42. Jeanie
42 /
jeanie
Nathan’s Nacho
A snoring Freddie is curled up at Mom’s hotel room door when we return. Nathan carries his slack body inside, gently lays him on the couch, and covers him with a blanket.
I lead a bone-weary Dex into Mom’s second bedroom. She’s going to watch over him tonight because of his likely concussion.
I return to the living room and stare at Freddie. Still asleep, his arms noodle the air like he’s fondling someone. His lips pucker, and he sticks out his tongue to lick the air. I wrinkle my nose.
“Is that a form of sleepwalking?” Nathan studies him with amusement.
“His parents will never let him hang out with Dex again.” I’m still focused on the fact he’s been running rogue and doing God knows what while in my care. I nervously bite my fingernail.
“Someone should video this,” Mom says and tilts her head, watching him act out .
“It’s been a long day.” Nathan rubs his eyes. “I’m going to pack my stuff.”
He crosses to our room. What used to be our room. The adjoining door shuts behind him.
I frown.
“Are you really going to let that one go?” Mom sits at the dining room table with a tall glass of ice water. It’s something she only drinks when she’s had a bad day.
“Maybe I’m going to be like you and date a new guy every day,” I say because I’m feeling stubborn.
“Sweet pea, you and I both know that’s not your style.”
“Maybe I’m still trying to find my style.” I cross my arms.
What if Nathan rejects my apology? What if I’ve already blown it? What if I’m destined to troll the obituaries for dates like my mom? And worse, what if I’m destined to watch him fall in love with someone else on national TV?
“I have failed you in so many ways.” Mom frowns, then takes a long gulp of her water.
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Did it ever occur to you that even though I date a lot of men, I still have hope that one of them will be the guy who makes me change my mind?”
“But you said?—”
“I still don’t want a man to control my heart. What I want is what you have with Nathan, complete freedom to be yourself whether you’re at your best or your worst. He encourages you to fly, but he’s always there to catch you if you fall. That man would follow you anywhere and do anything for you, including help you bust up a wedding to steal back your ex, even though he’s had a crush on you for over a decade. That’s dedication. Can’t you see? He’s whatever you need, on any given day. He’s your ride-or-die.”
“I guess he sort of is.” I smirk.
Nathan’s literally seen me at my worst, mentally and physically, and still wanted to be with me. If that’s not a waving green flag, I don’t know what is.
“I love the new naughty you, but I’m glad you’ve changed your mind about Roman.”
“Turns out Bad Jeanie’s been here all along, especially where Sophia is concerned.”
“Yeah, well, that’s the other thing I wanted to talk to you about.” Mom forces down another large gulp of water. This one even bigger.
I grip the back of the chair.
“When your dad moved in with Satan, I may have made you think it was partly Sophia’s fault he left us. If I hadn’t, maybe you would have been best friends. In fact, I’m certain you would. For that, I’m sorry.”
“No, you didn’t. Dad hurt all of us, though I still don’t feel sorry for step-Satan.”
“They deserved each other. Sophia should get an award for putting up with them.”
“Sophia’s had it hard too, I guess.” Which makes what I need to tell her about Roman more heartbreaking. She deserves her own ride-or-die partner.
“When we came to Miami,” Mom says, “all you were worried about was getting back your family. You did get them back, but you replaced Roman with someone better. You got a sister from another mister.”
“I think you’re right.” Instead of blanching at the word like usual, I smirk and think of how Sophia’s grown on me, even though I fought it at every turn. I can’t help but like her. She’s got a good heart.
Sophia is my sister.
“Now,” Mom juts her chin toward my room, “it’s time for you to grab your future by the balls.” She squeezes her fist in the air with grit. “And then play with them a little, in the nacho area.” She twiddles her fingers.
“Nacho what?” I give her a quizzical look.
“You know, the space between the nacho balls and nacho ass.”
“If I’m lucky enough to enjoy nachos again,” I say sadly.
“Don’t be too loud when you make up. I’m tired.” She yawns, stands, and heads toward her room.
Facing my room door, I pause.
I’ve been stubborn and scared. I’ve been ignoring what my heart’s been telling me since I met Nathan. When we’re together, it feels right, and by all accounts, he’s a good guy. Well, good in the non-wedding-crashing kind of way.
There’s only one thing standing in my way. Myself.
I make myself a promise. From here on out, I will follow my heart. All I must do is be brave and meet Nathan halfway. Sure, there’s a possibility it may not work out, but what if it does? What if we do ?
My heart flutters at the possibilities.
With the new resolution made, I step through the door to find my future. Hopefully, it includes Nathan’s nacho.