You Only Live Once

Chapter Thirty-Seven

Jamie sighed contently as she held her tablet with one hand, reading a book while she played with Sebastian's hair with the other. His head rested in her lap while he watched a program on tv that he'd wanted to watch.

Hearing her tablet ding, she looked towards the bottom of the screen, seeing she had a text come through on her phone, so she brought it up.

Mom: Thanksgiving is a week away. I haven't heard from you about coming this year. Will you make it out to see your family?

"Shit," she murmured.

Sebastian turned his head to look up at her. "What's wrong?"

"My mom texted me. Thanksgiving is next week and she's wanting to know if I am coming or not," she answered. "I don't know what to tell her."

"Well... do you want to go?"

"I haven't been in a year or two. I know my uncle will probably be there, and I haven't told my mom that I quit working at the firm. That could turn into an argument," she commented back while putting her tablet off to the side.

Seb sat up and looked at her. "No one can force you. But if you want to go, I think you should. Even if there is an argument, no family is perfect."

Jamie thought about it for a moment as an idea came to mind. "Do you have plans for the holiday this year?" she asked.

"Not really," he shrugged. "I hadn't really thought about it. Didn't even realize it was that close already honestly."

"I didn't either. Normally it's just me and Grace, but I have a feeling Grace will be going with Chris if decides to invite her this year."

"I couldn't say," he admitted. "But, if you don't want to go, we can always go somewhere? Or we can stay here? It's really all up to you, sweetheart."

Jamie bit her lip. "Would you... want to go with me? I don't want to take away from your plans with your family if you have any..."

"My mom doesn't mind if I miss Thanksgiving. I don't mind going with you if you want me to."

"Are you sure? I know it's a lot to ask... to meet family members."

"If you want me to go with you, I'll go," he repeated. "Besides, I have to meet them sometime, right?" Seb added with a small chuckle.

Jamie blushed but smiled and nodded. "My mom would really like you. So would my cousins."

Sebastian grinned, "Well, tell them you'll be there, and that you're bringing a friend."

"Just a friend? Or should I say more?" Jamie asked as she turned and grabbed for her cellphone. "Are you wanting to keep things discreet?"

"I'd keep it simple for now. You can tell them the truth in person," he told her.

Jamie nodded as she quickly typed out a message to her mom.

Jamie: Yes, I will be there this year. I'm bringing a friend with me if that's okay.

Mom: That's fine. See you next week.

Jamie: Sounds good. It will be nice to see everyone.

Sebastian leaned back into the sofa. He stretched out his legs and crossed them at the ankles. After a few moments, he spoke up. "So, what are our plans for the rest of today?"

Jamie put her phone back to the side and sighed softly. "I really didn't make any plans for today. I figured we could both use a bit of a break from all of the busyness of the city."