Chapter Eighteen
Anya arrived at the house at around half past three, loaded with gifts as well as a few different dips with chips along with a cheese tray she’d left in the truck.
Eric answered the door, ready to assist.
“I’ve got some appetizers in the truck if you’d like to bring that stuff in. I figured since everyone was arriving at different times, it might be more convenient to serve some snacks,” she said.
He smiled. “That’s a great idea. I think that Ashley’s a little overwhelmed. That way, all she’ll have to worry about is dinner.”
“I heard that,” Ashley called out. “And I’m not too proud to admit that I’m more than a little overwhelmed. Appetizers sound great. All we’ve got are a couple cans of mixed nuts that Brian picked up and a package of Christmas kisses that I bought the other day when I got a craving for chocolate.”
Everyone laughed.
Eric pulled on his coat, walking outside to grab the box filled with food from the front seat of her truck.
“I see you have everything packed neatly. That’s very efficient of you,” he said, walking back inside and resting the box on the kitchen table, since Ashley had pots and pans along with various other items scattered across the countertops and the island surface.
Anya noticed that Ashley was looking extremely frazzled.
“Why don’t you take those appetizers into the living room so you guys can have something to munch on? I’m going to stay in here and help Ashley. It looks like she’s been at this all day,” Anya said, handing over her coat to Eric.
Eric winked at her before removing his coat and hanging them both in the mudroom. “I’d be happy to. Want your gifts out there under the tree?”
“I have a couple extra things at the bottom that aren’t wrapped. I’ll just bring them in when Ashley and I have everything ready.”
Reaching over, Eric squeezed her hand, giving her a peck on the cheek. “Thank you. She wouldn’t let me help. How about a wine cooler?”
“I’d like that,” she replied. “Ashley, how about something to drink?”
Ashley blinked. “Yes. I’ll have one of those wine coolers too. Eric bought a ton of beer and wine coolers as well as some various other alcoholic beverages for the parents.”
“And please don’t argue with me. I’d like for you to sit down for a minute and relax,” Anya said as Eric got them their drinks. “I’ll take it from here. That roast beef smells great.”
“I think it’s almost done,” she replied, biting on her lip.
Eric opened a wine cooler, resting it before Ashley as she took a seat at the kitchen table.
Anya had already opened hers and was peeking in the oven. “You know what you need? A meat thermometer.”
Ashley grimaced, glancing around. “What did I do with it, I wonder?”
Anya held up a staying hand, grinning. “Don’t worry. I’ll find it. Take a deep breath and drink your wine cooler.” She held her hands on her hips. “And then you know what you should do? Go upstairs and get ready for company. I imagine you meant to put on makeup and wear something pretty.”
“Oh, my God. You’re right. I haven’t even showered yet. Thank you, Anya,” she said, inhaling a deep breath as she reached for her drink.
After pulling a few things from inside the box and leaving them on the table, Anya just smiled at Eric and pointed at the box filled with appetizers before shooing him away.
He laughed before grabbing a couple of beers from the fridge. After resting them unopened inside the box, he hoisted the box into his arms and carried it through the hallway toward the living room.
Watching Anya begin to efficiently straighten the kitchen, Ashley became calmer.
“Tell me about each parent since I haven’t seen any of them for years. I’ve met all of them at one time or another,” Anya admitted.
Starting to relax, Ashley drank her wine cooler rather quickly as she spoke about each parent with fondness, and before long Anya was reaching for a couple more drinks while she continued sorting through the clutter in the kitchen. With everything rinsed and loaded by the time that Ashley headed upstairs to shower and change clothes, Anya started the dishwasher before pulling the perfectly cooked roast beef out of the oven.
Ashley returned about twenty minutes later, looking much more put together. “Is there anything I can do?”
“You look like you feel so much better,” Anya replied. “I’m nearly done. Let’s have another wine cooler, shall we?”
Ashley laughed, reaching into the refrigerator and pulling out two more bottles.
Finally, Anya sat down with her wine cooler at the table with Ashley. “Is it me, or are we both getting a little drunk?”
Ashley giggled. “I think you’re right. Geez, you’re a lifesaver. Now I should figure out what I need to do with the potatoes, wild rice and vegetables.” She frowned. “I need to make gravy. I’m not too good at that.”
“Don’t worry. I am. That should wait anyway,” Anya said. “If everything is ready to put in the oven, I’d say we wait until we hear from one set of parents, and then get them going.” Anya grimaced. “The roast beef needs to rest a while before we slice it, so let’s go join the guys and Arielle in the living room and have a few appetizers, shall we?”
“Yes,” Ashley said. “Food sounds good. I think I forgot to eat today.”
Anya rolled her eyes. “I did too.”
They laughed, reaching for a couple more wine coolers and heading through the hallway toward the living room.