Something In Between: Sequel to On The Edge of Tomorrow

Chapter 19

"So, Thanksgiving is next week." Sam's large brown eyes were flickering colors from the light of the television in his darkened bedroom.

We had taken to spending most weekends at his place since I had roommates. It was serious enough that I had a toothbrush and space in his closet. We were as significant as you could get by the measuring stick of two people in their early twenties.

"Mmhmm, it sure is," I absently spoke as I ran my hand through his hair. It was so soft that I made a mental note to check his conditioner. I loved running my hands through it; he always seemed to look better the more disheveled his hair was.

"So, I thought you might want to come to my parents' place." He usually had cheeky confidence, but it would fade, and his eyes would grow wide when he spoke about something important.

"Your parents?" We hadn't done the meet the parents thing yet.

"Yeah, I mean, I know you'll want to go to your parents too, but I thought we could try to do both. My parents usually eat later in the day because my mom doesn't like to get up early." His smile, which was usually akin to the Cheshire Cat's grin, sloped to one side.

"My parents always do 12:30 pm," I absently spoke.

"So, would you want to spend the day together? One day of copious amounts of eating served with a side of the awkward family meet and greets?"

I couldn't say no; his smile was too alluring. "Yeah, let's do it," I agreed.

"Yeah?" His smile shifted back to his centered, full-sized grin. "Okay, meet the parents," his lips met mine in a warm tumble of lips.

Sam didn't have to travel the week of Thanksgiving, and I only had Tuesday classes. We spent most of the week in domestic bliss. Sam learned the depth of my deep-rooted inability to cook, and I learned never to let Sam do laundry. The silver lining, my favorite white sweater, was just as cute in a soft shade of pink.

"I have good news," Sam began as he came in from a run.

"I like good news," I popped up from the couch, forsaking my book to kiss him on the cheek. I fought the urge to fully crash into him, given the sweat covering him even in the cool temperatures of November.

"We're on wine and rolls duty for Thanksgiving. No cooking for these two wacky kids." He sunk his face into my neck with a fake snap of his teeth.

"Excellent. We have no tasks for my family. My mom doesn't let any details out of her clutches." I gave him a playful shove away. "You need to shower."

"Join me?" He raised a tempting eyebrow before being answered by my phone chime. He didn't press; he just lifted his hands in defeat as he backed out of the living room towards the shower.

"Hello." I didn't bother looking at the caller id.

"Hello, Lily." It was the warm, friendly voice of Mary.

"Mary? Hi, hello. Is everything okayay?" My mind whirled in a mix of surprise, confusion, and concern.

She let out her mischievous laugh. "I knew you'd start there. Yes, of course. Everything is fine. Happy Thanksgiving."

"Oh," I let out an immediate sigh of relief. "Happy Thanksgiving! How are you?" I settled onto the couch and picked up my book to set it properly on the coffee table.

"I'm great. Already started cooking for the holiday. As I made my shortbread cookies, I thought of you and thought I'd call to wish you well. I hope you don't mind. We've not been good at staying in touch." Her words ended with an expert level of gentle scolding; only a mother can master.