smile.
“Don’t pry, Elliott.”
Elliott smirked, clearly enjoying the moment. He looked at his brother.
“That’s mom's way of saying yes, and she’s curious too. Right?”
Eddie shrugged and continued eating. Since Josh is out of town, Eileen and Michael are on their honeymoon, and Lyndsey is working, it’s just the five of us tonight. So he doesn’t have anyone else to ask.
I rolled my eyes and set my fork down. After taking a sip of water, I figured I might as well tell him. Otherwise he’ll drive me crazy.
“Actually, I’m going to Scranton again in two weeks.”
“Scranton?” Maggie asked, her interest piqued.
“Sophie invited me to meet her kids.
There was a collective murmur of approval around the table.
“That's wonderful, Jamie,” Maggie said warmly.
“Told you so,” Elliott said, looking disappointed when Eddie just shrugged and continued to eat.
“That’s a big step,” Ed said, nodding with approval.
One thing about Ed is that he’s not a big talker. But when he does speak, it’s usually to say something good. Or “profound and meaningful” as Elliott would say.
“How do you feel about it?” Maggie asked.
“Nervous, excited, a bit of both,” I admitted. “But it feels right.”
Elliott leaned back in his chair, looking smug. Aside from the fact he was right about me being extraordinarily happy tonight, he’s also taking credit for my relationship with Sophie.
I normally hang out longer, but I’m really tired tonight. So after dinner, I helped clear the table and told Maggie I was going to head home. I gave her a hug and kiss on the cheek, but when I pulled back, she held me in place.
“Just be yourself,” she advised. “They’ll love you.”
I hope she’s right.