14. Natalie
Natalie
I’m eating breakfast in the B and B’s dining room when I get a call from an unknown number. I answer timidly, swallowing the bit of dry toast I’d just put in my mouth.
“Hello?”
“Hey, Natalie? It’s Juliet.”
I wipe my palm against my leg. “Oh, hey. Good morning.” I try to sound chipper, but I’m so confused by being in my childhood town.
It’s like my old self and current self are twisting into one, but neither knows how to mold together properly.
I’m a jagged mess. And not getting to finish my conversation with Luke last night doesn’t help.
“I called Mom and Dad and told them you’re here,” Jules says.
“They’re in Ohio with their RV. They’ve decided to drive back to see you, and they could be here by tonight.
They’re just waiting on me to give them the go-ahead.
Will you still be here tonight?” Like yesterday, her tone is cooperative but I wouldn’t call it warm.
“Yes, I’ll be here tonight. I don’t actually have plans for when I leave yet,” I reply. “I might be here a while. I’m … figuring some things out.”
Silence rests over my heavy heartbeats, and then she speaks again, her tone tight. “Okay. I’ll tell them to come. But, Natalie, with them coming all this way to see you, just … don’t leave without giving them warning this time. They’ve dealt with enough.”
I nod my head vigorously. “I will. Of course.” I straighten the silverware on the table, my voice gentle. “I’m excited to see them. I’ve missed everyone so much.”
“Really? You could have fooled—you know what? Never mind.” She clears her throat.“I’ll text you their ETA. We can all meet at my house tonight.”
“That sounds perfect,” I say, a little on edge. Or maybe a lot on edge. “Thank you for calling them. What time should I come over?”
A child laughs and screams in the background while a dog barks. “Oh, I gotta go,” Juliet groans. “Probably around seven. We’ll have dinner. But I’ll text you first.”
My lips pull up slightly. “Alright. See you later.”
Juliet mumbles a goodbye, I hear a crash that sounds like a box of toys being dumped on the floor, and then she hangs up.
If we’d had more time to talk, I would have asked her about meeting the boys—if I’ll get to see my nephews tonight. Should I bring them gifts from their aunt? They don’t know me, but I want them to. Will Jules let them see me at dinner, or will she have Cam take them out of the house?
I understand why she’s being protective of them, but it bothers me that I’ve missed so much. It was my choice, though, and I’ve hurt myself along with everyone else. I text Emma for moral support.
Me: My parents are coming to town and Jules invited me for dinner. I’m nervous. Please send me some of your confidence.
Her reply is instant.
Emma: You’ve got this. It’ll be a shock for all of them to see you again, but this is what you wanted. They’ll be happy to see you. Don’t worry about a thing. It will all work out.
I smile at the screen.
Me: Any tips from Ceecee?
Emma sends a photo of Ceecee in her highchair, eating breakfast. Scrambled eggs hang from her fingers, and her dark braids are frizzy from sleep.
Emma: Ceecee says just be yourself.
Me: Thanks, Emma. Love you.